maisonettes

A maisonette is a type of dwelling that occupies two or more floors within a larger building, typically a terraced or semi-detached house. Unlike a duplex which is a single building divided into two separate apartments, a maisonette is usually a self-contained unit within a building that may contain other maisonettes or separate apartments. The defining characteristic of a maisonette is that it has its own private entrance, often opening directly onto the street or a shared garden.

These residences are usually spread across two levels, with the living areas such as the kitchen, dining room, and lounge situated on one floor, and the bedrooms and bathroom on another. Access between these levels is typically provided by an internal staircase, emphasizing the private nature of the unit. This layout offers a sense of a traditional house within the context of an apartment building.

Maisonettes can vary significantly in size and style, from modest one-bedroom units to larger family homes with multiple bedrooms. They are commonly found in urban and suburban areas, offering an alternative to traditional houses or flats. The term "maisonette" originated in France and historically referred to a small house or a set of rooms in a large house. Today, it is widely understood as a multi-level dwelling with its own entrance.