What is a classic six? Learn more and see beautiful examples on the market now

By CityRealty Staff | From Get To Know Tuesday, June 25, 2024

A living room with Riverside Park views in a classic six apartment

“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 apartments of this ilk 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.

While the size of a classic six is a popular one, 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 bedroom, albeit one with significantly less space, grandeur, and privacy than the others; as such, some opt to use this space as a home office rather than a coveted third bedroom.

Nevertheless, the model has not only endured but enjoyed a new appreciation in recent times. Even as memories of trying to live, work, play, study, and exercise in one apartment during lockdown have begun to fade, a clear division of rooms remains quite welcome to large families. The top contract of the past week was for an assemblage of two classic six units at The Beresford. And while formidable co-op boards might have scared buyers away in the past, Brown Harris Stevens agent Leslie Singer, who sold the highest-priced co-op unit at the brokerage last year, notices that a number of them are changing their policies to allow more financing, not to mention pied-a-terres and trusts. This mindset opens up the possibility of traditional layouts to a wider pool of buyers.

"The landscape is changing and co-op buildings are being smarter to appeal to a broader base" – Leslie Singer, Brown Harris Stevens

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.

Central Park West classic six living room

300 Riverside Drive, #2A, a classic six co-op (Compass)

Notable Classic Six Listings

955 Lexington Avenue, #5C
$1,095,000 (-8.8%)

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

955 Lexington Avenue, #5C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Elegant and timeless, the semi-private landing opens into a well-designed very gracious classic six room apartment, with formal living room, library or second bedroom, dining room, kitchen and staff or home office. Additional features include ten-foot-high beamed ceilings, large windows and beautiful oakwood plank wood floors throughout. The spacious gallery leads into a living room with a wood-burning fireplace. Private storage is included as is firewood for residents during the winters. The seller is offering to pay the additional $2,000 per month for the first full year. See full details here.

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125 East 63rd Street, #4B
$1,250,000 (-16.4%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,500 ft²

125 East 63rd Street, #4B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Lovely prewar 2 bedroom/2.5 bathroom home with a wood burning fireplace just off Park Avenue. A formal entry foyer leads into a large living room facing south overlooking the pretty treetops of East 63rd Street. The formal dining room lends itself to elegant entertaining and is a flexible space that could also be used as a library/den. Both bedrooms are graciously sized and offer southern light, an abundance of closets, and custom built-ins. Seller is offering a maintenance reduction of $2,500/month for 5 years (lowering the current maintenance of $5,960/month to $3,460/month). See full details here.

The Creston, #6E
$1,399,999 (-6.4%)

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,128 ft²

The Creston, #6E (Wohlfarth & Associates Inc)

From the Listing: This spacious and charming classic six room apartment has beautiful west views and fabulous light from the living and dining rooms, and the entire apartment is pin-drop quiet. Classic architectural details include high ceilings, oversize windows, a decorative fireplace and intricate moldings throughout. New hardwood floors have just been installed in the living and bedroom areas. The large windowed kitchen was recently renovated, with white Shaker-style cabinets, quartz counters, and stainless steel appliances, including a French-door refrigerator and full-size washer and dryer. See full details here.

30 Beekman Place, #7A
$1,575,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,900 ft²

30 Beekman Place, #7A (William Raveis New York City LLC)

From the Listing: Ensconced in one of the most distinguished white-glove cooperatives on Beekman Place, this elegantly appointed classic six home is not to be missed. Through the foyer, the great room reveals its classic splendor. Featuring beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, beautiful molding, a custom built-in desk and bar and exposures to the east and north, this is the perfect entertaining space. The generous eat-in kitchen provides ample room for a full kitchen table set. See floor plan and full details here.

1192 Park Avenue, #7E
$1,699,000 (-5.3%)

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

1192 Park Avenue, #7E (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Gracious space, abundant natural light, and calming quiet await you in a highly coveted Rosario Candela Park Avenue coop . This classic six apartment features 9-foot ceilings throughout and boasts three exposures, providing bright natural light throughout the day. The living room features a wood-burning fireplace, original wood herringbone floor, and a western exposure with a peek of the Central Park treetops. Across from the living room is the oversized formal dining room. See full details here.

300 Riverside Drive, #2A
$2,100,000

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

300 Riverside Drive, #2A (Compass)

From the Listing: Sophisticated, sunlit classic six overlooking Riverside Park. Details include oversized park-facing windows in nearly every room and distinct living and dining rooms, each with grand proportions. The well-outfitted kitchen comes with high-end, stainless steel appliances, enviable storage, and park views. Pre-war features include beamed ceilings, ornate moldings, thoughtful built-ins, picture windows, terrific storage, and rich inlaid herringbone floors throughout. See full details here.

The Victorian, #PHA
$2,250,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

The Victorian, #PHA (Compass)

From the Listing: This renovated and romantic, mint condition corner classic six duplex penthouse with two terraces is ideally positioned on the ‘Gold Coast’ of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. A couple blocks from Central Park on a tree-lined street with a dedicated bike lane, the brownstone-studded East 62nd Street feels familiar in PHA which exudes the lifestyle of a townhome, set in the luxury and convenience of a white-glove building with a parking garage. Maintenance includes electric and cable. See full details here.

130 East 75th Street, #5C
$2,499,000 (-3.8%)

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

130 East 75th Street, #5C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Welcome home to this beautiful and gracious classic six Upper East Side apartment! Upon entering, you are welcomed by a gracious foyer that leads you into the spacious living room featuring a beautiful decorative fireplace. The layout of the apartment offers a seamless flow for entertaining, that connects the living room and the dining room. See full details here.

1070 Park Avenue, #15E
$2,750,000 (-15.4%)

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

1070 Park Avenue, #15E (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: State of the art renovation in a classically elegant home. This stunning classic 6-room easily converts to a three-bedroom. There are two extra large bedrooms with en suite baths. The third bedroom also has an en suite bath suitable as a bedroom, staff room or office. Gut renovated with the most beautiful finishes. The windowed kitchen includes top-notch Bosch appliances and spectacular countertops. Three brand new bathrooms have Toto washlet toilets and heated floors. There is also a washer-dryer. Wonderful open south-facing views bring abundant sunlight to this incredible pre-war home. See full details here.

53 East 66th Street, #3D
$2,850,000 (-4.2%)

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

53 East 66th Street, #3D (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: This pristinely renovated classic six home is situated in prime Lenox Hill in a 100-year-old luxury pre-war cooperative between Park and Madison Avenues.

From a semi-private elevator landing, one enters a welcoming foyer that leads to an oversized sunny living room with a wood-burning fireplace. The room has been expanded to include a cozy den perfect for entertaining. In addition, there are 2 bedrooms, 2 marble bathrooms, plus a dining room off the windowed chef’s kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line appliances. For an additional cost of $250,000, one can purchase a windowed home office/private gym located on the first floor off the lobby. See full details here.

870 Fifth Avenue, #7A
$2,995,000 (-11.8%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 4 Baths

870 Fifth Avenue, #7A (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: This elegant, well maintained, classic six-room home boasts stunning, high floor views of Central Park from the public space and primary bedroom, and lovely eastern views of townhouse gardens from the remaining rooms. A central foyer with custom bookshelves opens up to a grand living room and dining room, creating a 57-foot span of living/entertaining space that overlooks the park. Two large bedrooms split off a landing, and a renovated kitchen, ample office and washer/dryer are located off a service hallway. See full details here.

The Beaucaire, #4A
$3,195,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

The Beaucaire, #4A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: A stone's throw from everything the best neighborhood in New York City has to offer in a grand classic six-into-five room apartment at the Beaucaire. Off a semi-private elevator landing, enter into the welcoming central foyer of this masterpiece of a home. Straight ahead are two voluminous public rooms - one serves as a Great Room and the other acts as a den - and a nearly-suburban eat-in kitchen with a banquette, dual sinks, and the roots of a true epicurean experience. See full details here.

65 Central Park West, #10C
$3,695,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

65 Central Park West, #10C (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: One of the most spectacular vantage points overlooking Central Park and the city skyline emanates from this beautiful, high floor classic 6-room home at 65 Central Park West, one of the Avenue's most highly regarded white glove co-ops. Stunning sunrise light is guaranteed from this gracious two bedroom + staff room, three-bathroom prime Upper West Side apartment. This lovingly maintained and well cared for classic Park view home is not only in excellent move-in condition, but it has also been renovated with a brand-new kitchen, new washer and dryer, and many more enhancements have been made throughout including upgraded bathrooms. See full details here.

880 Fifth Avenue, #2D
$4,000,000 (-7%)

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

880 Fifth Avenue, #2D (Keller Williams NYC)

From the Listing: This three-bedroom, classic six, is a true Art Deco masterpiece with breathtaking Central Park views! You will immediately feel at home and be mesmerized by the natural light cascading through the expansive living room windows, and fall in love with the spacious open layout which is perfect for entertaining, with tree-line views of Central Park overlooking Fifth Avenue. The living room features a decorative fireplace, custom draperies, and coved moldings. No detail was missed in this oversized windowed kitchen from the luxurious high end Italian Massacar laminate cabinets, to the herringbone wood floors. See full details here.

910 Park Avenue, #4N
$4,475,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,360 ft²

910 Park Avenue, #4N (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Classic six apartment #4N has been masterfully reimagined into an open-concept modern masterpiece while maintaining its charming pre-war elements. Residents are welcomed home onto a semi-private elevator landing and into a grand entry gallery that sets the tone for the scale and breadth of space to follow. The volume of this immaculate home is immediately highlighted by the commanding high ceilings and beautiful natural light which glistens from dawn till dusk by way of triple exposures. The living room, to the north and west, exudes an inviting warmth with a honed marble decorative fireplace and ample room to comfortably relax. Apartment transfers with the use of a storage bin. See full details here.

10 Gracie Square, #8D
$4,995,000 (-16.7%)

Yorkville | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,450 ft²

10 Gracie Square, #8D (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Welcome to this meticulously renovated classic six at the esteemed 10 Gracie Square. Apartment 8D, a 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence, offers breathtaking views of the East River. As you enter from your semi-private landing, you are welcomed by grand entertaining spaces featuring large proportions, 9' ceilings, and captivating river vistas. See full details here.

The Beresford, #15B
$5,995,000 (-4.1%)

Central Park West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,200 ft²

The Beresford, #15B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Renovated and pristine enormous classic 6 at the Beresford with outdoor space and unparalleled Central Park and Planetarium views! Step off a semi-private landing into the large formal gallery that has a large coat closet and an additional closet with a dry bar, wine refrigerator, and storage space. The gallery leads to the very grand and sun-flooded corner living room with wood-burning fireplace and three south-facing windows and east-facing glass door. Off of the living room is an over 15-foot-long terrace with all of the same stunning views! See full details here.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

This is your member's center

In this article:

"The landscape is changing and co-op buildings are being smarter to appeal to a broader base" – Leslie Singer, Brown Harris Stevens

Notable Classic Six Listings

955 Lexington Avenue, #5C
$1,095,000 (-8.8%)

Select which properties are of interest to you:

125 East 63rd Street, #4B
$1,250,000 (-16.4%)

The Creston, #6E
$1,399,999 (-6.4%)

30 Beekman Place, #7A
$1,575,000

1192 Park Avenue, #7E
$1,699,000 (-5.3%)

300 Riverside Drive, #2A
$2,100,000

The Victorian, #PHA
$2,250,000

130 East 75th Street, #5C
$2,499,000 (-3.8%)

1070 Park Avenue, #15E
$2,750,000 (-15.4%)

53 East 66th Street, #3D
$2,850,000 (-4.2%)

870 Fifth Avenue, #7A
$2,995,000 (-11.8%)

The Beaucaire, #4A
$3,195,000

65 Central Park West, #10C
$3,695,000

880 Fifth Avenue, #2D
$4,000,000 (-7%)

910 Park Avenue, #4N
$4,475,000

10 Gracie Square, #8D
$4,995,000 (-16.7%)

The Beresford, #15B
$5,995,000 (-4.1%)

This is your member's center

In this article:

"The landscape is changing and co-op buildings are being smarter to appeal to a broader base" – Leslie Singer, Brown Harris Stevens

Notable Classic Six Listings

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

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