What is a classic six? Beautiful examples include home from "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"

By CityRealty Staff | From Get To Know Saturday, April 26, 2025

The Strathmore, #8A (Douglas Elliman); Rachel Brosnahan/Mrs. Maisel (Flickr - fashnal)

Classic six is one of the most frequently used, yet least understood, terms in the New York real estate lexicon. “Classic” nods to the prewar era when apartments of this ilk were built, and “six” refers to the total number of rooms, which must include a living room, a formal dining room, a kitchen, two full bedrooms, and a maid’s room typically located near the kitchen and with its own bath.

While common in prewar residential buildings throughout the city, such layouts are most likely to be found in prewar cooperatives on the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side. Cases in point may be seen on Emmy Award-winning TV show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. While interior scenes were shot on a soundstage, Elle Decor notes that the sets for the classic seven apartments owned by the titular character and her parents included hardwood floors, eye-catching moldings, gracious hallways separating the living and sleeping areas, fireplaces, and other architectural details that were popular during this time.

Availabilities in The Strathmore, the Upper West Side building that was used for the show's exterior shots, are few and far between. Indeed, the copy for a recently listed classic six asking $1.75 million notes that it is being offered for the first time in over 30 years.

The Strathmore, #8A
$1,750,000

Morningside Heights | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

The Strathmore, #8A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Offered for the first time in over 30 years, this rarely available and truly exceptional classic 6 is brimming with original pre-war details and timeless charm. Featuring nearly 11ft ceilings, two decorative fireplaces, and original inlaid floors complemented by intricate crown moldings, apartment 8A is flooded with sunlight from its oversized windows which capture north, south, east, and west exposures. See floor plan and full details here.

For all their perks, classic six apartments aren't necessarily for everyone. Those hoping to find one in an amenity-rich downtown condo are out of luck, mainly because such clearly divided rooms detract from the airy, open-plan layout most commonly found in modern buildings. Classic sixes' kitchens were designed with servants in mind and thus are smaller than today's cook might appreciate. The maid's room can certainly be used as a coveted third bedroom, but it must be noted that it offers significantly less space, grandeur, and privacy than the other two. For this reason, some opt to use this space as a home office.

Nevertheless, the model has not only endured but enjoyed a new appreciation in recent times. Over five years after the pandemic-induced lockdown forced entire families to live, work, play, study, and exercise in one apartment, a clear division of rooms remains quite welcome. Moreover, while formidable co-op boards might have scared buyers away in the past, Leslie Singer of Brown Harris Stevens notices that a number of boards are changing their policies to allow more financing, not to mention pied-a-terres and trusts. This mindset opens up the possibility of traditional layouts to a wider pool of buyers.

"The landscape is changing and co-op buildings are being smarter to appeal to a broader base" – Leslie Singer, Brown Harris Stevens

Some modern developments have incorporated the layout into new buildings while putting a contemporary stamp on it, but there is no denying the architectural, historic, and aesthetic value of the apartments that define the classic six. Availabilities in New York's most prestigious prewar buildings are few and far between, which gives today’s buyer an undeniable status symbol in addition to a new home.

View over Riverside Park from The Strathmore, #8A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate) | https://cityrealty.com/n/I2725032

Notable Classic Six Listings

645 East 26th Street, #3A
$665,000

Flatbush | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,500 ft²

645 East 26th Street, #3A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This rare gem is a "Classic 6" 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment that feels like a forever home. With over 1,400 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space in a pet-friendly prewar elevator building, this residence blends charm and practicality seamlessly. Original hardwood floors are impeccably preserved, and high ceilings create an airy, open atmosphere. The adjacent living room and dining area feature graceful archways, original built-in curio shelves, and an abundance of natural light from multiple exposures. See floor plan and full details here.

7401 Fourth Avenue, #B4
$825,000

Bay Ridge | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,300 ft²

7401 Fourth Avenue, #B4 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Rare Classic Six in the Heart of Bay Ridge! This beautifully maintained Classic Six co-op blends pre-war charm with modern upgrades across a spacious 1,300 sq ft layout. Featuring 3 full bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, the apartment welcomes you with a large foyer that opens into an large living room and a bright formal dining room-perfect for both entertaining and everyday living. The eat-in kitchen is outfitted with custom cabinetry, a Wolf range, dishwasher, and large double-door refrigerator-ideal for home chefs. See floor plan and full details here.

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30 Sutton Place, #7C
$1,795,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,160 ft²

30 Sutton Place, #7C (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Beyond the private landing and gracious entrance foyer of Apartment 7C, the understated dignity of a Rosario Candela layout is immediately appreciated. The beautifully proportioned corner living room opens into the spacious formal dining room, creating an expanse of almost 44'. The butler's pantry, with its wall of storage, provides a functional connection to the oversized eat-in kitchen. Yes, there is already a washer/dryer in the apartment. See floor plan and full details here.

645 West End Avenue, #9C
$1,825,000 (-3.9%)

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 1,500 ft²

645 West End Avenue, #9C (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties)

(Common roof deck)

From the Listing: This stunning Classic Six is located in the renowned pre-war co-op at 645 West End Avenue, a masterpiece by esteemed Italian architect Gaetan Ajello. Apartment 9C features two spacious bedrooms, plus a staff room or home office, along with 3 bathrooms. The formal dining room is warm and inviting, showcasing original wood-paneled walls and beamed ceilings. French doors with their original one side of mahagony and the other of oak lead into the living room, where oversized windows, elegant moldings, and high ceilings add to the charm. See floor plan and full details here.

The Sabrina, #11H
$1,845,000 (-2.6%)

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,408 ft²

The Sabrina, #11H (Compass)

From the Listing: Here’s an Upper West Side home that checks all the boxes: a timeless pre-war layout with pre-war scale and detail, upgraded and styled for a big 21st Century lifestyle -- all with the ease and freedom of a full service condominium. With its generous proportions and exposures South, East & West, this feel-good find is graced with sizable rooms, high, beamed ceilings, modern upgrades, and handsome hardwood floors throughout. Here's your ideal, easy-to-love, flexible 2 (or 3...) bedroom home -- a perfect setting for a big stretch-out life. See floor plan and full details here.

7 West 96th Street, #10A
$1,900,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

7 West 96th Street, #10A (Corcoran Group)

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From the Listing: Perched on a high floor of 7 West 96th Street, Apartment 10A is a masterfully reimagined and renovated Classic 7 (a classic 6 turned into a classic 7): offering three bedrooms, an office, washer and dryer, two and a half baths, all with an exceptional blend of pre-war elegance, brilliantly sunny southern views (and side park views of Central Park), and pin-drop quiet for a true oasis in the city (just a minute from Central Park, 18 tennis courts, the track around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, basketball courts, pickleball, and soccer fields, the list goes on and on)! See floor plan and full details here.

The Clinton, #7B
$1,925,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,500 ft²

The Clinton, #7B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This is the one you have been waiting for! Move right in to this fully renovated classic 6, offering the best of both worlds- an open, inviting layout with every modern convenience, combined with prewar charm, sunlight and lovely city views over the quiet block. The flexible floor plan features 2-3 bedrooms plus a wonderful home office, nursery or play space. Entertain with ease while enjoying open concept living. The recently renovated chef's kitchen flows seamlessly into the gracious, bright Living/Dining Room. See floor plan and full details here.

675 West End Avenue, #15B
$1,975,000

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

675 West End Avenue, #15B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Elegant Pre-War Residence with Timeless Appeal Welcome to Residence 15B at 675 West End Avenue, a distinguished classic six that epitomizes the grandeur of pre-war architecture while seamlessly incorporating modern comforts. Perched on a high floor along West End Avenue, this refined home enjoys eastern exposures, bathing its interiors in natural light. See floor plan and full details here.

600 West 111th Street, #14C
$1,995,000

Morningside Heights | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

600 West 111th Street, #14C (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Morningside Heights Prewar Beauty This renovated and reimagined Classic 6 has been thoughtfully transformed into a true 3-bedroom home, where every room is generously sized and filled with natural light. This residence boasts old-world charm paired with modern comforts, creating a bright and inviting space with city views through oversized windows. The windowed kitchen has been meticulously designed with sleek stainless steel appliances, ample cabinetry, and a granite breakfast bar that opens seamlessly into an incredibly spacious dining area-perfect for entertaining and large gatherings. Each of the three bedrooms is generously proportioned, offering abundant light and ample closet space. See floor plan and full details here.

The Holland Court, #7C
$2,000,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

The Holland Court, #7C (Kleier Residential Inc)

From the Listing: This iconic classic 6 in the heart of Carnegie Hill offers timeless elegance, gracious proportions, and original prewar detail. A semi-private elevator landing opens into an impressive entrance gallery, setting the tone for this elegant Park Avenue pristine estate. The expansive south-facing living room features a wood-burning fireplace and abundant natural light. See floor plan and full details here.

340 Riverside Drive, #8D
$2,225,000

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

340 Riverside Drive, #8D (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Transcendent Park & River views south and west from the sunny rooms of Apt 8D have charmed the locals for centuries. The indigenous Lenape once occupied this promontory overlooking a river they called Muhheakantuck well before Henry Hudson sailed in. And the architect of 340 RSD, the building now standing on the spot, raised it above its peers by providing only grand scale classic 6 and 5 room apartments which are the finest available in their class. Filled with all day sun, a splendid living room surveys the Hudson, two remarkable mansions and verdant Riverside Park though enormous windows. See floor plan and full details here.

1235 Park Avenue, #6C
$2,250,000

Carnegie Hill | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 1,728 ft²

1235 Park Avenue, #6C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Back on the market and at an incredible New Price!! This is a rare and extraordinary opportunity to own a Pre-war Classic 6 Condominium apartment on Park Avenue. This is a sought after 6th floor home with West facing large windows flooded with light overlooking prestigious Park Avenue. As you enter the apartment you are greeted by an impressive 21 foot long gallery which leads to the side by side living-room and formal dinning room. The two rooms are separated by elegant glass-pane French doors. See floor plan and full details here.

35 Prospect Park West, #6A
$2,750,000

Park Slope | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

35 Prospect Park West, #6A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Welcome to Apartment 6A at 35 Prospect Park West, a beautifully proportioned Classic 6 with grand-scale living and stunning Prospect Park views. Designed by the esteemed architect Emery Roth, this residence reflects timeless elegance with its pre-war details, gracious layout, and expansive living spaces. See floor plan and full details here.

101 Central Park West, #6D
$3,150,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

101 Central Park West, #6D (Compass)

From the Listing: If you are searching for a beautiful, oversized classic six apartment at a sought-after address, look no further. 6D is an outstanding apartment in one of New York’s most distinguished pre-war coops. This gracious three-bedroom home embodies both grandeur and modern comfort. See floor plan and full details here.

51 Fifth Avenue, #2BF
$3,395,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

51 Fifth Avenue, #2BF (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: Greenwich Village Gold Coast Pre-War Gem - A Reimagined Classic 6 Discover an extraordinary opportunity to own a sophisticated 2-bedroom plus office, 2-bathroom residence at 51 Fifth Avenue- a full-service, pre-war cooperative nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village. Thoughtfully redesigned by internationally acclaimed theater critic and scholar Elinor Fuchs, this home radiates elegance, seamlessly blending timeless charm with modern convenience. See floor plan and full details here.

Milan House, #5B
$3,995,000

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

Milan House, #5B (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Paris meets SoCal in Elegant Pre-War Millan House. Painstakingly gut renovated over a 2-year period while preserving the stunning original details and prewar charm, this custom designer home exceeds and surpasses “move in ready” in every way. See floor plan and full details here.

10 Gracie Square, #8D
$4,295,000

Yorkville | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

10 Gracie Square, #8D (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to Residence 8D at 10 Gracie Square, a stunning and Classic 6 which has been meticulously renovated and turned into a working 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home showcasing immense proportions, scale and breathtaking river views. See floor plan and full details here.

1133 Fifth Avenue, #7A
$6,200,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

1133 Fifth Avenue, #7A (Fox Residential Group Inc)

From the Listing: Beyond perfection describes this one-of-a-kind, un-classic six room home with a library and two bedrooms located in a top Fifth Avenue Carnegie Hill co-op. Apartment 7A consists of all the elegant main rooms of the former grand full floor apartment. There are approximately 2800 square feet of living space with the living room, library, primary bedroom and bath all facing Central Park. A See floor plan and full details here.

Chez 66, #8W
$6,995,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,000 ft²

Chez 66, #8W (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Truly turnkey, this custom classic six-room apartment offers a layout ideal for living and entertaining, while also providing ample wall space for art and picturesque historic Lenox Hill views from every room. Enter the residence into a handsome gallery, furnished with Bianco Bello marble floors, beamed ceilings, and crown moldings. The sun-filled corner living room boasts a comforting gas fireplace, the loveliest city views and peeks of Central Park. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

The Strathmore, #8A
$1,750,000

"The landscape is changing and co-op buildings are being smarter to appeal to a broader base" – Leslie Singer, Brown Harris Stevens

Notable Classic Six Listings

645 East 26th Street, #3A
$665,000

7401 Fourth Avenue, #B4
$825,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

30 Sutton Place, #7C
$1,795,000

645 West End Avenue, #9C
$1,825,000 (-3.9%)

The Sabrina, #11H
$1,845,000 (-2.6%)

7 West 96th Street, #10A
$1,900,000

The Clinton, #7B
$1,925,000

675 West End Avenue, #15B
$1,975,000

600 West 111th Street, #14C
$1,995,000

The Holland Court, #7C
$2,000,000

340 Riverside Drive, #8D
$2,225,000

1235 Park Avenue, #6C
$2,250,000

35 Prospect Park West, #6A
$2,750,000

101 Central Park West, #6D
$3,150,000

51 Fifth Avenue, #2BF
$3,395,000

Milan House, #5B
$3,995,000

10 Gracie Square, #8D
$4,295,000

1133 Fifth Avenue, #7A
$6,200,000

Chez 66, #8W
$6,995,000

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"The landscape is changing and co-op buildings are being smarter to appeal to a broader base" – Leslie Singer, Brown Harris Stevens

Notable Classic Six Listings

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Select which properties are of interest to you:

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