From $395K: Gracious NYC Homes with Inviting Sunken Living Rooms

By CityRealty Staff | From Get To Know Monday, November 6, 2023

A selection of NYC listings with step-down living rooms

Sunken living rooms would appear to be a forever fixture of New York apartments, but the phenomenon dates back to 1927 when Kansas-born architect Bruce Goff designed an Art Deco-styled house with a "conversation pit." As Apartment Therapy notes, the feature had never been seen before and grew in popularity as other architects such as Eero Saarinen were inspired by the feature in following years. Residents of homes with step-down living rooms enjoy the room's inviting and intimate atmosphere, ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying quiet evenings at home.

By the 30s, sunken living rooms found their way into Manhattan apartments as these spaces became fixtures on television such as in The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. They remained coveted for offering a sense of grandeur while setting the programmed spaces apart without threatening the open floor plans many hold dear.

After a surge in popularity, modern developers and some occupants came to see the step-down living room as a tripping hazard and/or an expensive construction cost and stopped putting them in their buildings. That is why most sunken living rooms can be found in mid-century and 1930s co-op buildings, but also in some residential conversions refreshed to appeal to a modern audience. Because of the time they were built, these apartments typically have rooms of more gracious proportions, details such as crown moldings, and plenty of closet space.

Lindley House, #9F
$395,000

Murray Hill | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath

Lindley House, #9F (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome home to this spacious studio apartment with eastern views at the highly sought-after Lindley House! Enter into the home and you will immediately be greeted by natural light from the wall of windows overlooking Third Avenue. This home is filled with prewar charm including a sunken living room that is gracious in size and allows for easy distinction between the living and dining area. See floor plan and full details here.

360 Cabrini Boulevard, #5E
$449,999 (-6.1%)

Washington Heights | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

360 Cabrini Boulevard, #5E (BREU CHURCHILL)

From the Listing: Welcome home. This beautiful and spacious one bedroom has been updated with care and retains all the Art Deco charm: a gracious foyer, sunken living, a bedroom big enough for a king, hardwood floors, arched doorways, and closets galore! Windows are west and south-facing and have all recently been replaced. See floor plan and full details here.

720 Fort Washington Avenue, #3R
$499,000

Washington Heights | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

720 Fort Washington Avenue, #3R (Bizzarro Agency LLC)

From the Listing: Discover simplistic charm at 720 Fort Washington, located just outside the A 190th station in the serene neighborhood of Hudson Heights. As you enter, the inviting ambiance of the Art-Deco built-in shelving, a practical foyer, and multiple closets greet you, leading the way to the sunken living room with high ceilings.

The kitchen makes meal preparation effortless with its white cabinets, updated appliances, and a cozy eating nook. The expansive counter space will allow you to enjoy cooking again. The oversized bedroom will easily fit your king-sized bed, and has a corner window embankment for natural light and double closets. See floor plan and full details here.

57 Park Terrace East, #B72
$529,990 (-5.2%)

Inwood | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

57 Park Terrace East, #B72 (New Heights Realty)

Located in Inwood’s oldest and most sought-after cooperative this 2BR beauty will not disappoint. This is a spacious 2BR with a wonderful layout. Walk in the door and enter the very large entry foyer - large enough to use as a good-sized dining area. Off the foyer is the spacious windowed kitchen with loads of storage and workspace. High-end appliances. Lots of counter space - this is a kitchen in which you can really work. Beyond the entry is a large sunken living room. Note the beautifully finished herringbone oak floors. Plenty of room here to entertain or just relax at the end of the day. See floor plan and full details here.

225 East 74th Street, #5M
$550,000 (-11%)

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

225 East 74th Street, #5M (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: The apartment requires renovations. Welcome to a charming Art Deco cooperative from the late 1930s located in the heart of the Upper East Side on 74th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. The apartment is a classic pre-war, 1 bedroom that's lined with windows facing north, which fills the home with natural light. The high ceilings, substantial closet space, and an open layout lend a great deal of potential for a complete renovation. See floor plan and full details here.

The Tristan, #1F
$550,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath

The Tristan, #1F (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Low Maintenance! Investors welcome! Luxury and Pre-War charm meet in this perfect studio, that is easily converted to a 1 bedroom! Enter into a generously sized dining/foyer, and delight in the exquisite renovations throughout this spacious Pre-War studio. See floor plan and full details here.

120 Bennett Avenue, #2G
$575,000

Washington Heights | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

120 Bennett Avenue, #2G (Compass)

From the Listing: \Move right into this pin drop quiet 2 bed/1 bath pre-war coop nestled in the heart of bucolic Hudson Heights. Bask in beautiful Eastern and Southern light that pours into this thoughtfully maintained home on the second floor complete with original Art Deco details.

The large foyer can easily accommodate formal dining or an office. Step down into the grand sunken living room which is large enough to support both living and dining. Beautifully renovated chef's kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher, gas stove, and double-door refrigerator. See floor plan and full details here.

225 East 74th Street, #3N
$595,000 (-25.2%)

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

225 East 74th Street, #3N (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Quiet Art-Deco style oversized one bedroom in a prime East 70's location. The gracious foyer opens to a large corner sunken living room with plenty of wall space for all your art. A generous separate dining area offers lots of room for gracious entertaining. A separate window galley kitchen adjoins the living space all in good condition. See floor plan and full details here.

730 Fort Washington Avenue, #4C
$649,000 (-6.6%)

Washington Heights | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 900 ft²

730 Fort Washington Avenue, #4C (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Sophisticated Two-bedroom/ One Bath fully renovated apartment in one of Hudson Heights' most sought-after buildings. As soon as you step into this home you will be surprised at the size of the rooms. A nice-sized foyer flows into the large sunken Living room with a south-facing window over a sunny interior garden. See floor plan and full details here.

Goodhue House, #3C
$725,000 (-6.5%)

Murray Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 800 ft²

Goodhue House, #3C (Akam Sales & Brokerage Inc)

From the Listing: This beautifully appointed, bright, and spacious classic pre-war One Bedroom in the desirable art deco Goodhue House. This fully renovated home has oversized rooms, an open floorplan with treetop views in all rooms, a step-down living room with high beamed ceilings, and a wall of windows looking straight across East 35th Street at the historic Church of Incarnation. Windows face north and east to Park Avenue. See floor plan and full details here.

184 Thompson Street, #2B
$749,000

Greenwich Village | Condominium | Studio, 1 Bath | 478 ft²

184 Thompson Street, #2B (The Agency Brokerage)

From the Listing: Residence 2B at 184 Thompson Street is a bi-level studio with great layout and amazing 10ft ceiling heights. The main living space is a large 21 13.6 area which provides great space for sleeping, living, and eating. The modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, and plenty of storage is steps above the sunken living space.Off of the ample living/sleeping area is a balcony with tranquil city views to the Southeast. This home also features plenty of closet space, hardwood floors, and thru-wall AC. See floor plan and full details here.

311 West 82nd Street, #3B
$750,000

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

311 West 82nd Street, #3B (Compass)

From the Listing: Westside Charmer! This apartment has it ALL, sunny garden views, a lovely balcony, and a wood-burning fireplace!

This wonderful one-bedroom apartment is located on 82nd St, nestled between West End Ave and Riverside in a beautiful classic brownstone.The sunken living room is graced with generous proportions, high ceilings, exposed brick, and a wood-burning fireplace. See floor plan and full details here.

Goodhue House, #5E
$750,000

Murray Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Goodhue House, #5E (Compass)

From the Listing: Apartment 5E at the Goodhue House is a lovely, bright, and peaceful renovated one-bedroom perfectly situated right off Madison Avenue on 35th Street. This beauty has retained much of its pre-war charm with beamed ceilings, a sunken living room, crown molding, and gorgeous hardwood floors with wood in-laid trim. The modern windowed kitchen offers stainless appliances, cabinetry that carries to the ceiling, and a tasteful tile backsplash. See floor plan and full details here.

300 West 72nd Street, #5F
$775,000

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

300 West 72nd Street, #5F (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Here's your chance to live in a classic pre-war elevator building in the prime of the Upper West Side. Just one block west of the 2/3 Express train station, the apartment is a quick walk to Trader Joe's, Fairway, Central Park, and Riverside Park. The apartment has recently gone through a full renovation, including a new kitchen, bathroom, Brazilian walnut hardwood floors and lighting. The sunken living room and bedroom are both oversized, with more than enough room for a full-sized sofa, a large dining table, and a king-sized bed. See floor plan and full details here.

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205 West 95th Street, #5J
$799,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

205 West 95th Street, #5J (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to Residence 5J, a beautifully designed and impeccably maintained 1 bedroom in a classic Pre-war, Upper West Side Art Deco cooperative. This home has beautiful light, is pin-drop quiet, and is in an incredibly convenient location of the neighborhood. The oversized 1 bedroom has modern updates such as an open kitchen with stainless appliances from Bertazzoni, Fisher-Paykel, and Bosch, as well as a large Quartz countertop with room for barstool seating.

The living room has more than enough space for living and dining The large bedroom is a quiet retreat tucked away in the back of the apartment, completely separate from the living area and the kitchen. A classic Art-Deco step-down living room, windowed kitchen and bathroom, and high ceilings are just a few of the details that make this home a must-see. See floor plan and full details here.

Park Ten, #15J
$849,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Park Ten, #15J (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: If stunning views of Central Park are what you are looking for, then look no further. This lovely and spacious south-facing 3.5-room apartment has exceptional views of Central Park. There is a large 18-foot-long sunken living room; a rare find for a post-war building, a separate dining area, and an amazing amount of closet space, including a large walk-in. See floor plan and full details here.

71 East 77th Street, #9A
$895,000 (-40.1%)

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

71 East 77th Street, #9A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Ideally located on a prime Upper East Side block, this beautiful residence features the building's trademark casement windows and step-down living room, resulting in a dramatic, south-facing space that is flooded with light all day. An entry foyer leads past the kitchen and downstairs to the south-facing living room, which features high beamed ceilings and a fireplace. See floor plan and full details here.

321 West 82nd Street, #8
$895,000 (-5.8%)

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

321 West 82nd Street, #8 (The Agency Brokerage)

From the Listing: Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom sponsor condo apartment located in the coveted Upper West Side. Situated in a pre-war condo brownstone built in 1900, this residence offers a perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern upgrades. As you enter, you'll be greeted by a newly renovated kitchen featuring sleek stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher.

The sunken living room creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying quiet evenings at home.A separate dining area allows for formal dinners or casual brunches with friends and family. Located on a beautiful tree-lined street just steps away from Riverside Park, this apartment offers a serene environment. See floor plan and full details here.

The Chelsea Warren, #3B
$989,000

Chelsea | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 800 ft²

The Chelsea Warren, #3B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Presenting a beautifully renovated prewar apartment in the heart of Chelsea. This lovingly restored one-bedroom coop offers a seamless blend of modern convenience and timeless elegance with numerous custom features. Upon entering this 800SF home, one is greeted by a lovely entry foyer with designer grass cloth wallpaper, refinished wood floors throughout, and an open archway to your sunken and oversized living area which features custom cabinetry and window bench. See floor plan and full details here.

Marlo Towers, #8G
$950,000

Turtle Bay/United Nations | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 976 ft²

Marlo Towers, #8G (Compass)

From the Listing: First time available after being fully GUT RENOVATED! Welcome to this amazing approximately 1,000 Sq ft JUNIOR-4 which can be a 2 Bedroom, as well as having 1 Bathroom along WITH THREE WALK-IN CLOSETS!

As you enter the apartment boasts the “Wow Factor” feeling very spacious &bright. This is due to the newly installed light Oak Wood Floors and having Western views/exposure flooding the apartment with natural light. From the foyer to the sunken living room, the step-down allows one to feel the large space of the apartment due to the height volume on the step-down. See floor plan and full details here.

Diamond House, #6F
$995,000

Lenox Hill | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 934 ft²

Diamond House, #6F (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to Diamond House! This South-facing, extra-large, one bedroom in a pre-war condominium — with private outdoor space — has everything you need to enjoy the comfort and security of living large on New York’s Upper East Side. Closets galore — rare in NYC — include two extra-big walk-in closets and two additional good-sized closets in the big bedroom. The bedroom is huge, and can easily accommodate a king-sized bed. See floor plan and full details here.

The Level Club, #4F
$1,395,000 (-3.8%)

Broadway Corridor | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,793 ft²

The Level Club, #4F (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Amazing Flex 2 Bed, 2 Full Bath Upper West Side BeautyLocated in the historic Level Club, this grand (approx. 1,800sf) flex 2 bed, 2 full bath apartment offers split level, loft-like living. The floor-to-ceiling windows, gracious dining room, hardwood floors, pass-through kitchen, and sunken living room with full wet bar all lend to the impact of this one-of-a-kind space. See floor plan and full details here.

736 West 186th Street, #7CD
$1,525,000

Washington Heights | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,100 ft²

736 West 186th Street, #7CD (Compass)

From the Listing: If you are looking for a luxurious amount of space, stunning renovations, and a unique top-floor home in Hudson Heights, this is the one. Upon entering this absolutely massive, 2100 square foot flex 4 Bedroom/3 Bathroom home (currently configured as a 3 Bedroom with a spacious office wing), you will find a gracious landing leading to a sunken living room. The recently renovated chef's kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances as well as a hooded range, its own sitting area, a large kitchen island, and a dining room spacious enough to easily accommodate a 10-person dining table (or more!). See floor plan and full details here.

19 East 88th Street, #7C
$1,599,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 1,325 ft²

19 East 88th Street, #7C (R New York)

From the Listing: Location! Location! Location! If you want to come home to the best of everything–come home to this unique Museum Mile residence, measuring approximately 1,325 sqft and just a few doors down from the Guggenheim. Located in one of Carnegie Hill’s most desirable and sought-after full-service prewar co-ops, this sunny, south-facing, oversized prewar one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath apartment with formal dining is larger than many two-bedrooms. See floor plan and full details here.

The Century, #4G
$1,650,000

Central Park West | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 805 ft²

The Century, #4G (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Located at The Century Condominium on Central Park West between 62nd and 63rd streets, this spacious prewar corner one-bedroom has been completely renovated with a new kitchen, bath, through-wall AC, washer/dryer, and new double-paned windows. The apartment "reads" like a much larger apartment and feels like the perfect "grand small apartment". See floor plan and full details here.

2 East End Avenue, #PHF
$1,750,000 (-5.4%)

Yorkville | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,320 ft²

2 East End Avenue, #PHF (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Welcome to Penthouse F, a townhouse living in the sky, in a full-service building, with river views throughout. The entry floor welcomes you to this wonderful home and contains 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 3 walk-in closets. The second floor is the heart of the home. Upon entering the spacious sunken living room, with a fireplace, you are struck by the dramatic river and city views seen through a wall of oversized windows. Enjoy abundant sunshine during the day and beautiful city lights at night. This wonderful view is enhanced by soaring ceilings. See floor plan and full details here.

302 West 12th Street, #4F
$1,895,000

West Village | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 900 ft²

302 West 12th Street, #4F (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Encapsulate yourself in West Village luxury condo living. Spanning 900 square feet, the "F" line is the largest one-bedroom floorplan in 302 W. 12th Street, a renowned Bing &; Bing prewar building.

Enter through an oversized formal foyer which flows into the expansive sunken living room that is complete with a wood-burning fireplace, black ebony oak floors, custom built-ins, beamed ceilings and south-facing windows with treetop views. The separate windowed kitchen features black granite countertops, open shelving, unlacquered brass fixtures, and handmade Spanish mosaic tiles. See floor plan and full details here.

116 West 29th Street, #3
$2,500,000 (-9.1%)

Chelsea | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 3,200 ft²

116 West 29th Street, #3 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Full Floor Entertaining Artist's loft with approximately 3,200 flexible square feet can be designed into a 3/4 bedroom home with two or more bathrooms with minimal work. The elevator opens in to a dramatic 37 x 25'9 room with oversized windows and 11'4" high beamed ceilings, with an open kitchen and dining room. This is your chance to be creative and design your dream home. See floor plan and full details here.

Morgan Studios, #23AB
$2,995,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Morgan Studios, #23AB (Compass)

From the Listing: As you enter the apartment, you'll find yourself in a spacious open living and dining area that spans 30 feet and boasts 13-foot ceilings. The room features oversized 9-foot casement windows that offer a lot of natural light. A wood-burning fireplace enhances the space and is framed by exquisitely honed marble. There's also a beautifully framed oversized mirror that adds to the room's elegance. This room is perfect for daily living and hosting memorable gatherings. See floor plan and full details here.

The Century, #25K
$3,700,000

Central Park West | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,215 ft²

The Century, #25K (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Spectacular and sweeping Central Park and city/skyline views from this impeccably maintained and updated, sun-filled, high floor, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,215 square foot apartment; poised on the 25th floor of the South Tower, in the landmarked art deco masterpiece Century condominium; featuring glamorous entrance gallery with sunken Living/Dining Room, NE corner primary bedroom with built-ins, wonderful flow, large rooms, high ceilings, windowed kitchen & primary bath, separate breakfast area/office, lovely built-ins, East/West & North exposures, washer/dryer, and updated windows &; thru-wall AC units. See floor plan and full details here.

152 Spring Street, #3
$3,950,000

SoHo | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,305 ft²

152 Spring Street, #3 (EXP Realty NYC)

From the Listing: Welcome to your spacious bright 3 3-bedroom convertible residence! With its 2305 interior sf and 300 sf exterior, this floor-through apartment has a 2.5 bathroom home that spans its own private floor with windows facing North, South, East, and West. The apartment is equipped with its private elevator landing and foyer, Russian white oak floors, large open kitchen with massive Northern landmark windows connected to a sunken living room including a gas fireplace with Pietra Cardoza granite. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

Lindley House, #9F
$395,000

360 Cabrini Boulevard, #5E
$449,999 (-6.1%)

720 Fort Washington Avenue, #3R
$499,000

57 Park Terrace East, #B72
$529,990 (-5.2%)

225 East 74th Street, #5M
$550,000 (-11%)

The Tristan, #1F
$550,000

120 Bennett Avenue, #2G
$575,000

225 East 74th Street, #3N
$595,000 (-25.2%)

730 Fort Washington Avenue, #4C
$649,000 (-6.6%)

Goodhue House, #3C
$725,000 (-6.5%)

184 Thompson Street, #2B
$749,000

311 West 82nd Street, #3B
$750,000

Goodhue House, #5E
$750,000

300 West 72nd Street, #5F
$775,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

205 West 95th Street, #5J
$799,000

Park Ten, #15J
$849,000

71 East 77th Street, #9A
$895,000 (-40.1%)

321 West 82nd Street, #8
$895,000 (-5.8%)

The Chelsea Warren, #3B
$989,000

Marlo Towers, #8G
$950,000

Diamond House, #6F
$995,000

The Level Club, #4F
$1,395,000 (-3.8%)

736 West 186th Street, #7CD
$1,525,000

19 East 88th Street, #7C
$1,599,000

The Century, #4G
$1,650,000

2 East End Avenue, #PHF
$1,750,000 (-5.4%)

302 West 12th Street, #4F
$1,895,000

116 West 29th Street, #3
$2,500,000 (-9.1%)

Morgan Studios, #23AB
$2,995,000

The Century, #25K
$3,700,000

152 Spring Street, #3
$3,950,000

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