maisonette

Maisonette is a self-contained dwelling occupying two or more floors within a single building, with its own private entrance. It is typically part of a block, terrace, or conversion rather than a standalone house. Inside, a staircase connects the floors, with living spaces such as the kitchen and living room on one level and bedrooms on another, though exact layouts vary by design and era.

Originating from the French word maisonette, meaning “little house,” the term entered English in the 19th century and became common in British housing to describe multi-storey flats within a building. The concept gained popularity in Victorian and later 20th century urban development as a way to provide more private, multi-storey living within denser urban fabric.

Maisonettes can be purpose-built or formed by converting existing houses into multi-storey units. They may have a distinct external entrance from the street or a private door within a shared building, and some include a garden or courtyard space. Ownership is typically leasehold, but some maisonettes are sold as freehold properties when the interior is self-contained.

Usage and terminology vary by country. In the United Kingdom, “maisonette” commonly denotes a two-storey flat with its own entrance. In North America, similar units are more often described as duplexes, two-flats, or townhouses, depending on local practice. The term is less frequent in modern marketing but appears in historic and some contemporary developments.