Pre-war NYC apartments with cozy step-down living rooms

By CityRealty Staff | From Get To Know Thursday, October 31, 2024

55 Central Park West, #3F (SERHANT)

Sunken living rooms are a distinctive feature in many New York apartments, with origins dating back to 1927 when Kansas-born architect Bruce Goff introduced the idea in an Art Deco-style house with a “conversation pit.” This design element, which had never been seen before, quickly gained popularity, inspiring architects like Eero Saarinen to incorporate it into their projects in the following decades.

Residents of homes with step-down living rooms often appreciate the inviting, intimate feel they bring to a space, making them ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying quiet evenings at home.

By the 30s, sunken living rooms found their way into Manhattan apartments as these spaces became fixtures on television such as in The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. They remained coveted for offering a sense of grandeur while subtly defining areas in an open layout, a feature highly valued in city apartments.

While step-down living rooms were widely coveted, they began to fall out of favor as developers viewed them as potential tripping hazards and an added construction cost. As a result, most sunken living rooms are now found in pre-war and mid-century co-ops or some renovated conversions updated to attract modern buyers.

Because these buildings date back to an era known for more generous proportions, apartments with sunken living rooms often also feature details like crown moldings, spacious rooms, and ample closet space, adding to their timeless appeal. See our round-up of active listings with sunken living rooms below.

525 East 80th Street #11BC (Compass)

Park Terrace Gardens, #E12
$375,000

Inwood | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 750 ft²

Park Terrace Gardens, #E12 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Tranquility, greenery, and birdsong in an urban setting a house-in-the-country vibe with delightful garden views from this lovely one-bedroom home that is move-in ready. Park Terrace Gardens is unique in Inwood, with five buildings surrounding the very private garden where you can enjoy daffodils and azaleas in spring, not to mention year-round blooms such as Paper Bush (edgeworthis papyrikfera). Evergreens including holly and boxwood are right outside the windows of this peaceful first-floor apartment. See floor plan and full details here.

585 West 214th Street, #6E
$419,000

Inwood | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

585 West 214th Street, #6E (Access Property Group Inc)

From the Listing: This absolute perfection of a top-floor 1BR/1BA with direct Inwood Hill Park/Henry Hudson Bridge views checks so many boxes it can only be described by one word: irresistible. Words will hardly do this beauty justice, because from the location to the building to the apartment itself, it's all here...so come see for yourself! See floor plan and full details here.

Castle Village, #17
$450,000 (-9.8%)

Washington Heights | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Castle Village, #17 (Compass)

From the Listing: Opportunity Knocks! Bring your contractor and create your dream home in Hudson Heights’ most sought-after complex. This home was formerly an office to a beloved pediatrician, now retired.It has excellent prewar bones and is priced to sell. See floor plan and full details here.

72-11 110th Street, #4A
$469,000

Forest Hills | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 802 ft²

72-11 110th Street, #4A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Come home to a relaxing environment that was designed for entertainment and leisure. Enter the apartment and be greeted by an inviting breakfast bar that frames a professional kitchen. A palatial sunken living room completes the social space. See floor plan and full details here.

Gregory House, #2F
$490,000

Murray Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 850 ft²

Gregory House, #2F (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Welcome to the heart of Murray Hill at The Gregory House, where prewar charm blends seamlessly with modern convenience. This light-filled, one-bedroom co-op offers a thoughtful layout and all the comforts of contemporary living in a prime Manhattan location. See floor plan and full details here.

The Thornley, #8E
$575,000

Yorkville | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath | 586 ft²

The Thornley, #8E (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Move right into this Large flowing Convertible Jr. One Bedroom. This stunning apartment has undergone a complete renovation and boasts a very large sunken living room with space for a dining area, a large sleeping area with an expansive wall of windows, a brand new through the wall wifi enabled AC Unit and refinished original Parquet floors. See floor plan and full details here.

Castle Village, #77
$575,000 (-4%)

Washington Heights | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Castle Village, #77 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: MINT condition, move right in! Come experience this seamless blend of sophistication and comfort, with sunlight that radiates from its seventh-floor western exposure. A gracious foyer with walk-in entry closet leads into a sunken living room, where two banks of oversized windows frame panoramic views of the Hudson River and the verdant Palisades Cliffs. Refinished herringbone floors and high ceilings add an elegance that elevates this entire one-bedroom home. See floor plan and full details here.

131 West 85th Street, #4C
$599,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

131 West 85th Street, #4C (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Warm and welcoming one-bedroom residence with a private balcony situated on a prime Upper West Side block. This charming south-facing apartment features a sizable entryway, a renovated pass-through kitchen with a dishwasher, a sunken living room large enough to accommodate a dining area, an updated bathroom, a queen-sized bedroom, and three generous closets. Wake up with your morning coffee or unwind with a glass of wine while relaxing on your private balcony with tree-top views. See floor plan and full details here.

Kensington House, #1215
$625,000

Chelsea | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath

Kensington House, #1215 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Located on a high floor in one of the city's most popular neighborhoods this beautifully appointed Studio apartment easily converts to a one bedroom. It is an exceptional offering with an open layout that features a sunken living room, separate dining room, dressing room and both Southern and Western exposures - that fill the apartment with natural light. See floor plan and full details here.

125 Ocean Avenue, #2G
$700,000

Prospect Lefferts Gardens | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 1,000 ft²

125 Ocean Avenue, #2G (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to apartment 2G at 125 Ocean Avenue! This beautifully renovated, 1,000 sq ft home in Lefferts Gardens is a true showstopper. As you enter, you’re greeted by two custom California closets leading to a sunken living room with original 1930s wrought iron railings.The windowed dining room, is currently being used as a custom home office with beautiful built-ins & dramatic lighting. See floor plan and full details here.

The Berkeley, #A38
$749,000

Jackson Heights | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 1,150 ft²

The Berkeley, #A38 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This stunning two-bedroom, one-bathroom residence at the Berkeley Co-op, located on a tree-lined street in the heart of the historic district of Jackson Heights is move-in ready! Enter the spacious foyer, large enough to serve as an office or den, and take a moment to notice the classic 1930s Art Deco architecture of the apartment. The gorgeous sunken living room with raised dining area boasts dramatic curved archways, 9 foot ceilings, oak hardwood flooring and sunshine streaming through three brand-new western-facing windows. See floor plan and full details here.

The Thornley, #6F
$895,000

Yorkville | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 900 ft²

The Thornley, #6F (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to Apartment #6F, a renovated perfectly proportioned extra-large 1 bedroom & 1 bath. Located in a full-service Art Deco Pre-War Building, this residence offers a quiet retreat with an abundance of space & is move-in ready. This 925 sq. ft. Junior-4 home has a comfortable entry foyer that includes a large deep closet & built-in cabinets leading to a generous-sized sunken living room with a wall of windows & big enough for a home office area. See floor plan and full details here.

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Regent House, #8F
$895,000 (-8.2%)

Midtown West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Regent House, #8F (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: The Regent House is located between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, across the street from the illustrious Museum of Modern Art. This spacious 5 room apartment has a sunken living room, a large dining area, 2 spacious split bedrooms, 2 baths, and a windowed kitchen. Lovely hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, and lots of closets complement this bright residence. See floor plan and full details here.

The Westmore, #704
$1,085,000

Midtown West | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

The Westmore, #704 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This extremely spacious and highly coveted premium 1 bedroom home is now available at The Westmore, an Art Deco gem located half a block from Columbus Circle. Flexible and easy Condop rules are very investor-friendly, allowing for unlimited renting from day 1 and no board interview. See floor plan and full details here.

The Pembroke, #3H
$1,099,000 (-7.6%)

Midtown West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

The Pembroke, #3H (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: UPDATED! The current lender willing to consider an assumable loan at 2.625% for a balance of $650k. Classic pre-war architecture meets modern convenience in this rare-bedroom home, located on a beautiful tree-lined block in Hell's Kitchen! See floor plan and full details here.

The John Jay House, #1C
$1,250,000 (-3.8%)

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

The John Jay House, #1C (Compass)

From the Listing: Luxurious living awaits you in this renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bath co-op boasting a private backyard, a rare find in this area, meticulously maintained and move-in ready, this apartment is truly one-of-a-kind, offering both comfort and style in equal measure. See floor plan and full details here.

20 Clinton Street, #4E
$1,395,000

Lower East Side | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 901 ft²

20 Clinton Street, #4E (Compass)

From the Listing: Situated on one of the best blocks of the Lower East Side, this light-filled, 2 bedroom, 1 bath condominium is now available for sale. 4E at 20 Clinton Street is a beautifully designed apartment currently being used as an oversized one bedroom featuring four exposures thru 9 oversized windows, high ceilings, a sunken living room and a massive picture window that is sure to impress. Sunny, sophisticated and generously sized, the flexible floor plan gives a buyer the option to easily convert back to a 2 bedroom (see alternate floor plan). See floor plan and full details here.

The St Germaine, #7C
$1,495,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

The St Germaine, #7C (Compass)

From the Listing: Sponsor Sale! No board approval required and a 60-day close available. If you love the Upper West Side, you’ll love this sun-drenched, corner two-bedroom home in a full-service Art Deco co-op on West 86th Street, nestled in the heart of the Upper West Side with iconic and historic prewar views. This stunning residence maintains its original charm with prewar details like high ceilings, herringbone oak floors, and vintage door hardware. See floor plan and full details here.

19 East 88th Street, #7C
$1,500,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 1,325 ft²

19 East 88th Street, #7C (R New York)

From the Listing: LUCKY YOU, the deal fell through— and this spectacular property is back on the market at an even better price! Whether you’re looking for a full-time residence or a pied-a-terre, come home to the best of everything. This unique Museum Mile residence measures approximately 1325 sqft and is just a few doors from the Guggenheim, located in one of Carnegie Hill’s most desirable and sought-after full-service prewar co-ops. See floor plan and full details here.

100 Riverside Drive, #6B
$1,595,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

100 Riverside Drive, #6B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Bright and airy this spectacular home showcases dramatic sunsets and park and river views from every room! This beautifully proportioned and well-appointed large-bedroom apartment was exquisitely renovated by acclaimed designer Laurie Blumenfeld. See floor plan and full details here.

Abingdon Court, #2H
$1,950,000

West Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths

Abingdon Court, #2H (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to Residence 2H at 75 Bank, nestled within the historic Abingdon Court on a highly sought-after block between Bank and Bleecker Streets. This beautifully renovated two-bedroom, one-bathroom plus powder room cooperative perfectly embodies the essence of West Village living, seamlessly blending the building's pre-war heritage with contemporary comfort. See floor plan and full details here.

411 West End Avenue, #11A
$1,995,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

411 West End Avenue, #11A (Buchbinder & Warren Realty Group LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to luxury living on the Upper West Side at 411 West End Avenue, where timeless elegance meets modern convenience. This exquisite two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment offers a perfect blend of classic charm and contemporary amenities. See floor plan and full details here.

180 East 79th Street, #14D
$1,999,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

180 East 79th Street, #14D (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: One-of-a-kind Prewar HomeA beautiful high-floor, originally sprawling 6 room , converted into a five-room, apartment with stunning South city views is now being offered in this prestigious, highly sought after, prewar cooperative. See floor plan and full details here.

19 East 88th Street, #7ABC
$4,000,000 (-6.9%)

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,100 ft²

19 East 88th Street, #7ABC (Compass)

From the Listing: RARE OPPORTUNITY to create a bespoke 3000+ sqft residence in one of Carnegie Hill’s most desirable and sought-after buildings, 19 East 88th, just seconds from the Guggenheim and Central Park. See floor plan and full details here.

320 West 76th Street, #7D
$2,550,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,460 ft²

320 West 76th Street, #7D (Compass)

From the Listing: A stunning, fully gut-renovated 2-bed, 2-bath apartment with a home office and in-unit washer/dryer in a pet-friendly, attended building on a prime UWS park block. Emphasizing open, light-filled spaces, this home radiates a soothing atmosphere with a timeless aesthetic. Crafted from high-quality materials to exacting standards, this modern residence punctuates reductive design elements with crisp lines and monochromatic contrasts—a cultivation of order, intention, and serenity. See floor plan and full details here.

450 West End Avenue, #5B
$2,875,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,930 ft²

450 West End Avenue, #5B (Compass)

From the Listing: SPACE and grandeur awaits you in this CORNER UNIT, Classic-6 3BED / 2BATH co-op. See floor plan and full details here.

175 West 92nd Street, #5GH
$2,995,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 3,000 ft²

175 West 92nd Street, #5GH (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This beautiful Upper West Side combination home offers an expansive, gracious, and flexible floorplan that can accommodate every layout need. With a loft-like open formal expanse, 4 -5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, multiple work from home options and den/media spaces, the possibilities are endless. Sun-filled rooms with three exposures, blue sky and city views, the scale of this approximately 3,000 square foot home feels even more impressive. See floor plan and full details here.

2 Sutton Place South, #19F
$3,425,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

2 Sutton Place South, #19F (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Entering Apartment 19F, you immediately feel the wow-factor. From the private vestibule, you enter an expansive foyer leading to the sunken living room with just under 10-foot ceilings. Four large floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a 28ft east-facing balcony. See floor plan and full details here.

55 Central Park West, #3F
$4,295,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

55 Central Park West, #3F (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Introducing an impeccably redesigned gem on Central Park West - This sprawling classic 6-home boasts unrivaled views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.Upon entry into the grand foyer, you are guided into the expansive, sunken living area. Flooded with natural light and adorned with a decorative fireplace, this resplendent home is accompanied by 10 foot ceilings, original pre-war details, hardwood floors and picturesque panoramas throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

14 East 75th Street, #7E
$4,750,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

14 East 75th Street, #7E (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This impressive home, Residence 7E at 14 E 75th St, a prestigious boutique coop with incredibly low maintenance, is a slice of Paris in a prime UES location. Situated between Fifth and Madison Avenues in the mid-70s and only one block away from Central Park,7E is a rare opportunity to experience NYC living at its best. See floor plan and full details here.

The Wakefield, #11BC
$5,000,000 (-10.7%)

Yorkville | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,065 ft²

The Wakefield, #11BC (Compass)

From the Listing: Discover The Wakefield at 525 E 80th St in the picturesque Upper East Side: Residence 11BC, a newly renovated loft-style condo, boasts 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and stunning Northern and Southern exposures. See floor plan and full details here.

180 East 79th Street, #14B
$5,500,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 5 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths

180 East 79th Street, #14B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Indulge in the epitome of opulent living within this spacious residence, graciously perched on a high floor and bathed in a lushness of natural light from four distinct exposures. Immerse yourself in the sophisticated ambiance as you enter the welcoming gallery, setting the stage for the grandeur that unfolds within. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

Park Terrace Gardens, #E12
$375,000

585 West 214th Street, #6E
$419,000

Castle Village, #17
$450,000 (-9.8%)

72-11 110th Street, #4A
$469,000

Gregory House, #2F
$490,000

The Thornley, #8E
$575,000

Castle Village, #77
$575,000 (-4%)

131 West 85th Street, #4C
$599,000

Kensington House, #1215
$625,000

125 Ocean Avenue, #2G
$700,000

The Berkeley, #A38
$749,000

The Thornley, #6F
$895,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Regent House, #8F
$895,000 (-8.2%)

The Westmore, #704
$1,085,000

The Pembroke, #3H
$1,099,000 (-7.6%)

The John Jay House, #1C
$1,250,000 (-3.8%)

20 Clinton Street, #4E
$1,395,000

The St Germaine, #7C
$1,495,000

19 East 88th Street, #7C
$1,500,000

100 Riverside Drive, #6B
$1,595,000

Abingdon Court, #2H
$1,950,000

411 West End Avenue, #11A
$1,995,000

180 East 79th Street, #14D
$1,999,000

19 East 88th Street, #7ABC
$4,000,000 (-6.9%)

320 West 76th Street, #7D
$2,550,000

450 West End Avenue, #5B
$2,875,000

175 West 92nd Street, #5GH
$2,995,000

2 Sutton Place South, #19F
$3,425,000

55 Central Park West, #3F
$4,295,000

14 East 75th Street, #7E
$4,750,000

The Wakefield, #11BC
$5,000,000 (-10.7%)

180 East 79th Street, #14B
$5,500,000

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