What is a Maisonette?
A Maisonette apartment is a residence on the ground floor of a multifamily building with an entrance accessible directly from the street. If the apartment is also accessible from the lobby and has a separate and private sidewalk entrance, it is a maisonette.
I am Jorge Fontan, a New York architect, and owner of Fontan Architecture, a NYC architecture firm. Real estate parlance can get rather intense; therefore, I want to provide clarity on what a Maisonette Apartment is and how you apply this term in Real Estate.
Maisonette Loft in SoHo
Maisonette Apartment Example
The picture below is an interior photo of a Maisonette Loft Apartment in SoHo. In this particular case, the apartment is a loft but that does not matter in this context. If you want to learn more about lofts, read this post: The Architectural Characteristics of a Loft.
The picture shows the double doors to the left of the living room that leads directly onto the street. This feature allows for a private entrance and exit. Some multifamily buildings have units like this, but many do not. An apartment with separate access to the street is the definition of a maisonette apartment in Real Estate terms.
This particular loft also has a separate entrance to the lobby and is a duplex, meaning it has two floors. With or without these features, the apartment is still considered a maisonette. As an architect in New York, I have seen my fair share of apartments with similar characteristics.
Maisonette Apartment in NYC
Maisonette Apartment Exterior Entrance
Below is a photo of the same Maisonette apartment from the exterior. You can see the direct entrance to the apartment from the sidewalk. This type of access allows for convenience and privacy.
Maisonette Apartment Entrance
Thank You for Reading Our Blog Post on Maisonette Apartments
I hope this was helpful. If you want to speak with an architect about a potential project, you can contact us at Fontan Architecture directly.
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Jorge Fontan, AIA, is an architect and founder of Fontan Architecture based in New York City. The firm focuses on residential design, including new homes and extensive renovations for discerning clients. Through collaborative dialogue that draws on the individuality of each client, projects develop as distinct architectural responses guided by thoughtful planning, precise detailing, and a commitment to creating enduring value.
