The Maisonette: A Hidden Gem in New York City Real Estate

Havard Cooper Architect - West Village Project - Gut Renovation

As both an architect and a real estate enthusiast, I’ve always admired the wide range of homes in New York City. From glassy towers to historic brownstones, the city is full of unique places to live. But there’s one type of home that doesn’t get enough attention—even though it offers rare perks like privacy, space, and charm: the maisonette.

What Is a Maisonette?

The word “maisonette” comes from French and means “little house.” In real estate, it refers to a one- or two-story apartment on the ground floor of a larger building. What makes it special? It has its own private entrance from the street—sometimes in addition to a shared lobby entrance.

You’ll find many maisonettes in classic pre-war buildings, especially on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side. Their private entrances and historic details make them feel like hidden retreats tucked into the city.

Why Privacy Matters

Privacy is one of the biggest reasons people love maisonettes. In a city where most people share elevators, lobbies, and hallways, having your own front door is a luxury.

With a maisonette, you can come and go without seeing a crowd. No waiting for the elevator, no bumping into neighbors on your way out. It’s a quieter, more personal way to live—like having a house, but with the safety and services of an apartment building.

More Room to Breathe

Maisonettes are also known for their space. Many offer more square footage than a typical NYC apartment. Their multi-level layouts allow for flexible living—ideal if you need a separate home office, a playroom, or a formal dining space.

This flexibility makes maisonettes appealing to many people. Professionals can work downstairs and relax upstairs. Families can enjoy more room to grow, with the bonus of possible outdoor access—something few apartments offer.

What to Keep in Mind

Of course, maisonettes aren’t for everyone. Being on the ground floor means you may hear more street noise or get less natural light than upper-floor units. But if privacy and layout matter more to you than a skyline view, it’s a trade-off worth making.

It’s also helpful to understand how maisonettes differ from townhouses. A townhouse is its own full building, sometimes attached to others. A maisonette, by contrast, is a single apartment in a shared building—just with its own private entrance.

Finding the Right Fit

Maisonettes are rare, so it may take time to find the right one. But they’re out there—especially if you work with an agent who knows what to look for or if you have an eye for design.

As an architect, I love how these homes blend form and function. The layouts are smart, the entrances discreet, and the spaces full of potential. For those who value privacy, flexibility, and character, a maisonette is one of New York’s best-kept secrets.

So whether you’re a buyer who wants something unique, a family needing more space, or a city dweller looking for a better way to live, a maisonette may be exactly what you’ve been searching for.

To see more about recently, completed full gut maisonette renovation in a Landmarked Building in the West Village.

See the Architectural Digest or The Process Step-by-Step below.