Amidst the reckoning that took place across the country in mid-2020, the phrase "master suite" has gradually gotten phased out of real estate listings in favor of less fraught terms like "primary suite" or "main bedroom." But while the name is changing, the definition has not: It refers to the largest bedroom in a home, one that typically comes with the most storage space and an en suite bathroom.
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That is the most basic definition, but luxury developers and designers across New York City have spent the past few years upping the primary suite ante with features like endless space and storage, spa-like baths, and custom closets, much to the delight of buyers. Even rentals are getting in on the upgraded primary suite game: At 18W55, a recently launched rental in the Plaza District, bedrooms enjoy soothing palettes, abundant light, and high-end finishes.
Below, we look at some of the most coveted features in the bedrooms and baths of primary suites, and New York City listings that offer them.
Below, we look at some of the most coveted features in the bedrooms and baths of primary suites, and New York City listings that offer them.
Multiple walk-in closets
Storage space is at a premium in almost any New York apartment, and that can be especially contentious when dividing up closet space in the primary suite. More than one walk-in closet readily solves this problem.
One Williamsburg Wharf, #15C (Serhant)
Double vanity
As two people try to brush their teeth or get ready at the same time, even the most spacious bathroom can feel a bit claustrophobic. Double vanities solve this problem by giving each person their own space.
720 West End Avenue, #8B
$3,550,000
Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,667 ft2
720 West End Avenue, #8B (Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group)
Enclosed water closet
In primary bathrooms, spouses or partners may be forced to share the space at the same time. Separate water closets allow for privacy at this time, not to mention a more sanitary atmosphere.
250 West 96th Street, #20B
$3,225,000
Broadway Corridor | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,392 ft2
250 West 96th Street, #20B (Compass)
Bidet
Long a must-have for international buyers, domestic buyers have come around to bidets in recent years. Some primary suites offer bidets in addition to toilets, while other designers have opted to install smart toilets with bidet seats in new construction buildings.
Bridge No. 50, #419 (Serhant)
Windowed bath
As bathrooms trap a lot of moisture, proper ventilation is essential. One way to accomplish this is with a window, which offers the bonus of more natural light.
The Belnord, #710 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
Free-standing soaking tub
In modern bathrooms, shower heads above tubs have long since become de rigueur. However, free-standing soaking tubs add an extra touch of luxury, not to mention separation from the shower that allows two people to get ready or relax at the same time.
35 East 12th Street, #8B (Compass)
Dual shower heads
Rain showers have become fixtures in both luxury spas and residential developments alike for their relaxing atmosphere, but don't offer much in the way of versatile settings. Enjoy the best of both worlds with a rain shower and separate handheld spray.
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Little Singer Building, #8A (Compass)
Radiant heated floors
On chilly mornings, stepping out of bed onto a cold bathroom floor can feel like adding insult to injury. This is where radiant heated floors come in.
The Harper, #19A (CORE Group Marketing LLC)
Heated towel rack
There’s nothing like drying off with a towel fresh from the dryer, but it’s impractical to do laundry every day to get that sensation even with an in-unit washer/dryer. Heated towel racks offer the next best thing.
305 West 86th Street, #5B
$1,495,000 (-6.3%)
Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,150 ft2
305 West 86th Street, #5B (R New York)
Multiple primary baths
As luxury developments started to introduce primary bedrooms with two en suite baths, brokers said this feature had the potential to save many a marriage. But in some especially well-appointed apartments, this could lead to bickering over who gets the soaking tub and who gets the stand-up shower.
77 Greenwich Street, #PH
$9,500,000 (-2.6%)
Financial District | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 3,531 ft2
77 Greenwich Street, #PH (Christies International Real Estate Group LLC)
Dressing rooms
For serious fashion lovers, dressing rooms allow for better organization of one's wardrobe than simply piling clothes, shoes, and accessories in the closet. The separate rooms within the primary suite allow people to put a personal touch on their own space in terms of decor. Finally, dressing rooms allow couples on different schedules to get ready for the day and look presentable without waking up a partner.
799 Park Avenue, #19/20B
$7,995,000 (-15.8%)
Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 5,200 ft2
799 Park Avenue, #19/20B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
En suite home office
Home offices jumped to the top of many a homebuyer's wish list at the height of the pandemic, and this shows no sign of fading as a growing number of companies embrace a hybrid work model. Certain primary suites offer square footage that allows for a home office with optimal privacy from the rest of the apartment, and yet one with enough separation from the bed that it's easier to relax at the end of a workday. These are also perfect for a sitting area, meditation space, reading nook, TV room, mini home gym, or whatever else the buyer can dream up.
1 John Street, #PHE (Sothebys International Realty)
Spa-inspired features
As more of the city's luxury developments make health and wellness a priority, they have incorporated features like saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and steam showers into their amenity packages. But for those who might not wish to run into a neighbor in these settings, these primary suites offer relaxation features in one's own home.
200 Amsterdam, #48A
$18,495,000 (-2.6%)
Lincoln Center | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 5 Baths | 3,933 ft2
200 Amsterdam, #48A (Serhant)
Private outdoor space
In any apartment, a private terrace offers an outdoor escape. However, a balcony or terrace accessible only via the primary suite offers even more of one. These allow people to get a bit of fresh air with optimal privacy and without tripping over the furniture and toys that can take over common outdoor space.
The Treadwell, #PH (Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing LLC)
Fireplaces
In a New York City home, a fireplace in the primary bedroom elevates the space's decor and harkens back to manor houses of old. Some are purely decorative, but a working fireplace adds an extra touch of coziness to this private space.
125 East 65th Street, #TH
$45,500,000
Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 14,346 ft2
125 East 65th Street, #TH (Serhant)
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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