NYC’s Gilded Age mansions for sale amid HBO show’s Season 3

New York City is known for its unique buildings and architecture, but fans of HBO’s “The Gilded Age” might not know the inspiration behind the elaborate mansions they see on TV.

The lavish, 1800s buildings and interiors in the drama were inspired by Stanford White, a real-life architect of that era who transformed Manhattan before being brutally gunned down by the husband of an ex-lover.

White and his firm, McKim, Mead & White, were the most significant Beaux-Arts architects at the turn of the 20th century. Their work included designing Madison Square Garden, the Washington Square Arch, Judson Memorial Church, the original Penn Station and more.

White was shockingly murdered at one of the iconic NYC landmarks he helped create.

On June 25, 1906, millionaire playboy Harry K. Thaw fatally shot White at the rooftop theatre of Madison Square Garden. When asked his reasoning for pulling the trigger, Thaw simply responded, “He ruined my wife.”

At the time, Thaw was married to a young showgirl named Evelyn Nesbit, who was White’s ex-lover. The murder trial would go on to be the first in history coined as the “trial of the century,” according to the Library of Congress.

While his life came to an end in a tragic and brutal way, White’s projects are still gems around the city. His creations during what came to be known as “The Gilded Age” were so impactful that the creator of the Emmy-winning drama, Julian Fellowes, even wrote him into the script.

White was played by John Sanders in Season 1, with the character being hired by the most elite and wealthiest families, as well as those with “new money,” to design the most impressive and extravagant mansions in the city, including the Russells’ grand, Beaux Arts, fictional residence.

With Season 3 of “The Gilded Age” in full swing, The Post spoke to the top real estate agents around the city about some of the fallen architect’s stunning creations that are actually on the market — and how the HBO series is influencing today’s robber barons looking to buy.

“The Gilded Age” impact

“New Yorkers love to watch The Gilded Age!” Elena Sarkissian, a top agent at Douglas Elliman, told The Post, admitting she’s one of them.

“I can’t tell you how many people have come in to tour with me for a prospective purchase and have made the connection between the architect and the show. Now that the latest season is airing, people are talking about it even more,” she explained.

Tim Rooney, a partner at Jeffrey Beers International, agreed.

“Buildings like 108 Leonard, designed by the legendary McKim, Mead & White, embody the grandeur and ceremony of the Gilded Age. Every detail—from the intricately layered façade that draws the eye skyward, to the soaring marble staircases and voluminous lobby—was designed to impress and inspire,” he shared with The Post.

Rooney added that the details of the building “speak to a level of craftsmanship and drama rarely found in modern architecture,” noting that 108 Leonard is “extraordinary” and “allows residents to live within a true Gilded Age landmark while enjoying all the comforts and conveniences of contemporary life—a rare blend of history and modern luxury.”

Scroll to see the “Gilded Age” listings:

As mentioned above, one of the most impressive is the Tribeca landmark 108 Leonard, which was built by White and his team in the 1890s. What was once a life insurance company’s headquarters has been transformed into ultra-luxury condos with a Parisian flair. Its residential lobby has similar aesthetics to the uptown mansion lobby owned by Carrie Coon’s character, Bertha Russell.

While Sarkissian serves as the director of sales at 108 Leonard, it was Rooney’s firm that repositioned the property as condos.

“Stanford White was a celebrated character of his era for his vision of Italian Renaissance Revival and Beaux Arts architecture during the ‘Robber Baron’ industrialist era in the US,” she told The Post, noting his controversial past and death.

However, people of wealth today are drawn to the history, with Sarkissian explaining that those who have been exposed to McKim, Mead & White’s tremendous architecture in NYC, “appreciate the grandeur and attention to detail of Stanford White’s work.”

She called 108 Leonard “a masterpiece both inside and out,” noting that buyers are “in awe of the spectacular lobby and mezzanine.”

They are also “enchanted by the grandeur of the main staircase and the incredible Marble Room,” which, she shared, was formerly the President of NY Life’s office and is now a lounge.

“The ornate landmarked exterior is a feast for the eyes with different size and shaped windows on every floor, its exterior detailing including eagles and gargoyles,” she continued about the property, pointing out that the full city block building is “bookended by the copper-clad historic Cupola at one end and the historic Clocktower at the other end.”

While noting that having the ability to purchase a piece of provenance “is a rarity,” she said it’s been a “huge draw” for this particular property, which is 90% sold since opening sales in 2018. We’re told there are limited remaining homes for sale, including the iconic Clock Tower penthouse, which is going for $19.25 million.

This massive 11-bedroom, 10-bathroom townhouse was built in 1896 for J.P. Morgan’s cousin and business partner. The listing, held by Douglas Elliman, highlights White’s connection to the exquisite landmark.

The 24,000-square-foot mansion hit the market for a whopping $38 million.

Located within the Pulitzer Mansion, which was designed by White and built by Joseph Pulitzer in 1903, the building has since been transformed into an exclusive, rare collection of private homes. This two-bedroom, three-bathroom is currently offered for a cool $5.99 million.

Natalie Rakowski, who is representing the property with Evan Rowan and Stephen Gallagher of Douglas Elliman, explained why this property is one-of-a-kind in NYC.

“This extraordinary residence is believed to be the last remaining private ballroom available for sale in Manhattan — a true architectural gem from the Gilded Age,” she told The Post.

“Originally built for Joseph Pulitzer and designed by Stanford White, its nearly 20-foot ceilings, arched glass doors, and full-length Juliet balcony evoke a level of grandeur rarely seen today,” she continued.

“What makes it even more glamorous now is how seamlessly it blends its historic opulence with modern luxury, creating a uniquely timeless experience on what many consider the most beautiful block in the city.”

Located inside the same White designed building, this six-room apartment occupies the top two floors of the Pulitzer Mansion and is perfect for entertaining with an elevator, grand ceilings, and a 750-square-foot terrace overlooking the Upper East Side.

The listing is held by Sotheby’s, and the penthouse’s asking price is $5.25 million.

This six-story limestone mansion, which was listed with Carrie Chiang of The Corcoran Group, spans 16,000 square feet and was designed by White. It was considered to be one of NYC’s last Gilded Age townhouses until it found a buyer earlier this year.

While the property overlooking Central Park went for a huge discount after several drastic price cuts over the four years it stood on the market, The Post exclusively reported that the mansion sold for a staggering $46 million in May.

The sale marked one of the most expensive deals thus far in 2025.

“The Gilded Age” Season 3

“The Gilded Age” first premiered on HBO in 2022. Featuring stars like Carrie Coon, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski and more, the historical drama became an instant success, garnering 7 Emmy nominations over a two-year time span.

Season 3 returned on June 22 and is currently airing a new episode every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET until the finale, which is set for August 10.