What is a maisonette? See 21 beautiful examples of NYC townhouse living without compromise

By CityRealty Staff | From Future New York Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Though penthouses have their appeal, the private-cottage-meets-apartment feel of a classic Manhattan maisonette has its share of fans. Some long-time New Yorkers who fled the city during the health crisis in favor of a suburban house with a yard may be experiencing buyer's remorse with their new purchase. These buyers, particularly those with the means, might have been better advised to consider switching to a maisonette apartment in the city. Taken from the French term for "little house," these homes are found on the lower levels of multi-family buildings and can be accessed directly from the street and sometimes also from the building's main entrance.

Maisonettes are not all created equal. Even in the most thoughtfully designed new buildings, the ground-floor homes often have less light and more traffic noise. Some people may resent having everyone else in the building walk by their front door. In low-lying areas, ground-floor apartments are at greatest risk of flooding and water damage.

At the same time, there are certain advantages to a maisonette apartment. This type of home tends to offer more square footage, leading to a more flexible floor plan compared to the units above. Owners also save time by not having to shuttle up and down elevators or flights of stairs to reach their units.

In the case of new, full-service condominiums, residents can truly have it all by enjoying a layout similar to a private house while still having access to the building's amenities and services. Another major perk is that maisonette units usually come with a private backyard or patio—a highly desired amenity at any time of year, but one that is especially coveted when warmer weather makes common roof decks, courtyards, and outdoor kitchens more crowded.

The recently listed homes below offer what maisonette enthusiasts dream of: great addresses, gracious layouts, charm to spare, and usually, private outdoor space. Be aware that some of the units marketing themselves as maisonettes are merely first-floor apartments, or garden apartments without a private entrance to the street. Nevertheless, take a look below to snag one of these unique NYC homes.

7 Beekman Place, #14
$4,000,000 (-16.7%)

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths

7 Beekman Place, #14 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Nestled within the exclusive enclave of Beekman Place, this exceptional townhouse connects to a full-service co-op building, offering an exquisite blend of private, serene living combined with the conveniences of a luxury building in one of New York City's most sought-after neighborhoods. With four thoughtfully designed stories, commanding river vistas, and an expansive garden, 7 Beekman Place embodies urban luxury. See floor plan and full details here.

1 Fifth Avenue, #MAISONETTE
$27,500/month

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,000 ft²

1 Fifth Avenue, #MAISONETTE (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: A home unmatched in its history, character and charm, this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom former carriage house, currently configured as an oversized two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home, is located in the gated Washington Mews, a coveted street between 5th Avenue and University Place in the heart of Greenwich Village. The single-family residence, which comes with a parking spot on the street, was built in 1840s and has been fully renovated, while maintaining the integrity of its rich past. See floor plan and full details here.

40 Bond, #TH4
$6,250,000 (-9.4%)

NoHo | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 2,881 ft²

40 Bond, #TH4 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Located on the most desirable block in NoHo, 40 Bond Street, Ian Schrager's collaboration with Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog &de Meuron is a unique modern interpretation of the neighborhood's historic cast iron architecture featuring a facade of curved green glass and a signature graffiti-patterned gate.TH4 is a 17' wide 2,881 Sq Ft triplex townhouse with 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a private gated entrance. See floor plan and full details here.

25 Quincy Street, #MAISONETTE
$850,000

Clinton Hill | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 699 ft²

25 Quincy Street, #MAISONETTE (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Step into Residence 1C, the first resale in one of the most sought-after new developments in the area where the harmony of design and functionality creates a sanctuary of comfort and luxury. Designer touches are found throughout this one-bedroom, one-bathroom home, featuring engineered white oak herringbone floors that exude a rich, classic ambiance. The soaring ceilings and oversized double-paned Pella windows not only enhance the sense of space but also bathe the residence in natural light, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The heart of the home is undoubtedly the Scavolini custom kitchen, a marvel of design equipped with high-end appliances that cater to both the casual cook and the culinary enthusiast alike. The seamless mini-split system ensures the interior climate is always perfect, offering optimized heating and cooling throughout the seasons. See floor plan and full details here.

170 East 79th Street, #2A
$975,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

170 East 79th Street, #2A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Welcome home to a beautifully renovated and thoughtfully designed, two-bedroom, two-bathroom prewar residence on highly coveted E 79th Street. Located in prime Upper East Side, this Maisonette Duplex offers the benefits of townhouse living with the conveniences of a full-service building. There are two separate entrances allowing the privacy of a front door with direct street access as well as the doorman-attended lobby and elevator to the second floor. See floor plan and full details here.

753 East 5th Street, #1A
$1,245,000 (-3.9%)

East Village | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 900 ft²

753 East 5th Street, #1A (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: Unique and One of a Kind! Your East Village Oasis Awaits! Welcome to 753 East 5th Street, Apt. 1A: a duplex maisonette condo at the crossroads of the East Village and Alphabet City, featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two private outdoor spaces, and a separate private and gated entrance adjacent to the building. See floor plan and full details here.

The Lumiere, #THG
$2,150,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,371 ft²

The Lumiere, #THG (Compass)

From the Listing: This gorgeous two-bedroom duplex maisonette within a luxury condominium has its own private patio and entrance, and its own private outdoor garden with a hot tub! See floor plan and full details here.

455 East 57th Street, #MaisA
$2,195,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

455 East 57th Street, #MaisA (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Enter this beautifully proportioned and extraordinarily special Sutton Place Maisonette, either through the gracious lobby or from the private street entrance on East 57th Street, to a serene and sophisticated home. Both the octagonal entry Foyer of the private entrance, or the stately Gallery from the building Lobby lead you to a step-down south-facing Living Room of grand proportions, anchored by an elegant fireplace and embellished with beautiful moldings, arched doorways, custom millwork, and original herringbone wood floors. The 30-foot room evokes a feeling of grand living, only enhanced by the mirrored steel doors and windows connecting it to a gorgeous square formal Dining Room with a glass ceiling, intricate wainscoting, and walls adorned by cheerful hand-painted de gournay wallpaper. See floor plan and full details here.

Third + Bond, #1
$2,300,000 (-4.2%)

Gowanus | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,229 ft²

Third + Bond, #1 (Compass)

From the Listing: Looking for townhouse living with the ease of a condominium? The duplex Maisonette at 115 3rd St is the answer! This LEED Platinum green intelligently designed residence seamlessly blends luxury with functionality in Carroll Gardens. Part of the coveted THIRD and BOND Development, this legal 2 bed/3 bath unit with flexible options for a third or even fourth sleeping area also features a massive flex room. See floor plan and full details here.

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10 Bleecker Street, #1B
$2,750,000 (-2.7%)

NoHo | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,850 ft²

10 Bleecker Street, #1B (Compass)

From the Listing: Beautifully planned and designed, this stunning three-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex offers maisonette privacy and co-op amenities in the perfect NoHo location. Impeccably gut renovated to maximize its historic character, while adding modern conveniences and high style, this expansive loft residence offers airy living spaces under soaring 13-foot ceilings. Arrive on the upper level via your own private entrance — and take in industrial-chic concrete floors and sleek white art walls highlighted by an original column and beam See floor plan and full details here.

200 Mercer Street, #1D
$3,250,000 (-7%)

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

200 Mercer Street, #1D (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Introducing a rare stunning renovated Quadruplex Maisonette with a private outdoor terrace and very low monthly maintenance of only $2,888 in the heart of prime NOHO/Greenwich Village. This one-of-a-kind home offers the privacy and luxury of townhouse-style living with the security and convenient services of a Coop plus its own private outdoor terrace. With almost 3000 sq ft of living space across four levels and almost 300 square feet of private outdoor space, this stunning home features 3 sleeping areas, 3 renovated full bathrooms, 2 dens/home offices, and a flexible layout that is perfect for entertaining or family use. See floor plan and full details here.

Gracie Green, #1A
$3,650,000 (-6.3%)

Yorkville | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,756 ft²

Gracie Green, #1A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Introducing 1A at 427 E 90th Street - This incredible duplex maisonette is a rare opportunity to purchase a truly forever home which could easily offer five bedrooms, two living rooms and features the largest private garden (1,442sf) in the Upper East Side. 1A spans two lengths of the building and offers an incredible backyard and two private patios, along with nearly 10' ceilings, white-oak flooring and oversized French casement windows. See floor plan and full details here.

52 Lispenard Street, #TH2
$3,995,000 (-6%)

Tribeca | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,518 ft²

52 Lispenard Street, #TH2 (Compass)

From the Listing: Townhouse 2 at 52 Lispenard Street is an exquisite triplex maisonette spanning 2,518 square feet of a boutique Beaux-Arts condominium. Featuring two bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, this residence offers lofted ceilings, expansive entertainment areas, 8-inch wide-plank Italian oak floors, integrated smart-home surround sound, recessed LED art lighting throughout, and a 22 foot wide planting garden. See floor plan and full details here.

554 East 82nd Street, #MAIS
$4,700,000

Yorkville | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 2,637 ft²

554 East 82nd Street, #MAIS (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to this stunning 3,300+ square foot (including indoor and outside space) 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom duplex home with a private landscaped garden complete with irrigation and electricity.

As you enter, a foyer leads to the spacious south-facing living room with a wood-burning fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, a separate dining area with built-in banquette seating, and a private glass door leading to your very own tranquil garden - the perfect place for relaxing, entertaining, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning. See floor plan and full details here.

165 Chrystie Street, #TH
$4,900,000 (-2%)

Lower East Side | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,569 ft²

165 Chrystie Street, #TH (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This exceptional 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhouse spans two impeccably-designed stories, boasting a generous 2,569 sq ft of interior space and a 761 sq ft private garden terrace for unparalleled outdoor enjoyment. See floor plan and full details here.

830 Park Avenue, #MAISA
$5,900,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

830 Park Avenue, #MAISA (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: 830 Park Avenue's Maisonette A is, quite simply, one of the Upper East Side's truly unique offerings. Featuring its own Park Avenue entrance, this elegantly proportioned residence combines the privacy of a townhouse with the amenities of a classic apartment building. Newly renovated down to the studs and designed by acclaimed architect Heather Faulding of 4+ Architecture & Design, Maisonette A contains nothing less than a world unto itself. See floor plan and full details here.

One Sutton Place South, #GRC
$6,750,000 (-10%)

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 3,000 ft²

One Sutton Place South, #GRC (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: The maisonette at One Sutton Place South is among the most coveted of Manhattan residences. This prime example of such embodies the privacy, spaciousness, and character of a freestanding house, while possessing the security and communal spirit of being situated within the neighborhood's premier apartment building. See floor plan and full details here.

46 Laight Street, #MAISONETTE
$7,990,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 5,202 ft²

46 Laight Street, #MAISONETTE (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Introducing the Maisonette at Laight House Tribeca, Nestled on the corner of prime Laight Street in Tribeca's Historic District, this airy 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom Maisonette features a spacious private garage with multiple outdoor spaces across three floors to create 5,202SF of loft living within a meticulously reimagined residence. See floor plan and full details here.

15 West 81st Street, #2D
$8,750,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 4,123 ft²

15 West 81st Street, #2D (Compass)

From the Listing: A rare opportunity to enjoy townhouse living with the full services of a white-glove building at 15 West 81st Street. Apartment 2D is an incredible 11-room duplex as originally crafted by Emery Roth with views of the Rose Planetarium and the Museum of Natural History. This masterpiece of a home is perfectly designed and impeccably renovated.

Enjoy the best of both worlds with a grand-scale classic apartment above a sprawling maisonette. Located on the 1st and 2nd floors of one of the Upper West Side’s most distinctive prewar cooperatives, this magnificent residence offers unparalleled grandeur, scale, and finishes. Resplendent with outstanding natural light streaming through the south-facing windows, the sprawling abode features a graceful layout and wonderful scale. See floor plan and full details here.

812 Fifth Avenue, #MAISONSOUT
$8,995,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths

812 Fifth Avenue, #MAISONSOUT (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: 812 Fifth Avenue is an exceptional duplex Maisonette offering the luxury of a Fifth Avenue cooperative combined with the indoor and outdoor space of a townhouse. There is nothing like this on the market. The 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath home features elegant, oversized rooms with more than 4,300 square feet of interior space and access to a 1,400-square-foot planted garden. Sophistication, luxury, and privacy are combined in this residence. See floor plan and full details here.

The Fairchild, #1B
$8,995,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 5 Baths | 4,100 ft²

The Fairchild, #1B (Compass)

From the Listing: EXCEPTIONAL TRIBECA MAISONETTE. You CAN have it all! Experience the feel of a townhouse and the airiness of a loft within a luxury condominium in a prime Tribeca location. This light-filled, fully-renovated, four-bedroom, five-bath home offers 4,100 sq ft over three distinct levels. See floor plan and full details here.

Post House, #MAISON535
$9,495,000

Boerum Hill | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 5,671 ft²

Post House, #MAISON535 (Compass)

From the Listing: Introducing the largest residence at Post House - Maison 535 and Maison 537. Over 5,600 square feet of interior space and over 1,300 square feet of exterior space across four expansive terraces in the heart of Brownstone Brooklyn, offering the incredibly rare combination of a full-service condominium lifestyle including an attended lobby, comprehensive amenities and parking, with no associated costs. Designed by Workshop/APD, these magnificent five-bedroom homes are expertly crafted with considered details and versatile layouts. See floor plan and full details here.

40 East End Avenue, #TH
$9,675,990 (-2.7%)

Yorkville | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 4,888 ft²

40 East End Avenue, #TH (Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group)

From the Listing: Enjoy the pleasures of Townhouse living with the luxurious conveniences of a doorman condominium. 40 East End Avenue's gracious Maisonette is a three-level four-bedroom, 3 full bath and 2 powder room home designed by renowned architect Deborah Berke Partners. Spanning 4,888 square feet with 608 square feet of private outdoor space, this generously scaled residence features ceilings as high as 11 feet, a private elevator, over-sized casement windows, custom moldings, 8-foot doors, a private landscaped garden and white oak flooring. See floor plan and full details here.

834 Fifth Avenue, #MAISA
$18,000,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 5,000 ft²

834 Fifth Avenue, #MAISA (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This exceptional maisonette at 834 Fifth Avenue, a Candela masterpiece in scale and design, offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a 5,000-square-foot duplex with a grand, private entrance on 64th Street. in addition to an entrance off the building's elegant lobby. The apartment has over 50 feet of frontage on Fifth Avenue with views of Central Park. High ceilings, grand proportions, and an elegant flow of rooms make this a perfect apartment for gracious living and entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

7 Beekman Place, #14
$4,000,000 (-16.7%)

1 Fifth Avenue, #MAISONETTE
$27,500/month

40 Bond, #TH4
$6,250,000 (-9.4%)

25 Quincy Street, #MAISONETTE
$850,000

170 East 79th Street, #2A
$975,000

753 East 5th Street, #1A
$1,245,000 (-3.9%)

The Lumiere, #THG
$2,150,000

455 East 57th Street, #MaisA
$2,195,000

Third + Bond, #1
$2,300,000 (-4.2%)

Select which properties are of interest to you:

10 Bleecker Street, #1B
$2,750,000 (-2.7%)

200 Mercer Street, #1D
$3,250,000 (-7%)

Gracie Green, #1A
$3,650,000 (-6.3%)

52 Lispenard Street, #TH2
$3,995,000 (-6%)

554 East 82nd Street, #MAIS
$4,700,000

165 Chrystie Street, #TH
$4,900,000 (-2%)

830 Park Avenue, #MAISA
$5,900,000

One Sutton Place South, #GRC
$6,750,000 (-10%)

46 Laight Street, #MAISONETTE
$7,990,000

15 West 81st Street, #2D
$8,750,000

812 Fifth Avenue, #MAISONSOUT
$8,995,000

The Fairchild, #1B
$8,995,000

Post House, #MAISON535
$9,495,000

40 East End Avenue, #TH
$9,675,990 (-2.7%)

834 Fifth Avenue, #MAISA
$18,000,000

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