Features
From Great Listings
What is a classic six? See 10 beautiful examples on the market right now
By Michelle Mazzarella
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
The Eldorado, 300 Central Park West, #5K ??? $2,795,000 (Douglas Elliman)
“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 these apartments 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. These apartments are also home to other architectural touches that were especially popular during that time: hardwood floors, thick walls, spacious rooms, high ceilings, eye-catching moldings, grand entrance galleries, gracious hallways to separate the spaces, and, in some cases, wood-burning fireplaces and private terraces.
Floor plan of a classic six via Halstead
While a classic six is a highly coveted model, this type of apartment isn't necessarily for everyone. They are most likely to be found in prewar cooperatives on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side, which means those hoping to live in an amenity-rich new downtown condo are out of luck. Clearly defined rooms are also clearly divided, which detracts from the open layout the modern buyer has come to expect and enjoy. The kitchens were designed with servants in mind and are thus smaller than today's cook might appreciate. The maid's room can certainly be used as a third bedroom, albeit one with significantly less space, grandeur, and privacy than the others. And then there is the question of the co-op board: Even if a buyer gets past this formidable body, any changes or updates to the apartment must first be approved.
Nevertheless, the model endures. 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.
505 West End Avenue, #11CD | $4.8 million (Triplemint)
All images of 173 Riverside Drive via Halstead
Bedroom
Private terrace
Classic six on the Upper West Side is flooded with sunlight from west and east exposures, and further enhanced by soaring 11' beamed ceilings. A private terrace measures nearly 80 feet long and looks out on picture-perfect Hudson River views. Prewar building designed by J.E.R. Carpenter has a live-in resident manager, fitness center, playroom, lounge, bike room, and storage. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 1185 Park Avenue via Douglas Elliman
Dining room
Bedroom
Upon entering this Carnegie Hill co-op, a gracious entrance gallery leads to an oversized living room with high beamed ceilings, original herringbone hardwood floors, and a wood-burning fireplace. The formal dining room is directly adjacent and enjoys views of the building's landscaped courtyard garden. Both bedrooms have en suite baths, and the master suite also has its own dressing room. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of The Beresford via Douglas Elliman
Gallery
Bedroom
Elegant apartment in an Emery Roth-designed New York City landmark is beautifully enhanced by soaring ceilings, oversized windows, striking architectural molds, custom art and design lighting, and a grand gallery with recessed lighting and picture frame moldings. The wall separating the living and dining room has been removed, and the centerpiece of the space is the wood-burning fireplace. The master suite boasts two oversized windows, two walk-in closets, and windowed marble bath. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of Parc V via The Corcoran Group
Formal dining room
Master bedroom
Between the enormous north-facing living room and the formal dining room with a wall of south-facing windows, every inch of this Upper East Side classic six is flooded with sunlight. Both bedrooms boast excellent square footage and en suite baths, and there is a staff room off the kitchen. The building enjoys a newly renovated fitness center, parking garage, and excellent proximity to Central Park, Bergdorf Goodman, and Barneys.
See further details here.
All images of 9 Prospect Park West via Allyson Lubow/The Corcoran Group
Living room
Bedroom
Corner classic six in a full-service doorman building boasts gracious entry foyer, open living space, and unobstructed views of Prospect Park and Grand Army Plaza. The windowed kitchen is outfitted with custom milled cabinetry, quartz counters, porcelain herringbone flooring, and chef-grade stainless steel appliances. The corner master bedroom features a walk-in closet, built-in bookcases, and windowed bath. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 875 Fifth Avenue via Sotheby's
Kitchen
Bedroom
Classic six in an Emery Roth-designed cooperative opens up to a chic foyer that leads to a living room facing Central Park. The kitchen has recently been renovated with custom cabinetry and marble countertops and backsplash. The master suite enjoys Central Park views, generous closet space, and en suite bath. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of The Eldorado via Douglas Elliman
Formal dining room
Bedroom
Well-proportioned home in one of the most prestigious co-ops on Central Park West boasts dramatic entrance gallery, deep-set casement windows, original plaster moldings, and more than 70 linear feet of floor-to-ceiling cherry wood cabinetry throughout. The kitchen offers both top-of-the-line appliances and original stripped metal custom cabinetry. The master suite offers incredible storage, abundant natural light, and windowed bath with separate cast-iron tub. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 60 Gramercy Park North via Compass
Kitchen
Bedroom
High-floor home in an esteemed downtown building features 17 windows, a wood-burning fireplace, grand entry foyer, and a highly coveted key to Gramercy Park. The eat-in chef's kitchen is outfitted with custom wood cabinetry, state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances, and Carrara marble countertops. The bedrooms enjoy excellent space and custom built-ins, and the master suite comes with a walk-in closet.
See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 930 Fifth Avenue via The Corcoran Group
Living room
Kitchen
Triple-mint classic six has been completely renovated with the highest-level finishes, but the views of Central Park could hardly be improved upon. An elegant foyer leads to a magnificent entrance gallery with custom bookshelves and ceiling finished in silver leaf. The windowed eat-in kitchen is adjacent to the entertaining areas and outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry, and Caesarstone countertops. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 35 Sutton Place via Douglas Elliman
Kitchen
Private terrace
Magnificent penthouse in an exclusive Manhattan enclave boasts gracious layout, triple exposures, ceilings up to 10 feet high, excellent closet space, and maid's room-turned-home office. The eat-in kitchen is outfitted with custom cabinetry and top-of-the-line appliances. A private wraparound terrace is accessed through the living room and master suite, and looks out on spectacular city and East River views. See floor plan and further details here.
Honorable Mentions Under $2M
1049 Park Avenue via Brown Harris Stevens
890 West End Avenue via Wohlfarth & Associates
Interested in more NYC listings? See all our sales listings here or call us (212) 755-5544.
Follow CityRealty on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or send tips to Content@CityRealty.com
Content Specialist
Michelle Mazzarella
Michelle is a contributing writer and editor for real estate news in New York City
Spacious 1 Bedrooms with outdoor space and in-residence w/d
View Property
Luxury Homes in Midtown | Newly Renovated Studio-2BR Homes
View Property
