Features
520 West 110th Street #3C, a classic six, via Engel & Volkers
From Great Listings
What is a Classic Six? See 10 beautiful examples on the market right now
By CityRealty Staff
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
“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, airy atmosphere 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 has not only endured but enjoyed a new appreciation in recent times. After months of whole families trying to live, work, play, study, and exercise in one apartment, a clear division of rooms can be quite welcome. 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 The Lonsdale via Douglas Elliman
From the foyer, you enter this Park Avenue classic six into the welcoming, open concept living room and dining room, an expansive loft-like space perfect for entertaining and relaxation. The bedroom wing has two spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom. A spacious chef's kitchen features high end appliances, and additional features include central air conditioning, hardwood floors, high ceilings, crown molding, a washer and dryer, and exceptional closet space throughout. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 103 East 84th Street via Brown Harris Stevens
Classic six in an Emery Roth-designed building boasts 9'6" ceilings, herringbone floors in the living room and formal dining room, and incredible light from northeast-facing windows. The living room and dining room have been combined into a gallery-like space, but can be restored to the original configuration. A full-time doorman and live-in superintendent are on staff, and private storage transfers with the apartment. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 345 East 57th Street via Douglas Elliman
This south-facing 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 which can be easily reconfigured to create the home of your dreams. The windowed kitchen offers ample cabinetry and a butler's pantry, and a gracious formal dining room with beamed ceilings is the perfect place for elegant dinners. 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 755 West End Avenue via Compass
Enter this high-floor classic six in a Rosario Candela-designed building to find a spacious open living/dining room spanning 40 feet. There is a large chef's kitchen complete with high-end appliances, a home office and a laundry room with utility sink. The apartment has excellent storage space including two large walk-in closets, but the building also offers storage.
See further details here.
All images of 290 West End Avenue via Douglas Elliman
Boasting lots of windows, a great layout and open city views with east, south and west exposures on a high floor, each room in this Upper West Side classic six is large and well-proportioned. Turn left from the gallery and enter into a south facing dining room, then step through into a windowed kitchen with adjoining breakfast room/home office. In the primary suite, a dressing area outfitted with closets and cupboards offers an elegant transition between the bedroom and bathroom. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 520 West 110th Street via Engel & Volkers
Classic six in a prewar boutique condominium boasts a home office, Miele washer/dryer, wood floors, almost 9.5 foot ceilings and ample storage throughout. The graciously proportioned side by side living room and formal dining room boasts prewar details including dentil molding, built-in storage and huge bay windows to enjoy lazy afternoons with light pouring in. The smartly designed windowed kitchen has stainless steel appliances, generous counter space, custom cabinetry, and a breakfast bar. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 325 East 57th Street via Sotheby's International Realty
This spacious and beautifully renovated prewar classic six boasts open exposures from every room, generous proportions and classic prewar details. The welcoming foyer leads to a bright and spacious living room with high ceilings, custom millwork and a wood-burning fireplace. Adjacent to the living room is a formal dining room large enough to host a sizable dinner party or may be comfortably used as a library.
See floor plan and further details here.
All images of The Rutherfurd via Brown Harris Stevens
Upper West Side corner unit is filled with sun and sky from every room. The classic six layout includes a long entry foyer, open living and dining room,large eat-in kitchen and home office. Quietly set on a semi-private landing, the high ceilings, large windows, decorative fireplace and original flooring offer charm and elegance. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of 35 Sutton Place via Compass
Perched high atop the East River in the swank neighborhood of Sutton Place, this classic six with extraordinary views is beautifully situated. Upon entering into a proper foyer with a large walk-in closet, one is immediately struck by the exceptional view of the East River and the 59th Street Bridge from the living room and the private balcony. The galley kitchen is large with extra above-the-counter cabinet space as well as an oversized window adding great light. See floor plan and further details here.
All images of South Bennington Corner via Brown Harris Stevens
Top-floor classic six enjoys open exposures, abundant natural light, and such prewar details as almost 10 foot ceilings, oversized windows, and hardwood floors. Off the entrance gallery, one enters the living room with decorative fireplace and adjoining formal dining room with all original details including pocket doors, beamed ceiling and wainscoting. Both bedrooms enjoy good closet space and open city and Hudson River views. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 51 East 90th Street via Sotheby's International Realty
As you enter this well-proportioned sun-flooded classic six in a boutique prewar cooperative, you will feel the charm and space that it has to offer. The entry foyer leads to a expansive living room with south-facing open views over a tree-lined street. An ample formal dining room is superb for entertaining large parties, but it could easily be converted to a third bedroom if needed. Beautiful hardwood floors, high beamed ceilings, and storage complete this very special residence. See full details here.
All images of 1230 Park Avenue via Brown Harris Stevens
This well proportioned, classic six apartment has two bedrooms plus maids room and 2.5 baths, not to mention a generous corner living room that abuts an expansive nearly 40 foot long terrace. A spacious entry gallery connects the principal public rooms, the more private bedroom wing and the service wing with its kitchen and maids room. A beautifully updated and opened kitchen has stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and elegant cabinetry. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of 530 East 86th Street via Warburg Realty
Incredible opportunity to bring your own vision to this sprawling classic six at 530 East 86th Street. Featuring large, expansive rooms and a gracious layout, this elegant apartment offers bright open exposures from every room. A long entry foyer/gallery leads to a huge living room with three large pane glass windows and a wood burning fireplace, and the adjacent formal dining room combines for an outstanding entertaining space. See floor plan and full details here.
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