This 117-Year-Old NYC Apartment Has a Secret Cottage on the Roof

Like all New Yorkers, we spend our off hours scrolling various real estate listings for fun. Yes, it is fun because you never know what will pop up on any given day: a 19th-century brownstone in Harlem that’s in shockingly good condition, a windowless basement that’s on the verge of caving in for way too much money, and everything in between. More often than not, though, the listings feature very average homes that fit the bill for what you’d expect in a major city in the U.S.. So, imagine our shock when we opened Compass and discovered a 3,000-square-foot four-bedroom with a full-on cottage on the roof. It’s also on the market for a cool $10.5 million.

The unit in question is a top-floor four-bedroom in a beautiful West Village (think Friends territory) apartment built in 1909. There are original beams, exposed brick walls, and plenty of character, but the best architectural element of this hidden gem is actually not even inside; it’s on the rooftop.

If you were dropped on the expertly manicured landscape that’s lined with cobblestoned walkways and an original brick wall, you may assume you’re on the coast of Maine, which is not a vibe often associated with the Concrete Jungle. Well, this rooftop is finished with a charming Maine-inspired cottage and covered porch. No matter where you’re standing, you’re met with direct unobstructed views of the city beyond, including the Empire State Building. “The indoor-outdoor setting allows for use well beyond the warmer months, creating a singular backdrop for year-round dining and entertaining against the city skyline,” the listing states.

Let’s talk about the soon-to-be-former owners and their history with this historic structure. David Puchkoff and Eileen Stukane bought this building for less than $250,000 back in 1974, when the six-story building was nothing more than a warehouse. The couple (he’s a developer) converted it into a 12-unit co-op, taking the top (and best) unit for himself and his wife.

The rooftop’s transformation came a lot later, in the early 2000s. He added an irrigated green roof and a cottage that’s fully accessible to the apartment beneath it. Keep in mind: This is not an outdoor shed you can buy on Costco and put together yourself. This is a full cottage where you can weather a bad storm and feel totally safe.

So, why are they selling? Well, they’re both in their late 80s, and as anyone can admit, New York City is not exactly the most calming place where a quiet retirement sounds like a guarantee. Plus, monthly maintenance alone is nearly $6,000, which is a big project for an elderly couple.

Did we mention the duo got married right here in the apartment’s light-drenched living room in 1988? They could have tied the knot then climbed the metal and wood staircase to the roof to take in their beloved city from every vantage point.

One of the best elements, aside from the cottage on the roof, is indoors: the original wood-burning fireplace. The fireplace had always been there, but the surround is newer. In fact, it was crafted using found cobblestones that Puchkoff said he had found over the course of the 1970s. How’s that for a fun DIY project that adds major resale value?