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The Riviera, 690 Riverside Boulevard
From Great Listings
What is a Classic Six? See 10 beautiful examples on the market right now
By CityRealty Staff
Thursday, October 29, 2020
“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.
All images of 138 East 36th Street (Douglas Elliman)
Bedroom
Dining room
Classic six home in a full-service Co-op building. This is your renovation dream come true. Priced to sell, the expansive floor plan offers generous bedrooms, a formal dining room, 3 full bathrooms, an EIK, and a home office perfect for working from home. Quiet, south-facing home loaded with pre-war details and wonderful light. Very spacious with Incredible potential and upside. Elegant, boutique co-op building on the prime tree-lined block has a part-time doorman, live-in super, and on-site laundry. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of Dorchester Towers, 155 West 68th Street, #2034 via Corcoran
Kitchen
Bedroom
The Dorchester Towers condominium is squarely located on one of the most prime corners on the Upper West Side. With very limited apartments for sale in the building and at this price point, this is your chance to create your very own dream large, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom home exactly to your specifications. Investors are certainly welcome as there are tenants and a lease in place through the end of August 2020. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of The Riviera, 790 Riverside Drive, #3J
Gallery
DIning Rooom
Classic six perfectly reconfigured into a spacious and beautifully renovated two-bedroom, two-bath home with home office located in The Riviera. Upon entering, a gracious living room with original moldings and marble fireplace (gas) sets the tone. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 325 East 41st Street, #407 via Sotheby's
Formal dining room
Living room
This elegant and well-proportioned Classic Six corner home, filled with stunning prewar details, awaits your personal touch. Eastern and southern light radiates through 10 casement windows which frame the ever-changing seasonal views of the tree-lined streets in Tudor City. A welcoming foyer leads into the grand living room with 9ft+/- beamed ceilings, hardwood flooring, and a wood-burning fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases.
See further details here.
All images of 345 East 57th Street, #3A via Douglas Elliman
Kitchen
Bedroom
Enjoy leafy green treetops and warm southern light from Residence 3A, which is the extraordinary embodiment of elegance, style, and serenity synonymous with Sutton Place. This original Classic Six is perfect for those who appreciate the grandeur of prewar ambiance offering 9' high beamed ceilings, a detailed fireplace mantel, and gleaming wood floors. Enjoy the original gracious floor plan allowing for the separation of living spaces that can be easily reconfigured to create the home of your dreams. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 129 East 82nd Street, #5C via Compass
Living room
Kitchen
Move right into this tastefully renovated classic 6 room residence at 129 East 82nd Street located in the prime part of the Upper East Side between Lexington and Park Avenues. The gracious layout starts with a formal entry foyer which opens into an expansive entertaining space with a 27' living room featuring sunny eastern views over Lexington Avenue. Cross the gallery to the formal dining room measuring 17' by 13' creating an open living space while retaining its classic character and charm. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 64 East 86th Street, #8B via Compass
Formal dining room
Children's playroom
Upper East Side- Classic six opportunity to create the home of your dreams. Masterly and elegant, this pre-war, Classic Six apartment is being offered for the first time in three generations. Original details exist throughout.. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 60 Gramercy Park North via Compass
Kitchen
Bedroom
A modern take on a prewar classic six that is inspired and eclectic, fun and cool--definitely not your parents' apartment. This high floor A line comes with a coveted key to Gramercy Park and a bird's eye view of Manhattan's only private park from 9 of the 17 windows. The creative and eclectic interior design by Starrett Ringbom has produced a singular apartment that surprises at every turn.
See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 1075 Grand Concourse (Halstead)
Living room
Bedroom
Huge and Stunningly Renovated Classic Six 3 BDRM/2 BTH Across from the Bronx Museum of the Arts where admission is always free. The Biggest line in the Building-Three Large Bedrooms and Two Full Baths, Separate Dining Room, and an Enormous Grand Entry Foyer. The Kitchen has Stainless Appliances, Granite Floors, and a Beautiful Window Seat.See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 123 West 93rd Street, #6G via Compass
Living room
Dining Room
This light-filled, and gorgeous classic 6 apartment with prewar charm is perched on the 6th floor above the quiet tree-lined streets of the historic UWS. Located 1 blocked from Central Park, close to Riverside Park and a short distance from world class dining, shopping and cultural offerings that line Columbus, Amsterdam and Broadway - you simply cannot beat the location of this incredible home!See floor plan and further details here.
The Girard, 125 East 84th Street, #3D (Olshan Realty)
430 East 57th Street, #15D (Sotheby's Realty)
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