Dramatic NYC apartments for sale with sunken living rooms from $369K

The Century 25 Central Park West, #9E | https://www.cityrealty.com/nyc/central-park-west/the-century-25-central-park-west/451/9E/atXUqczQmWvR

Friday, Sep 25, 2026 By CityRealty Staff, CityRealty contributor

Sunken living rooms are a distinctive feature in many New York City apartments, with origins dating back to 1927 when Kansas-born architect Bruce Goff introduced the idea in an Art Deco-style house with a “conversation pit.” This design element, which had never been seen before, quickly gained popularity, inspiring architects like Eero Saarinen to incorporate it into their projects in the following decades.

Residents of homes with step-down living rooms often appreciate the inviting, intimate feel they bring to a space, making them ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying quiet evenings at home.

Eastgate, 235 East 73rd Street, #8D

While step-down living rooms were widely coveted, they began to fall out of favor as developers viewed them as potential tripping hazards and an added construction cost. As a result, most sunken living rooms are now found in pre-war and mid-century co-ops, or within some renovated condo conversions.

109-east-79th-street- step down living room

Residence #12W at 109 East 79th Street | (Credit: The Boundary for Legion Investment Group)

While extremely rare in new construction, one successful new condo development by Legion Investment Group at 109 East 79th Street featured several layouts with step-down living rooms and ceiling heights up to 20 feet. The project was a smashing success, selling out quickly with most units trading north of $3,500 per square foot. There are currently no availabilities.

Buildings with sunken spaces typically date back to an era known for more generous proportions, and often details like crown moldings, spacious separate rooms, and ample closet space, adding to their timeless appeal. Below is our round-up of active listings with sunken living rooms on the market now..

Select listings with sunken living rooms

Payson House, #2C
$369,000

Inwood | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Payson House, #2C (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This gracious, sun-filled one-bedroom offers open views, oversized rooms, and beautifully preserved Art Deco details throughout. A large, multifunctional entry foyer with a huge closet provides an inviting introduction to this spacious home. The gracious step-down living room is a true highlight, offering plenty of room for comfortable seating as well as a dedicated dining area. See floor plan and full details here.

Kensington House, #1007
$485,000

Chelsea | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath | 500 ft²

Kensington House, #1007 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Apt. 1007 is perched on the 10th floor of the iconic Kensington House, this classic Art Deco studio offers open city views with a partial view of the Empire State Building. Original prewar details, including beamed ceilings and a sunken living room, are complemented by excellent natural light. The apartment features a welcoming dining foyer, separate dressing area with generous storage, windowed kitchen, and vintage tiled bath. See floor plan and full details here.

Regent House, #10B
$550,000

Midtown West | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Regent House, #10B (The Agency Brokerage)

From the Listing: Welcome home to Residence 10B in Regent House - a spacious, light-filled one-bedroom with a gracious layout and timeless pre-war character. A welcoming foyer opens into a sunken living room designed for comfortable everyday living, as well as easy entertaining, while new oversized windows fill the home with natural light throughout the day. The oversized bedroom features custom built-ins and ample space for a king-sized bed, additional furniture, or a dedicated work-from-home setup. See floor plan and full details here.

225 East 74th Street, #2B
$588,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

225 East 74th Street, #2B (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to this inviting and character-filled pre-war one-bedroom apartment, where timeless details meet endless potential. From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the strong architectural bones that set this home apart, features rarely found in today’s new construction. See floor plan and full details here.

255 Cabrini Boulevard, #6G
$595,000

Washington Heights | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 833 ft²

255 Cabrini Boulevard, #6G (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Welcome to apartment 6G, with its graceful layout and good flow. The entry foyer opens to the extra-large living room with skyline views. Like all units at 255 Cabrini, 6G showcases an Art Deco aesthetic with high, beamed ceilings, herringbone hardwood floors (freshly refinished!), sunken living room, wrought-iron railings, and picture-rail molding. See floor plan and full details here.

The Beaverbrook, #3A
$615,000

Forest Hills | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,000 ft²

77-35 113th Street, #3A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Light pours into this beautifully renovated pre-war residence from three exposures, bathing every room in morning and afternoon sunshine. The layout flows with the effortless grace of another era - an entry gallery leads into an expansive foyer, opening to a generous living room with sunken floor and graceful archways, alongside a dedicated dining area ideal for entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

210 West 103rd Street, #6B
$625,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

210 West 103rd Street, #6B (Serhant)

From the Listing: Prewar Charm, Serious Space & Sunlight on the Upper West Side. Some apartments have square footage, some have character. This apartment has both. Perched on the top floor, Residence 6B is an oversized, sun-filled one-bedroom with the proportions, architectural detail and separation of space that are increasingly hard to find. See floor plan and full details here.

269 Clinton Avenue, #A2
$649,000

Clinton Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

269 Clinton Avenue, #A2 (Compass)

From the Listing: Imagine stepping through the preserved 1885 limestone facade on Clinton Hill’s iconic "Mansion Row" and into a home that instantly makes you feel like you belong. Welcome to 269 Clinton Avenue, and this unique home, located in a boutique co-op. This isn't just an apartment; this is your chance to own a piece of Brooklyn's storied past and future.

The sunken living room - or is it a conversation pit- with its dramatic triple-bay window, is the perfect stage for relaxation. Here, you'll savor western views of lush trees, magnificent sunsets, and the architectural grandeur of the neighborhood. The generously proportioned bedroom is an oasis of calm, offering complete privacy with no shared walls, and a wall of custom, deep closets providing exceptional storage See floor plan and full details here.

Marlo Towers, #8F
$650,000

Turtle Bay/United Nations | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 1,000 ft²

Marlo Towers, #8F (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Welcome to Residence 8F at 301 East 48th Street, a spacious junior four offering generous proportions, excellent storage, and the flexibility to create a comfortable second bedroom or home office. A gracious entry foyer welcomes you into the home and leads to an expansive step-down living room, giving the apartment a distinctive sense of scale and separation rarely found in a traditional one-bedroom layout. See floor plan and full details here.

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125 West 96th Street, #5D
$669,000 (-4.3%)

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

125 West 96th Street, #5D (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Welcome to 125 West 96th Street, A beautiful Prewar Deco era building centrally located on the upper west side. Be the first to live in the Brand new renovated spacious 3.5 room 1 bedroom 1 bath home. This is a gracious and spacious layout with a grand dining gallery, which easily accommodates a dining room. The brand-new windowed kitchen with stainless appliances quartz counters and backsplash will help you release your inner chef. See floor plan and full details here.

Goodhue House, #4L
$735,000

Murray Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Goodhue House, #4L (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties)

From the Listing: coming soon See floor plan and full details here.

225 West 25th Street, #3G
$749,000

Chelsea | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

225 West 25th Street, #3G (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This is the LARGEST one bedroom in the building! Welcome to charming Chelsea living at 225 West 25th Street, Unit 3G --a delightful corner one bedroom with two galleries showcasing pre-war elegance and modern comfort. Step into the large foyer of this art deco haven and be captivated by the intricate pre-war details, from the high ceilings to three styles of original oak floors, a sunken living room, stylish arched doorways, original picture rail, crown and cove molding, copious closets and a window in every room. See floor plan and full details here.

Castle Village, #78
$795,000

Washington Heights | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

Castle Village, #78 (Compass)

From the Listing: Opportunities like this don't come along often. Perched high above the Hudson, this coveted "8 Line" layout at Castle Village offers a rare chance to own a spacious two-bedroom sanctuary with some of the most dramatic, panoramic views in the city. See floor plan and full details here.

35 West 90th Street, #8F
$949,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

35 West 90th Street, #8F (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: SPONSOR SALE! Welcome to Residence 8F at 35 West 90th Street, a spacious and beautifully proportioned one-bedroom plus home office offering approximately 900 square feet, oversized windows, open views, and an exceptionally functional layout in a prime Upper West Side location. The expansive living and dining area is filled with natural light from a wall of oversized windows and offers plenty of room for both comfortable living and entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

336 West End Avenue, #11D
$995,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

336 West End Avenue, #11D (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to 336 West End Avenue. This well-proportioned co-op offers one bedroom, one bathroom, and a comfortable layout in a classic Upper West Side setting. The inviting living room features a fireplace that adds warmth and character, while northern exposures provide soft, consistent natural light throughout the day. The oversized bedroom is complete with a walk in closet. The kitchen is finished with granite countertops and offers a practical space for everyday cooking. See floor plan and full details here.

The Westmore, #3H
$995,000

Midtown West | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

The Westmore, #3H (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Welcome to The Westmore, an enchanting investor friendly Condop at 333 West 57th Street, nestled in the vibrant heart of Midtown West on Billionaires Row! This charming one-bedroom, one-bathroom pre-war gem boasts very generous living space with delightful southern exposure and beautiful garden views that will inspire tranquility in your everyday life. Impeccably maintained and renovated, this home features an exceptional open and windowed kitchen, renovated bath, large bay windows, parquet and herringbone floors, high beamed ceilings, separate dining area, sunken living room and a massive amount of closet space ensuring a modern living experience with pre-war elegance. See floor plan and full details here.

11 West 89th Street, #3
$1,295,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 1,160 ft²

11 West 89th Street, #3 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This one has the things you actually want-and rarely find together. Over 10-foot ceilings. A wood-burning fireplace. Private outdoor space. In-unit laundry. Great light. Approximately 1,160 square feet. And Central Park outside your door. Not your typical Upper West Side two-bedroom. Residence 3 is on the third floor of a boutique, self-managed townhouse co-op, with beautiful inlaid parquet floors and a layout with real personality. The sunken living room is the showstopper. A wood-burning fireplace anchors the space, while a full wall of north-facing, floor-to-ceiling windows opens directly onto an approximately 70-square-foot setback terrace. See floor plan and full details here.

Goodhue House, #9A
$1,350,000

Murray Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Goodhue House, #9A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: The expansive entry foyer of this charming co-op can double as a dining area and leads to the sunken corner living room and the beautifully renovated kitchen with custom cabinetry, sleek stone counters, and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, including a Liebherr refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, and Viking stove. Both bedrooms are very spacious and offer an abundance of closets. The primary has an en-suite bathroom with a stall shower, and the second bedroom has a convenient Murphy bed. Additional features of this lovely home are a second full bathroom, parquet floors, French doors, and beamed ceilings. See floor plan and full details here.

45 East 9th Street, #35
$1,495,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths

45 East 9th Street, #35 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Discover breathtaking prewar grandeur in this spacious one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom co-op featuring exceptional architectural detail and a wood-burning fireplace in one of Greenwich Village's most admired full-service buildings. Inside this expansive Village gem, you'll be impressed by soaring ceilings, handsome hardwood floors and beautiful built-ins. An oversized entry gallery with a coat closet provides plenty of room for a home office or library overlooking the elegant sunken living room. See floor plan and full details here.

19 East 88th Street, #8C
$1,495,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths

19 East 88th Street, #8C (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Stunning One-of-a-Kind Home on a Coveted Park Block This architecturally designed home is truly special. 19 E 88th 8C is a sophisticated and beautifully crafted residence with exceptional character, style, and warmth. This gracious south-facing four-room home offers nearly 1,400 square feet of living space, grand proportions, high ceilings, a sunken living room and beautiful inlaid wood floors. See floor plan and full details here.

425 East 50th Street, #1
$1,895,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 2 Baths

425 East 50th Street, #1 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in Manhattan's sought-after Beekman/Turtle Bay neighborhood, this exceptional two-story, garden -floor townhome offers a rare blend of privacy, luxury, and modern design. Located in an intimate, seven-unit building, the home enjoys direct access to Peter Detmold Park and is just moments from the United Nations. Designed for both comfort and sophistication, the residence features radiant heated floors throughout with a separate boiler system, central air conditioning, and new hardwood flooring. The sunken living and dining area is anchored by a gas fireplace and seamlessly extends outdoors through expansive Nano glass wall systems on both levels, creating an effortless indoor-outdoor lifestyle. See floor plan and full details here.

225 East 74th Street, #2DE
$2,150,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 1,888 ft²

225 East 74th Street, #2DE (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Located in the heart of Lenox Hill, 225 East 74th Street, 2DE is a seamless combination residence offering three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a well-proportioned layout in excellent condition. Originally configured as a studio and a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment, the home was combined to create a rare and spacious residence. A large entryway leads to a sunken living room and an open kitchen designed for everyday use and entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

55 Central Park West, #5C
$2,395,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

55 Central Park West, #5C (Sloane Square LLC)

From the Listing: Unique opportunity for this rarely available sun-drenched corner apartment overlooking Central Park in one of the most distinguished buildings in Central Park West. This elegant 2-bedroom, 2 bath home blends timeless architectural detail with the comfort and scale of classic Upper Westside living. Upon entering the gracious gallery, you are met with a windowed kitchen complete with top-of-the-line stainless appliances. Also, off the gallery there is large, beautiful step-down living room/dining room with high ceilings, built in bookcases and beautiful light. See floor plan and full details here.

11 East 92nd Street, #1
$2,850,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,200 ft²

11 East 92nd Street, #1 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Enjoy the ultimate indoor/outdoor lifestyle from this unique, gut renovated, full-floor residence located just off Fifth Avenue in elegant Carnegie Hill, a truly warm and friendly neighborhood. This rare home has recently under gone a complete, down-to-the-studs, gut renovation by its designer owner and has a spacious split bedroom layout for total privacy. The large, magical, walled, fully landscaped and irrigated garden, offers romantic gas lanterns, an outdoor fireplace, and is surrounded by exquisite private homes. See floor plan and full details here.

36 East 72nd Street, #11N
$3,200,000

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

36 East 72nd Street, #11N (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Truly One-of-a-Kind There is no other apartment like this in the building or on the market. Special is an understatement. Soaring high above 72nd Street on the eleventh floor, this is a unique three- to four-bedroom floor plan with gorgeous oversized windows through which sunlight floods, a wood-burning fireplace, original herringbone floors, and eleven-foot ceilings that transport you to Europe! See floor plan and full details here.

14 East 75th Street, #10C
$3,250,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 2 Baths

14 East 75th Street, #10C (Compass)

From the Listing: Perched on a coveted high-floor C line at 14 East 75th Street, Apartment 10C is a rare Upper East Side residence defined by extraordinary scale and timeless character. Dramatic 13-foot ceilings soar above burled oak and mahogany paneling and richly upholstered wall coverings, creating a remarkable sense of volume and warmth. A rare wood-burning fireplace creates an intimate focal point that anchors the room, while oversized windows flood the room with natural light and frame iconic views of the Carlyle Hotel. See floor plan and full details here.

51 Fifth Avenue, #15C
$3,695,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

51 Fifth Avenue, #15C (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Welcome to Unit 15C, a flawlessly renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence in a premier full-service prewar cooperative on Greenwich Village’s coveted Gold Coast. Bathed in glorious natural light, this exceptional home pairs striking architectural character with a sophisticated renovation, gracious proportions, and beautifully customized storage throughout.

At the heart of the residence is a dramatic sunken living room, anchored by an impressive wood-burning fireplace. Large windows, soaring ceiling height, beautifully stained hardwood floors, and the original handsome iron railing surrounding the dining bay give the space exceptional scale and architectural presence. See floor plan and full details here.

The Century, #9E
$3,750,000

Central Park West | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,715 ft²

The Century, #9E (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Perched along one of Central Park West’s most coveted addresses, this beautifully renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence pairs grand prewar proportions and timeless architectural character with the ease of sophisticated contemporary living.

A gracious entry foyer leads into an elegant sunken living room, anchored by a working fireplace and bathed in southern light. An open courtyard outlook stretches toward Columbus Circle, while original Brazilian walnut floors and lofty ceilings preserve the distinctive character and scale of the home. See floor plan and full details here.

The Century, #5Q/4P
$8,700,000

Central Park West | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,345 ft²

The Century, #5Q/4P (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: Watch the Thanksgiving Day parade from your living room. This pre-war condo on Central Park West is an expansive 3,300+ square-foot residence at 25 Central Park West, offering exceptional scale, beautiful light, and a uniquely versatile layout.The living room, dining room, office, and media room all face Central Park West, providing wonderful natural light and beautiful Central Park views.The residence features four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and an in-unit laundry room. The apartment is in very good condition and offers a rare combination of size, light, views, privacy, and adaptability. See floor plan and full details here.

4 East 72nd Street, #34B
$7,750,000 (-11.4%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths

4 East 72nd Street, #34B (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Situated in a distinguished limestone building just moments from Central Park, this truly glamorous duplex residence has been meticulously renovated and is defined by appealingly elegant scale and verdant treetop outlooks. Throughout, very tall ceilings and enchanting architectural detail, including stylish wrought iron Juliette balconies and a sweeping circular staircase to the upper level. See floor plan and full details here.

55 Central Park West, #7BCD
$8,900,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths

55 Central Park West, #7BCD (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: A true home on Central Park West! This spacious and gracious, over 4400 square foot, corner prewar home has 60 feet of Central Park frontage and is a dream come true! Beautiful, direct Central Park views from 3 major rooms and side Park views from 3 more rooms, this five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom residence at 55 Central Park West offers grand living and entertaining spaces and plenty of private areas as well. See floor plan and full details here.