If the days seem to be getting darker and drearier, it’s not your imagination - the sun is rising later and setting earlier this week in the Northern Hemisphere, to culminate in the shortest day and darkest night of the year on December 21. Whether or not you celebrate the winter solstice as a holiday, we will all be able to see its effects on the natural world, as we will only experience more daylight going forward.
Some people cope with the dark days of winter by spending extra time outside or investing in a light therapy box. Those living in apartments with skylights, though, are fortunate enough to experience extra natural light now and at any time of year. Skylights bring consistent light into a space that might not normally receive natural light (e.g., the top of a staircase), and add a distinctive design touch to a home. Moreover, the extra light could allow homeowners to use less electricity.
However, skylights aren’t necessarily for everyone. If a skylight isn’t properly installed or insulated, it can lead to heat loss in the home or leaks in the roof. And even if a skylight is fully insulated and sealed, it can be difficult to keep clean.
Some people cope with the dark days of winter by spending extra time outside or investing in a light therapy box. Those living in apartments with skylights, though, are fortunate enough to experience extra natural light now and at any time of year. Skylights bring consistent light into a space that might not normally receive natural light (e.g., the top of a staircase), and add a distinctive design touch to a home. Moreover, the extra light could allow homeowners to use less electricity.
However, skylights aren’t necessarily for everyone. If a skylight isn’t properly installed or insulated, it can lead to heat loss in the home or leaks in the roof. And even if a skylight is fully insulated and sealed, it can be difficult to keep clean.
In this article:
Below, we take a look at New York City listings with skylights, the majority of which are top-floor units in prewar buildings. One such example may be found at The Muffin House, a Chelsea cooperative that was originally built as a foundry in 1850 and later used as a bakery by Samuel Bath Thomas, who introduced English muffins (now known for their “nooks and crannies”) to the American palate. When Mr. Thomas bought the building in the early 1900s, he added a brick oven underneath the building’s garden. About 100 years later, a couple living in the building came across the oven behind their basement walls in summer 2006. The engineering firm that now works for Thomas’ tried to see if the oven could be moved to one of their manufacturing plants, but determined that it could not. It remains beneath the building’s courtyard to this day.
Just as Mr. Thomas built the oven to meet his baking needs, this unit’s kitchen has been equipped with top-of-the-line appliances to meet the needs of today’s chef. It is also bathed in natural light from a skylight in the living room just off the kitchen. The apartment comes topped with a fully irrigated private roof garden, which offers easy access to the skylight for cleaning purposes.
From the Listing: Rare opportunity to live in this romantic penthouse home that is located on one of the nicest, tree-lined blocks in historic West Chelsea. A charming cobbled courtyard leads to a secret back carriage house where you'll find this peaceful top-floor residence featuring a private roof garden. Enter a quaint sky-lit living room with original wood-beamed ceilings, Australian eucalyptus hardwood floors, and treetop views through a wall of French windows. The sky-lit windowed kitchen is cleverly designed to maximize space and features custom maple cabinetry, slate floors, and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances including a Northland ProChef refrigerator, Amica oven, Fisher and Paykel dishwasher, and a Vinotemp 26-bottle temperature-controlled wine fridge. Off the living room, there is a sun-filled, south-facing bedroom with ample closets, and a tastefully renovated bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This sun-flooded corner apartment has been meticulously renovated for maximum functionality. Featuring a spectacular skylight, beautiful wood floors, a charming wood burning fireplace with a marble hearth, updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and marble countertops, updated modern bath, high ceilings, all in an artistically significant picturesque boutique brownstone home which offers a storage room for residents, and laundry. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Completely renovated and move-in ready is this top-floor home featuring soaring 10' high ceilings with dramatic skylight; solid wide-planked oak floors that warm the room and compliment the exposed brick walls and decorative fireplace; in-wall and ceiling surround sound with receiver and hookups hidden away in kitchen cabinet. TV and receiver are included in the sale. Magnificent, open kitchen equipped with Samsung gas stove, Electrolux dishwasher, washer and dryer; granite countertops; above and below cabinet lighting. All marble bathroom with European toilet (tank in wall), shower wall jets, wireless Bluetooth speakers embedded in bathroom ceiling. Murphy bed built in to wall to be tucked away when having guests over. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Welcome home to your penthouse apartment at the sleek and innovative 1311 Pacific Street condo complex. The private keyed elevator opens directly into your sunny one bedroom in the sky. Floor to ceiling sliding doors make indoor/ outdoor living feel like an extension of your entertaining space. Additionally, there is a spiral staircase to a second 500-square-foot private roof deck. A blank canvas, the industrial chic concrete floor, newly updated, ties in perfectly with the modern finishes of the stainless steel kitchen. The aesthetic is crisp and airy with a skylight overhead adding sunny depth to the open concept. Pocket doors to the bedroom (king sized bed pictured) and bathroom maximize space leaving both feeling expansive and open. The bathroom has been updated with spa-like overhead shower and new tiling throughout. Deeded parking spot and storage included, and tax abatement until 2027. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Top-floor home is full of light, character, and style. Features include high ceilings, two decorative fireplaces, and exposed brick walls. Updated kitchen and bath, as well as hardwood floors, and three large closets. This exquisite top-floor condo boasts two skylight windows that create a radiant and romantic atmosphere, allowing for abundant sunlight to surround you in the daylight hours. This home has fully deeded 200 square feet of roof rights, on top of it, and in-unit washer/dryer are allowed. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Waiting at the top of the staircase in the Alphonse Montant House is a unique one-bedroom, one-bath apartment under glass ceilings flooded by tons of natural light. This sophisticated residence comes with airy double-height space and soaring ceilings, expansive skylights and bathed in sunlight. The old-world details include, unpainted brick walls, oak plank flooring and a working wood-burning fireplace, features that enhance the comfort and warmth within. The interiors were newly renovated to balance period details with contemporary touches in the modern kitchen and marble encased bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Located on one of the most beautiful tree-lined streets in the Upper West Side is this one-of-a-kind triplex apartment that has it all! Situated atop of this unique brownstone, this home features 11-foot ceilings, exposed brick and a beautiful wood-burning fireplace surrounded by built-in book cases. The renovated kitchen has classic white cabinetry, GE refrigerator, stove and microwave along with a Bosch dishwasher and Carrara marble counters and backsplash. Just outside the kitchen is a large breakfast bar also clad in Carrara marble and a powder room. Walking up to the next level is your south-facing, incredibly sunny living/dining room with original pre war windows and molding. Just up from there is the primary bedroom with oversized skylights and en-suite bathroom. If that isn't enough this apartment comes with a private roof deck with unbelievable views of the Manhattan skyline. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Apartment 5 at 8 Sidney Place is the type of home people dream about when fantasizing about living in Brooklyn Heights. This floor-through property is drenched in light from the east and west, and the renovation and layout are to die for. Upon entering the home, you are immediately taken by the open layout featuring a stunning kitchen with a gorgeous island open to a floating staircase which leads to the private roof deck. The kitchen features beautiful new appliances, abundant storage, and plenty of marble counter space. This is all complemented beautifully by the skylights. The kitchen leads to the open dining/living area where you will find a wall of custom built-ins and three eastern-facing windows which allow in gorgeous light and views over the treetops of Sidney Place. There is plenty of room for a dining area and seating for the TV area. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This is your opportunity to own a sophisticated, fully furnished, prewar treasure on Central Park West. This beautiful 15th floor residence welcomes you through its gracious entry and features a grand living room with a working wood burning fireplace and skylight. The chic dining area is large enough to host a sizeable gathering or have intimate dining. This space is enhanced by west-facing floor to ceiling French doors with brass hardware that open to a Juliet balcony. A modern compact kitchen has stainless-steel appliances. The windowed bathroom has been renovated to retain the style of the prewar period. The apartment has amazing closet space including two walk ins, one of which also has a window and a small office. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Original exposed brick apartment, flooded with natural light and views of greenery. This two-bedroom apartment features an open plan layout, with hardwood floors, sophisticated kitchen design, modern white subway tiles, two skylight windows and an entirely private roof deck. The main bedroom is bright and spacious with industrial-inspired ceiling, exposed brick and abundant closet space. The newly renovated bathroom offers designer shower head, full size tub, with light, airy and modern designs throughout. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Renovated by an elite fashion stylist, this penthouse spares no expense when it comes to luxury. This is aerie style living at its finest, featuring oversized windows, skylights, walnut floors, two wood-burning fireplaces, and a 500-square-foot terrace directly off your living room. The open chefs kitchen includes, Corian counter tops, Wolf Stove, and Subzero refrigerator. The enormous master bathroom is finished with Italian Travertine marble, Dorenbracht fixtures, a Duravit Jacuzzi tub, rain shower, and heated floors. The generous primary bedroom flows into a coveted, custom wenge-wood walk-in closet. Sellers are offering $1,500/month for 12 months towards monthly maintenance. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Enjoy the privacy of a single-family home with this beautifully renovated 4 bedroom, 3 bath townhouse. Through a foyer large enough for storing shoes and jackets, the living room and open contemporary kitchen (equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a vented hood) welcome you into this expansive home with over 2,000 square feet of above grade living space. A middle bedroom, currently used as an office/guest room, has access to an adjacent full bathroom and offers overnight guests privacy from the three additional bedrooms upstairs. The formal dining room in the back overlooks the south-facing yard with patio and is already set up for growing a canopy of fresh herbs and vegetables in the spring. Up the stairs is an impressive landing, boasting a skylight and enough room for an office, home gym, or library. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: A 19th-century townhouse in South Slope, Brooklyn consisting of three brand new 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom homes. Unit #3 has both a balcony and a deeded roof. All units feature 5" white oak floors with a Bona Natural High Traffic finish throughout, generously sized, highly efficient glass doors, windows and skylights by Cembra in Graphite Black, Softline 82, Warm edge tempered glass, and vented washer dryers. Kitchen finishes include stunning Samsung black stainless kitchen appliances, Brogan vented hood, Caesarstone counters with breakfast bar, custom kitchen cabinetry, and Blanco undermount sinks. The bathrooms feature Nu heat electric radiant heated floors, Mirabelle Faucets by Watermark, Lacava custom vanity, Mirabelle soaking tub, Newport Brass Shower head, and Duravit toilets. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: The combination of Gilded Age elegance with a contemporary style distinguishes this incredible duplex. Entering the lower level of this full floor home, you will be drawn to the meticulously blended of the historic details of this 20' wide townhouse with a clean modern aesthetic. There are cathedral-high ceilings, two working fireplaces with marble and carved-wood mantels, gorgeous built-in shelving in the oversize living room. The living room opens to a well-appointed kitchen which presents top of the line appliances such as a Wolf Stove, coupled with excellent storage and a pleasing skylight. The king-plus size bedroom with plenty of room for additional furniture such as a cozy sitting area by the fireplace or an office. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This architect-designed south-facing top floor two-bedroom offers an open kitchen/living layout, leading directly into a private terrace with built-in irrigation system. Residence 6R also includes an expansive and landscaped 589-square-foot private rooftop directly above also complete with an irrigation system. Perfect for entertaining with elevator access and open south and east views. Architect David Howell's award-winning design office, known for bespoke attention to materials selection, outdid themselves with white oak flooring, a sleek Italian open kitchen with vented range, marble island, vented washer/dryer, over 9-foot ceilings and an oversized hotel-style white on white bath. The two bedrooms are fully separated for guest or parental - privacy. The sunlit primary bedroom faces south and features a stunning full-wall architectural casement window. The second bedroom, which can doubly serve as a home office is suffused with western light and also boasts an overhead artist-style skylight. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse with two private outdoor terraces is a unicorn in arguably one of the city's most desirable locations. Enter the massive chef's kitchen with a granite center island that doubles as a breakfast bar. A Sub-Zero refrigerator, a vented top range, plenty of counter space and cabinets galore complete this dream chef's kitchen. A few short steps to your living room with south-facing windows, a wood burning fireplace with hand carved mantle and an incredible exposed brick wall that encompasses the prewar charm The primary bedroom is your own greenhouse heaven where you can enjoy the sun, stars and classic water tower views. The second bedroom is sun drenched with a skylight and is outfitted with a custom Elfa closet system. See floor plan and full details here.
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From the Listing: Originally the top floor of a brownstone, this charming home maintains its authentic heritage with just under 10-foot pitched ceilings, a wood burning fireplace and marble mantle, all while combining the best of contemporary by utilizing skylights and a sublime recent renovation. Two well proportioned bedrooms with substantial storage and closet space ensure comfortable living, while the home is configured to maximize a large open kitchen and living room that defines downtown living preferences. South-facing, the home enjoys consistent natural light, while capitalizing on the ultimate luxury; an outdoor space that encompasses the entire roof deck, all professionally landscaped and furnished, with lovely city views and direct sunlight. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Welcome to 699 Halsey Street, a beautifully renovated two family brownstone on a picturesque tree lined block. Built 19 x 48 feet on a 100-foot-deep lot this charming home is perfectly set back with a lovely front yard that leads to a regal facade, has a flexible lay out and everything else you need. The upper unit has a keyless entry system on the Parlor level that opens up to a charming vestibule. This unit has 3 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms on the top 2 floors and exclusive access to the cellar giving this unit 3 floors in total. Given the depth of the building, the spacious parlor level houses a large living room, dining room, a full bathroom and a massive kitchen. Here you find 4 1/4 inch wide red oak floors throughout, a 2 zone HVAC system and floor to ceiling windowed sliding doors that lead to a steel deck with beautiful stone tiles and a staircase down to the manicured backyard. The huge Primary Bedroom has floor to ceiling windows that overlook the backyard, a custom walk-in closet along with an amazing skylighted en suite bathroom with dual sinks and custom cabinetry. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This pied-a-terre friendly mint apartment is a one-of-a-kind, beautifully designed and modern duplex penthouse with an expansive private landscaped terrace and extraordinary natural south sunlight. The captivating Great Room with a wood-burning fireplace, 13' ceilings and a wall of sun-drenched beautiful windows gives this elegant home a bright and airy feel. The kitchen is state-of-the-art with Corian counters, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Viking range and a built-in Miele espresso machine. The second bedroom/media room/library with wall of storage and meticulous windowed bath complete the first floor. A chic architectural staircase leads to the second floor, which is designed as a large open loft/primary suite with a 10-foot ceiling, second full windowed bath, wood burning fireplace, two skylights and an enormous wall of glass that folds completely open to transform the second floor and terrace into one seamless space. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Bright oversized duplex features a corner 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath on first floor, and home office or second bedroom on second floor. Additional features include abundant closets and a huge professionally landscaped terrace with Central Park views. It is located at the full-service Beaumont condominium, located near Central Park, Lincoln Center, Whole Foods, and popular shopping and restaurants. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This impressive, renovated full-floor classic loft is located on one of Tribeca’s best blocks. Grandly proportioned, with 13-foot high ceilings and hardwood floors, the expansive living area is awash in sunlight from a gigantic skylight at the center of the loft, where the ceiling height soars to 15 feet, and three oversized arched windows facing south over historic White Street. The 40-foot living room could easily accommodate multiple seating areas, as well as studio or home office space. The modern kitchen is fitted with stainless steel countertops, cabinetry and top-of-the-line appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, Miele convection oven, and Miele cooktop. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Penthouse 6F offers a private split bedroom layout in a coveted prewar condo, originally home to a printing warehouse, located in the heart of dynamic and quaint Soho. The open concept living space spans 39' and is hallmarked by iconic loft trademarks exposed brick, 14' high ceilings, wood floors, enormous windows while the stand apart features include a corner layout with eastern and northern views, a 6' x 6' skylight, and a wood burning fireplace. The home is flooded with natural light from sun up to sun down. The primary en suite wing of the home offers a serene corner of northwest exposure with oversized master bath and walk in closet. The second bedroom / home office is off of the living space with Soho skyline views over West Broadway. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Chic renovated triplex in pre-war condo in the heart of Chelsea. Enter the main level into the large eat-in kitchen, generous living room with gas fireplace and big skylight enhanced by two bedrooms, a full bathroom and large washer/dryer. The upper level features the primary bedroom with wood-burning fireplace, en suite bathroom, large walk-in closet and separate private entrance. The piece-de-resistance is the beautiful 525-square-foot decked patio. The lower level is ideal for a home office, media room or den with its own full bathroom as well. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Penthouse B is a one-of-a-kind, loft-like residence with an expansive dual-level terrace. This home is filled with character and has tons of potential for expansion to suit your needs. Due to its top-floor setting, oversized windows, and huge skylight, it is flooded with light all day long. Upon entering, you are immediately drawn to the large windows and doors that lead you out to the large wrap-around terrace on the lower level with lots of privacy. The windowed kitchen was been updated with new marble counters and top-of-line appliances. Across from the kitchen is the home office/secondary bedroom that is lined with built-in storage and has a renovated en suite bathroom with walk-in shower. The primary bedroom also boasts built-ins and two windows with northern and eastern exposures. On the upper level, there is a bonus room that sits beneath the large skylight which allows you to the take in the breathtaking skyline views from indoors. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This beautifully designed full-floor duplex loft offers amazing space perfect for both entertaining as well as quiet, intimate living. Impeccably renovated to maximize its historic character, while adding modern conveniences and high style, this light filled loft is a home with airy living spaces. Three flights up brings you to this pre-war gem nestled in the Financial District near the South Street Seaport. The essence of charm and sophistication is evident from the moment you enter. The first floor has an exposed brick dining area, living room with wood burning fireplace, open chef's kitchen with top of the line appliances including a Kuppersbusch gas stove and oversized hood. The primary bedroom has generous custom closets with a beautifully renovated bath as well as a balcony. On the upper floor, the big windows and the skylights bring in sunshine and light all day long. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Set on a row of picturesque townhomes, this triple-mint two family brownstone has been renovated to a level of sophistication rarely seen in this marketplace. With over 3,500 square feet of meticulously designed living space, this bay-fronted Italianate townhouse is configured as a mesmerizing turnkey 4-bedroom/3-bath owners' triplex and a high-income rental duplex with full-sized cellar and access to the serene 32' garden. The centerpiece of the owners' unit is an open-concept main living floor, featuring an enormous 12' polished concrete island, a 25' span of custom cabinetry with open shelving, and a spacious dining area that simply begs for large dinner parties. The top floor is configured with a designer home office and additional guest room with vaulted ceilings and skylights, a large laundry room and one of the most charming bathrooms in Brooklyn. All mechanical systems and details have been updated, including installation of new Marvin wood windows, a cleverly concealed split air conditioning system (for both heating and cooling), steam heat for additional heating source, new roof and manicured front and rear gardens. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This meticulously designed corner loft penthouse in the heart of Noho is beautifully architected with high ceilings, columns, rich hardwood floors, oversized windows facing South and West, and two lovely skylights. The rooftop is one-of-a-kind, and the interior leaves no detail unturned. Proceed into an expansive open living/dining area enriched by custom built-ins, hidden storage, and a charming wood-burning fireplace. Brightened by its own skylight, the kitchen is impeccably appointed with sleek cabinetry, premium stainless steel appliances, white counters, and subway tiled walls contrasting dark tile flooring. A spiral staircase rises to the incredible private roof garden with an automated watering system and spacious lounging and dining areas for your outdoor pleasure. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Bring your architect to convert this Chelsea penthouse loft, into a stunning 3-bedroom/3-bathroom duplex with excellent industrial bones featuring original industrial details like polished concrete floors, exposed redbrick walls, barrel-vaulted wood ceilings, and massive factory-style windows. The lower level of the home opens directly into an expansive living room, dining room, and kitchen with a wood-burning fireplace and an amazing skylight. The kitchen is equipped with custom cabinets, a curved island, and a suite of high-end stainless steel appliances. Just off the living space are a full bathroom, washer/dryer closet, and bedroom with a pair of custom closets. Opposite the kitchen is a study/office with built-in storage. The office has a plumbing stack in place and can easily be transformed into a third bedroom with its own bathroom. A custom staircase with built-in display shelves and storage drawers leads to a solarium-like primary suite with a walk-in dressing room, direct access to a lovely sun deck, and a custom en-suite bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Seamlessly combining elegance with comfort, this 3 bedroom, plus office and 2.5 bath penthouse has it all....an abundance of light streaming through its 5 skylights, a contemporary wood-burning fireplace, high ceilings and a spacious irrigated planted terrace with outdoor lighting. An open kitchen, dining and living space takes on a loft appeal and provides the perfect place to live, work, and entertain. The terrace is an extension of the living area where on warm nights you can relax under the stars and on cold nights you can retreat inside in front of the fireplace. The high-end chef's kitchen features lacquered cabinetry, Statuary marble counters and breakfast bar, wine refrigerator, convection steam oven and superior appliances including Wolf, Bosch and Sub-Zero.
As you walk through the space, you'll notice all the windows throughout frame the picturesque terrace creating a sense of privacy and infusing the home with natural calm. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: 514 Broome Street is the only free-standing townhome in SoHo. Built in 1930 and recently modernized and reconstructed as a single family home with finished basement, the home currently offers 3,430 square feet of living space over four stories. 514 Broome is not landmarked and may be built upon with the additional 2600 square feet of available FAR for a total of 6,030-square-foot dream home. The finished basement offers a half bath, windows, and a separate entrance from the street in addition to a 2,500 bottle capacity wine cellar. The second floor provides an additional living room that features a 280-square-foot landscaped outdoor terrace. This exceptional home also offers a wood burning and gas fireplace, exposed brick walls, chestnut hardwood floors, washer/dryer, a wet bar, security system, video intercom, central air, storage, and a balcony off of the primary bedroom. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: With over 3,750 square feet of interior living space and 2,200 sun-kissed square feet of landscaped terrace, this 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home was artfully conceived with high style and modern comfort in mind. Enter directly via key-locked elevator to find an ultra-Zen great room, dining room and open chefs kitchen bathed in natural light from a wall of oversized windows and 12 beautiful skylights. The open kitchen boasts custom Corian cabinets, Valli & Valli hardware, and top of the line appliances including a Thermador fridge, double Miele dishwashers, a Viking range and a four-phase water filtration system. Continuing through the home, the spacious primary suite continues the chic, tranquil aesthetic, and is flooded with sunlight.
See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Unique 50-foot-wide, cast-iron building loft! 9-foot-high windows line both the northern and southern exposures of this 5,200+ square-foot, pristine and move-in ready home, featuring 4/5 bedrooms, 5 full baths, open kitchen, media/playroom, den/office and loggia, all of which has been renovated to exacting standards. The living/dining room has 11-foot ceilings, is over 1,000 square feet, and with 5 to 6 double-wide windows, looks south over the historic Landmarked cast-iron building facades lining Lispenard Street in the Tribeca East Historic District. This grand space has restored original brick walls, original cast-iron columns, and a Cabinet Hearth Ventless fireplace. The open Scavolini kitchen is 400+ square feet, with custom wood cabinetry; Caesarstone counter tops; Wolf 6-burner range and double oven (with externally vented Wolf in-line exhaust hood); Sub-Zero refrigerator (over-sized), freezer and wine refrigerator; Bosch dishwasher; two sinks (one double); in-sink garbage disposal; Sharp microwave; and Grohe faucets. See floor plan and full details here.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?