Some Historic homes are beautiful, some are not. This home might be attractive if located in a setting of lush large lawns, fountains, and enclosed in a forest of trees or if t was next to similar size buildings ... In 1901 his home might have been next to other large homes with some green where now is asphalt and some trees where a sidewalk now is.
That said, what I find HIDEOUS AND UNACCEPTABLE about this house is that it is OVERWHELMED and DOMINATED by that UGLY, UNDESCRIPT, run down, filthy, HUGE Skyscaper that abuts it to the rear. Amost as bad is the "front yard" is a CEMENT city sidewalk with only 1 unheathy unkept ill shaped tree, and a BUSY ASPHALT road. It is apparent that there is no view since this building is shorter than the others in the area making occupants look out in the front and on one side, over a busy road towards taller buildings and on the other two sides, the view is A WALL. The house cant be light and cheerful because it is encapsulated in taller buildings. . Living in the shadow and being dominated by large skyscrapers is very uncomfortable. He should have bought high up in Trump Tower or bought an Apartment/Condo at or above Central Park Tree Level. A good Real Estate Agent could have helped him find a much better place at a lower price. NYC has some attractive settings, this does not appear to be one.