A maisonette is a type of apartment that usually has a separate entrance from the street or lobby and is often located on the ground floor of a larger building. The term "maisonette" comes from the French word for "little house". While the definition of a maisonette can vary depending on the location, it typically refers to a two-story flat with its own front door. In New York City, a maisonette is usually a ground floor apartment with its own private, street-level entrance. Some may have private access from the lobby, as opposed to from the street. Maisonettes can also be duplexes, meaning they have two floors. They are often used as doctors offices and can be located above shops, garages, or other maisonettes. Maisonettes are usually larger than typical apartments and may come with a private garden or garage. While they offer more privacy than other types of apartments, they may also have less natural light and more traffic noise.