Inviting NYC apartments for sale with sunken living rooms from $215K

By CityRealty Staff | From Get To Know Today, December 11, 2025

29 East 9th Street

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 (https://www.cityrealty.com/nyc/lenox-hill/eastgate-235-east-73rd-street/802/8D/DREaTrBpAT)

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..

Origin Perry, #1G
$215,000

Bedford Park | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Origin Perry, #1G (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: SPONSOR SALE WITH NO BOARD APPROVAL, AND FLEXIBLE FINANCING AVAILABLE! Origin North is a collection of nine restored co-op properties that celebrate those who celebrate the Bronx & Upper Manhattan. 3245 Perry #1G is a spaciously laid out corner 1 bedroom/1 bath 947 square foot home featuring the highest upgrades in all aspects. See floor plan and full details here.

350 Cabrini Boulevard, #1A
$599,000 (-4.2%)

Washington Heights | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

350 Cabrini Boulevard, #1A (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Located on one of Hudson Heights’ best blocks, this two-bedroom, one-bath home blends generous living space with Art Deco charm. Features include a large entry foyer ideal as a dining area or workspace, an expansive sunken living room, a windowed kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a well-appointed bathroom. The king-sized primary bedroom easily fits a large suite of furniture and a home office setup, while the second bedroom overlooks a quiet courtyard. See floor plan and full details here.

269 Clinton Avenue, #A2
$749,999 (-6.1%)

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.

Castle Village, #118
$750,000 (-11.8%)

Washington Heights | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms

Castle Village, #118 (Compass)

From the Listing: 12% Price Reduction - Seller Says SELL VIEWS FOR DAYS. This 2 Bed, 1 bath home has breathtaking high floor magnificent VIEWS - not to be missed – full Castle Village Garden grounds opening into panoramic Hudson River and Palisades splendor. You feel like you are on the upper deck of a cruise ship – without the motion-sickness! See floor plan and full details here.

Marlo Towers, #4B
$769,000

Turtle Bay/United Nations | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 1,000 ft²

Marlo Towers, #4B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Bright & Spacious Convertible 2-Bedroom at Marlo Towers! Introducing one of the most sought-after lines at Marlo Towers-an expansive corner residence offering generous proportions, abundant natural light, and exceptional versatility. Enter through a gracious gallery with built-in desk and storage, including two closets, leading into a sunken living room framed by oversized windows. See floor plan and full details here.

55 Eastern Parkway, #6B
$775,000

Prospect Heights | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 815 ft²

55 Eastern Parkway, #6B (Howard Hanna NYC)

From the Listing: No appointment needed for Sunday's open house. Come on down! Sunlight and top floor views just in time for the holidays. Welcome to 6B a stunning oversized one-bedroom with incredible southern views overlooking Prospect Park, Brooklyn Library, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum. This sunny home has a sunken living room, high ceilings, and beautiful hardwood floors set in a classic prewar building. See floor plan and full details here.

50 Park Terrace East, #6C
$775,000 (-2.5%)

Inwood | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

50 Park Terrace East, #6C (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Welcome to this bright and elegant 2BR/2BA corner residence at 50 Park Terrace East. Step into a sun-drenched, sunken living room -- a nearly 1300sf space designed for both everyday living and entertaining. The adjacent chef's kitchen is outfitted with granite countertops, abundant custom cabinetry, and a wide pass-through with seating on both sides, perfect as a breakfast bar or a spot for guests to gather. See floor plan and full details here.

Eastgate, #8D
$869,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Eastgate, #8D (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Sunny and Spacious One-Bedroom Apartment in a Prestigious Bing & Bing Building Welcome to this bright, move-in-ready one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, featuring two exposures, High ceilings and numerous modern comforts. K See floor plan and full details here.

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36 Sutton Place South, #11A
$875,000

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

36 Sutton Place South, #11A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Gracious living on Sutton Place. Enter this home through the entry foyer which leads to the windowed dining area adjacent to an elegant, sun-soaked, sunken living-room overlooking Sutton Place South. The large, windowed kitchen has granite counters and terrific storage space.The oversized primary bedroom has lovely open western views as well as a large walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom. The large second bedroom can accommodate a King bed or can be used as a library/den/home office. Additional features of this gracious home include beautiful hardwood floors in great condition, terrific closet space (7 closets in total) and a washer/dryer. See floor plan and full details here.

125 East 74th Street, #2B
$945,000 (-5%)

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

125 East 74th Street, #2B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Rarely available...Enjoy Paris in New York in this highly desirable prewar one bedroom at 125 East 74th Street, one of the Upper East Side's finest, white glove cooperatives. In the heart of the desirable East 70's off Park Avenue, Apartment 2B features a divine step-down living room with beamed ceilings, distinctive arched entryways, and a much-coveted leaded casement window overlooking the pretty garden courtyard. The wood-burning fireplace is graced with the original carved wood surround with natural stone hearth. Through an arched entryway is the elegant bedroom, featuring double exposure triple windows and a space that can be adapted into a dressing room with ample closets. See floor plan and full details here.

Chelsea Gardens, #5GW
$999,999 (-9.1%)

Chelsea | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Chelsea Gardens, #5GW (Compass)

From the Listing: Timeless Art Deco Charm with Contemporary Upgrades in Prime Chelsea Location! Welcome to this sun-soaked, south-facing pre-war gem nestled on the fifth floor of a six-story low-rise in the heart of Chelsea. This exceptional home beautifully blends original Art Deco charm with sleek, modern renovations, offering both tranquility and easy access to the vibrant pulse of the city. See floor plan and full details here.

Goodhue House, #9A
$1,485,000 (-2.9%)

Murray Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Goodhue House, #9A (Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC)

From the Listing: Views, light, space and style epitomize this ninth-floor corner apartment at the art deco prewar full-service cooperative -Goodhue House. The Madison Avenue corner apartments in the building are coveted for their views of the famous thoroughfare and from the ninth floor the view is further enhanced by the city skyline and the spire of the landmarked Church of the Incarnation. The style and practicality of this apartment reflect its owner, who as a renowned special events producer and designer has made this home very special. See floor plan and full details here.

49 East 96th Street, #9B
$1,495,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

49 East 96th Street, #9B (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to Apartment 9B at the highly coveted, 49 East 96th Street cooperative. This pristine, two bedroom, two bathroom apartment has undergone a complete renovation and is in immaculate condition. This lofted layout is unique not only to the building, but also to the Upper East Side.Very rarely will you be able to find such a magnificent sunken living room boasting 13 foot ceilings and large sun-flooded windows. See floor plan and full details here.

100 Riverside Drive, #7B
$1,495,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

100 Riverside Drive, #7B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Turn-Key Art-Deco One Bedroom with Direct Park Views Sponsor Unit - No Board Approval! - Very spacious layout measuring nearly 950 square feet - Picture-perfect park & skyline vistas through a wall of classic black-steel casement windows - Sunken living room with beamed ceilings and decorative mantle fireplace. See floor plan and full details here.

5 Riverside Drive, #11C
$1,750,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

5 Riverside Drive, #11C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Offering panoramic direct Hudson River and Riverside Park views, this exceptional sun-filled and bright high floor corner large 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom art deco prewar home (built 1937) resides in 5 Riverside Drive, a sought after white glove full service cooperative building. Features of this glorious home include a gracious entry leading to a grand scaled sunken living room with oversized picture window, original herringbone oak flooring, beamed 9' ceilings & a decorative fireplace, a separate dining gallery w/built-in curio cabinet, and a windowed galley kitchen. See floor plan and full details here.

29 East 9th Street, #10
$1,795,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 1,000 ft²

29 East 9th Street, #10 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Discover unparalleled design in this prewar gem. This massive corner one bedroom home boasts a sunken living room, high ceilings with beams, fireplace, hardwood floors and arched transom windows. This sun-drenched home faces both South and West for extraordinary natural light, it is simply sundrenched. Nestled on one of the most desirable streets in Greenwich Village is one of The Village's most meticulously maintained full-service cooperatives with doormen, porters and resident manager. See floor plan and full details here.

Castle Village, #1819
$2,150,000 (-6.5%)

Washington Heights | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

Castle Village, #1819 (Compass)

From the Listing: Rare opportunity to own luxury Hudson River facing apartment in sought-after, legendary CastleVillage. Two units tastefully combined and imaginatively renovated in 2012 create a warm &welcoming entertainer’s dream - with an open concept kitchen, spacious & light-filled living and dining rooms. The private master suite and adjacent library study provides tranquility and function apart from the hustle of midtown, a direct subway ride away. See floor plan and full details here.

The Elliot, #7DE
$2,349,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,410 ft²

The Elliot, #7DE (Compass)

From the Listing: An architecturally refined, fully renovated 2-bed, 2-bath co-op with a home office, in-unit washer/dryer, and exceptional storage, offering approximately 1,400 interior square feet (per architect of record) in a full-service Art Deco building steps from Riverside Park. Elegant design, a furnished roof deck with sweeping Hudson River and park views, newly restored lobby and hallways, and a modern HVAC system (in progress) define the next generation of Upper West Side living. crafted for long-term comfort, architectural integrity, and effortless sophistication. Schedule your private showing today. See floor plan and full details here.

450 West End Avenue, #3B
$2,995,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,200 ft²

450 West End Avenue, #3B (Compass)

From the Listing: Move right in to this meticulously renovated home on West End Avenue, where elegance meets functionality. This expansive three-bedroom, two and a half bath apartment showcases large, inviting rooms and approximately 2,200 sq ft of living space. A gracious foyer leads to an intelligently designed dining room with discreet sliding glass doors and built in bookshelves. A lovely step down living room offers leafy tree-lined views over West 83rd street. See floor plan and full details here.

180 East 79th Street, #14G
$3,700,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths

180 East 79th Street, #14G (Compass)

From the Listing: An unmissable pre-war residence, blending elegant classical detailing with tasteful modern upgrades. This expansive four-bedroom home with an eat-in kitchen offers refined living in one of the Upper East Side’s premier buildings. See floor plan and full details here.

Berkeley House, #12DEF
$3,900,000

Midtown West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

Berkeley House, #12DEF (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: A truly one-of-a-kind offering-this expansive residence is the result of a seamless combination of three apartments in a prestigious full-service co-op directly facing Central Park. Located on a high floor of The Berkeley House, this gracious six-room home boasts spectacular, uninterrupted views of the park from oversized picture windows in the dramatic step-down living room and adjacent dining space. See floor plan and full details here.

The Parc Vendome, #19C
$3,995,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,760 ft²

The Parc Vendome, #19C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: From Curtain Calls to City Views - The Residence that Echoes Broadway's Golden Age: Former home of the Broadway Legend, Charles Strouse. A Rare Two-in-One Opportunity Thoughtfully combined, this unique residence offers the flexibility of two adjoining homes under one roof. Residence 19C: An expansive 3-4 bedroom, 3-bathroom layout with generous living and entertaining spaces. See floor plan and full details here.

14 East 75th Street, #7E
$4,250,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

14 East 75th Street, #7E (Compass)

From the Listing: Elegant Renovated Pre-War Residence Steps from Central Park with Incredibly Low Maintenance Move right in! Radiant with natural light and timeless sophistication, this grand 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom renovated corner residence is an exceptional Lenox Hill home just one block from Central Park and Museum Mile. Descend into a dramatic sunken living room featuring 16-foot beamed ceilings, a marble wood-burning fireplace, double-height built-in library shelving with rolling ladders, and an extraordinary wall of twelve oversized casement windows. Classic pre-war details include chevron hardwood floors, soaring ceiling heights, beautifully preserved architectural moldings, and custom millwork throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

Carlyle House, #8C
$4,800,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

Carlyle House, #8C (Compass)

From the Listing: Elegant Living at The Carlyle House, designed by Charles Gwathmey, of Gwathmey Siegal architects. Step into a realm of sophistication and grandeur at one of the most coveted residences on East 77th Street in Manhattan. This extraordinary 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom apartment is a rare opportunity to experience luxurious living in the iconic Carlyle House, renowned for its "double height" living room apartments. These rarely available residences are highly sought after, by discerning art collectors and those who appreciate an unparalleled quality of life. See floor plan and full details here.

222 East 11th Street, #GARDEN
$4,995,000 (-4.3%)

East Village | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

222 East 11th Street, #GARDEN (Compass)

From the Listing: Situated mid-block on tree-lined East 11th street, this exceptionally rare 4-bedroom, 3-bath duplex home with an 800sqft landscaped garden offers an unparalleled living experience, reminiscent of a Parisian garden escape. See floor plan and full details here.

Millan House, #78D
$5,375,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths

Millan House, #78D (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Newly renovated, glamorous duplex at Millan House. A foyer with a sweeping curved staircase provides the point of arrival for this elegant apartment. A step-down living room is entered through an archway, and has a wood burning fireplace, ten foot ceilings, and original casement windows, with sunny southern exposure over the roof of the landmarked Park Avenue Armory. See floor plan and full details here.

4 East 72nd Street, #34B
$8,250,000 (-5.7%)

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

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In this article:

Origin Perry, #1G
$215,000

350 Cabrini Boulevard, #1A
$599,000 (-4.2%)

269 Clinton Avenue, #A2
$749,999 (-6.1%)

Castle Village, #118
$750,000 (-11.8%)

Marlo Towers, #4B
$769,000

55 Eastern Parkway, #6B
$775,000

50 Park Terrace East, #6C
$775,000 (-2.5%)

Eastgate, #8D
$869,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

36 Sutton Place South, #11A
$875,000

125 East 74th Street, #2B
$945,000 (-5%)

Chelsea Gardens, #5GW
$999,999 (-9.1%)

Goodhue House, #9A
$1,485,000 (-2.9%)

49 East 96th Street, #9B
$1,495,000

100 Riverside Drive, #7B
$1,495,000

5 Riverside Drive, #11C
$1,750,000

29 East 9th Street, #10
$1,795,000

Castle Village, #1819
$2,150,000 (-6.5%)

The Elliot, #7DE
$2,349,000

450 West End Avenue, #3B
$2,995,000

180 East 79th Street, #14G
$3,700,000

Berkeley House, #12DEF
$3,900,000

The Parc Vendome, #19C
$3,995,000

14 East 75th Street, #7E
$4,250,000

Carlyle House, #8C
$4,800,000

222 East 11th Street, #GARDEN
$4,995,000 (-4.3%)

Millan House, #78D
$5,375,000

4 East 72nd Street, #34B
$8,250,000 (-5.7%)

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