Rare Gems from $649K: Homes off NYC's hidden mews and alleys

By CityRealty Staff | From Goldilocks Blocks Thursday, October 16, 2025

Warren Place Mews via Sotheby's

Before New York City’s streets got crowded with cars, taxis, buses, bikes, and scooters, they were the domain of horse-drawn carriages. The horses were housed in rows of stables and carriage houses dubbed “mews” in homage to the royal stables of London. It didn’t last long, though: Most New Yorkers preferred to walk, and the city decided against maintaining rear alleyways and mews in the 19th century. When the automobile ultimately took over, many of the rows of stables and carriage houses were destroyed.

However, a small handful of others were converted to residential use. As the mews are often located in historic districts, the homes are a timeless oasis in an increasingly modern city. There is often a strict vetting process to get in (ahem, Pomander Walk), but residents say it is ultimately worth it. The mews are not readily apparent to passers-by, which allows for incredible privacy. Those who live in the mews also describe a sense of community to rival some small towns.

However, the balance between preserving small vestiges of old New York and creating new, much-needed housing is an extremely fine and tricky one. The team behind 188 Duffield Street knows that firsthand: As part of its planned 30-story tower in Downtown Brooklyn, developer Watermark Capital seeks to combine the interiors of four individually landmarked rowhouses at 182-188 Duffield Street, modify an entrance, demolish their rear facades, and build the new tower behind them. It is not known what purpose, if any, they would serve in the new development, which will include a healthcare facility, a community facility, and 115 new housing units.

The request comes 35 years after the houses were physically moved to their current location as part of former owner Forest City Ratner's deal to develop the MetroTech campus. In the present day, their central location near Fort Greene Park, City Point, and several transportation options is a highly desirable one. Preservation non-profit Historic Districts Council is not pleased with Watermark Capital's plan for the houses, saying that "this precedent would suggest that every historic structure is only as meaningful as its facade, and thereby fair game to be window dressing for a tower" (h/t Brownstoner). A Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21.

In addition to the aforementioned Pomander Walk on the Upper West Side, New York’s remaining mews include Greenwich Mews in the West Village, Sniffen Court in Murray Hill, and Sylvan Terrace in Washington Heights. Some new developments like 1 Great Jones Alley in Noho and Six Cortlandt Alley in Tribeca have even built their own exclusive alleyways, but there’s no replicating this part of history. We take a look at the small handful of availabilities in the mews and on hidden alleyways.

Pomander Walk

Pomander Walk is a landmarked gem tucked between Broadway and West End Avenue on the Upper West Side, a whimsical enclave that feels worlds away. Built in 1921 and inspired by an English village, its colorful Tudor-style cottages line a narrow pedestrian path, creating a fairytale-like escape.

Pomander Walk, #2
$699,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 500 ft²

Pomander Walk, #2 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Come see this fabulous 2nd floor one-bedroom apartment in the historic Pomander Walk on the Upper West Side. Enter through your own private entrance on West 95th Street with access into a magical secret garden, where colorful hydrangeas, rose bushes, and ivy-lined facades create a storybook atmosphere. Inside, the apartment offers a thoughtful layout with a bright living area, a cozy bedroom, and hardwood floors throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

Love Lane Mews

Love Lane Mews (Compass)

Love Lane Mews, #PH4A
$3,995,000

Brooklyn Heights | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,487 ft²

In-Contract

Love Lane Mews, #PH4A (Compass)

From the Listing: In Contract See floor plan and full details here.

Printing House Mews

The Printing House, #318
$2,950,000 (-7.7%)

West Village | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,679 ft²

The Printing House, #318 (Compass)

From the Listing: Spanning 1,680 square feet, this spacious and bright loft-like duplex home has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, three walk-in closets, a pantry, and many sought-after features, including 15+ foot ceiling heights, elegant white oak coursed wood floors, and generous storage. See floor plan and full details here.

The Arches at Cobble Hill

The Arches at Cobble Hill, #B3E
$1,795,000

Cobble Hill | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,220 ft²

The Arches at Cobble Hill, #B3E (Compass)

From the Listing: Nestled in the heart of Cobble Hill, this beautifully renovated, two-bedroom, two-bath residence offers over 1,200 square feet of refined living space, blending classic prewar character with modern sophistication. This bright, loft like space is highlighted by two oversized windows, coffered ceilings and an open, renovated kitchen. See floor plan and full details here.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

Just complete the info below.

Henderson Place

Henderson Place via Leslie J. Garfield

Henderson Place is one of the Upper East Side's most charming hidden enclaves. It's small, tree-lined cul-de-sac tucked off East End Avenue near 86th Street. Built in the 1880s as single-family homes for the middle class, its Queen Anne–style rowhouses, designed by Lamb & Rich, feature gables, chimneys, and decorative brickwork that feel straight out of a storybook. The tiny landmarked district remains a sought-after slice of old New York.

Washington Mews

Washington Mews (CORE)

1 Fifth Avenue, #12H
$1,950,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

1 Fifth Avenue, #12H (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: From the moment you step into this one-bedroom perfectly positioned on the 12th floor, the views steal the show. Imagine waking up high above Greenwich Village, where the morning light streams through your windows and the city unfolds before you. Facing south, the unobstructed view through your windows frame Washington Square Park, the Freedom Tower, and the endless city beyond—an ever-changing backdrop that feels almost cinematic. See floor plan and full details here.

The Warren Place Mews

The Warren Place Mews via Sotheby's

142 Baltic Street, #3F
$700,000

Cobble Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

142 Baltic Street, #3F (Compass)

From the Listing: Step into this beautifully renovated and thoughtfully designed home in an intimate 7 unit building. Located just two flights up on a quiet street, this charming residence offers enchanting views over the tree-lined Warren Place Mews—a peaceful oasis in the heart of Brooklyn. See floor plan and full details here.

Tucked away on a private English-style courtyard, this Romanesque Revival townhouse is rich in historic details like original woodwork, exposed brick and ceiling beams, and hardwood floors. However, recent upgrades include a new boiler, new water heater, new baths, and refinished floors and woodwork. It is well situated near Cobble Hill shops, restaurants, and transportation. A virtual tour is available for this home. See floor plan and full details here.

Carriage houses and select gems for sale off alleys, mews, and private gardens.

Villa Charlotte Bronte, #E3
$649,000

Spuyten Duyvil | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Villa Charlotte Bronte, #E3 (Sherman NYC)

From the Listing: There's a reason that Villa Charlotte Bronte is one of the most photographed sites in Riverdale, but once you go behind the gates the beauty and privacy is stunning. Truly one of the most beautiful spots in New York City at any price. Built in 1926 as a cooperative, this 17 unit complex resembles an Italian villa, and sits on a cliff over the Hudson River. This enchanting and oversized one bedroom, with high ceilings and beautifully laid out space has everything you expect, and so much more. See floor plan and full details here.

Villa Charlotte Bronte, #G1
$949,000

Spuyten Duyvil | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Villa Charlotte Bronte, #G1 (Sherman NYC)

From the Listing: Overlooking the Hudson River, Villa Charlotte Bronte is an exclusive complex that suspends the belief that you are in the Northwest Bronx. This two bedroom, two bath apartment in buildings inspired by an Italian villa, was designed in 1926 by Robert W. Gardner. All of the 17 units overlook the river and the picturesque Palisades. The bluestone paths lead you through beautiful gardens and charming stone archways. Within minutes you'll feel like you have been transported to Europe. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom simplex nestled in the middle of the villa gardens features spectacular views right on the Hudson. See floor plan and full details here.

36 Bethune Street, #2
$995,000

West Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

36 Bethune Street, #2 (Serhant)

From the Listing: West Village Charmer with Private Entrance on Historic Bethune Street Discover a truly special home on one of the most coveted blocks in the West Village. Located on the second floor of a historic carriage house, this south-facing residence offers a private entrance and the perfect blend of classic charm and modern comfort. See floor plan and full details here.

Prospect Park Mews, #4G
$995,000

Windsor Terrace | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

Prospect Park Mews, #4G (Compass)

From the Listing: Discover the epitome of smart and elegant living at Prospect Mews, a stunning, duplex penthouse in an elevator building, nestled in the heart of coveted Southern Park Slope / Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. This fourth floor, 2-bedroom,1-bathroom gem offers the perfect balance of urban convenience and a serene retreat, complete with a private roof deck ideal for entertaining or unwinding under the stars. From the moment you step into the capacious foyer, the immaculate and inviting beauty of this home is evident. See floor plan and full details here.

114 Clinton Street, #2B
$1,295,000

Brooklyn Heights | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 943 ft²

114 Clinton Street, #2B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Beautifully renovated prewar two-bedroom apartment in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. Ideally located between Joralemon and Remsen Streets with close proximity to transit options at Borough Hall and leisure at the Promenade. Live across the street from the new Food Town grocery store, close to the great shopping and dining of Montague Street and Cobble Hill, and a short distance from Brooklyn Bridge Park. An incredibly quiet rear facing apartment, the living room and secondary bedroom have large west facing windows which overlook the carriage houses of Hunts Lane bringing in unobstructed bright light all afternoon. See floor plan and full details here.

321 Clinton Avenue, #7
$1,400,000

Clinton Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths

321 Clinton Avenue, #7 (Compass)

From the Listing: Relive the 2nd grade in this former mansion turned schoolhouse turned co-op building on the "Gold Coast" of Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. This unique duplex apartment features the charm of Victorian Brooklyn throughout. High ceilings, a gorgeous wood-burning fireplace, original floors, decorative moldings adorn the space facing the quiet back of the building. With three exposures the lower level gets exceptional lighting and has lovely tree-lined views. See floor plan and full details here.

7 Sylvan Court, #TH
$1,795,000

East Harlem | Townhouse | 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

7 Sylvan Court, # (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Tucked behind a wrought-iron gate along a cobblestone lane, 7 Sylvan Court offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Harlem's history. Built in 1899, this charming red-brick Italianate townhouse is part of a tranquil, storybook enclave just off East 121st Street between Lexington and Third Avenues. Combining original period details with private outdoor space, this residence is a true hidden gem. Spread across two levels, the home features three spacious bedrooms and one full bath. See floor plan and full details here.

The West Broadway Arches, #1B
$3,400,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

The West Broadway Arches, #1B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Spacious, serene and virtually staged, this architecturally significant and pin drop quiet 2 bedroom, 2 bath, duplex loft features extra high ceilings, original exposed brickwork and hand-hewn wood beams, and first level with an inviting reception area, an open chef's kitchen with large dining island and a huge great room with floor to ceiling windows facing the private planted terrace, formerly a 19th century horse mews. See floor plan and full details here.

Franklin Place, #34BC
$4,950,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,456 ft²

Franklin Place, #34BC (Nest Seekers LLC)

From the Listing: Residence 3/4-BC at 5 Franklin Place is a 2,456-square-foot duplex loft located in one of Tribeca’s newer full-service buildings. Tucked away on a quiet, private alley just north of Franklin Street, this residence offers a distinctive layout, impressive ceiling heights, and a clean, modern design. See floor plan and full details here.

The MacDougal Lofts, #3W
$5,495,000

Greenwich Village | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,260 ft²

The MacDougal Lofts, #3W (Compass)

From the Listing: West-Facing Three Bedroom Condo in Greenwich Village Nestled just a stone’s throw from iconic Washington Square Park, this expansive corner loft at 173 MacDougal Street is a rare three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom residence in the heart of historic Greenwich Village. Spanning over 2,250 square feet with southwest and northern exposures, the home is bathed in natural light and framed by serene garden views through 10 oversized windows. See floor plan and full details here.

10 Bedford Street, #TH
$5,495,000 (-5.2%)

Greenwich Village | Condominium | 6+ Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 3,780 ft²

10 Bedford Street, # (Compass)

From the Listing: TOWNHOUSE WITH GARDEN & CARRIAGE HOUSE. 10 Bedford Street presents a rare opportunity to restore an over 19’ wide 1830s townhouse on an extra-deep lot with a separate 3-story carriage house. Situated on a tree-lined West Village block, 10 Bedford is organized as a 4-unit condominium on a 101’ lot. Currently configured as a renovated 3-bedroom upper duplex with a roof deck, a lower duplex with garden access, and a separate carriage house, this property offers the versatility to create a single-family home with a separate guest house or an income-producing investment. See floor plan and full details here.

Wythe Lane Townhouses, #3
$6,500,000

Williamsburg | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 4,470 ft²

Wythe Lane Townhouses, # (Compass)

From the Listing: Shown by private appointment. 3 Wythe Lane is a rare, magazine-worthy single-family home that combines architectural sophistication with exceptional privacy. Nestled within the private Wythe Lane mews—a quiet, leafy passage that feels worlds away from the city—the home opens into a serene garden oasis. More L.A.than NYC, it’s enveloped by lush greenery and beautifully landscaped surroundings. A secondary entrance on South 4th Street offers quick access to Domino Park, while a private garage entry adds further convenience. Solid architectural concrete construction makes this home exceptionally quiet- both inside and out and floor to floor.This sound attenuation is a rare amenity in a private townhome and dramatically enhances quality of living. See floor plan and full details here.

39 Barrow Street, #TH
$7,995,000

West Village | Townhouse | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,466 ft²

39 Barrow Street, # (Compass)

From the Listing: An Architect-Renovated Federal-Style Townhouse in the Heart of the West Village. Tucked behind a classic brick façade on a landmarked West Village block, 39 Barrow Street is a rare, architect-renovated Federal-style townhouse offering refined design, meaningful history, and an exceptional layout for modern living. See floor plan and full details here.

159 East 69th Street, #TH
$9,500,000

Lenox Hill | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 4,711 ft²

159 East 69th Street, # (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: The Residence at 155 East 69th Street Enter this exceptional home either through a private street-level entrance or directly via the private one-car garage. Offering a rare blend of scale, natural light, and volume, the residence evokes the sensibility of a loft within the context of a classic carriage house. A striking staircase leads to the main living floor, where a generously scaled living room is anchored by a wood-burning fireplace and opens to a glass-enclosed terrace that filters light from above. See floor plan and full details here.

1 Great Jones Alley, #10
$10,495,000

NoHo | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,303 ft²

1 Great Jones Alley, #10 (Compass)

From the Listing: The highest full-floor residence in the building, Residence 10 has been renovated and reimagined with a custom interior design that balances soft textures, warm materials, and refined detailing throughout. With private elevator entry and three exposures, the home offers scale, privacy, and light in one of NoHo’s most architecturally distinct addresses. See floor plan and full details here.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

This is your member's center

In this article:

Pomander Walk, #2
$699,000

Love Lane Mews, #PH4A
$3,995,000

The Printing House, #318
$2,950,000 (-7.7%)

The Arches at Cobble Hill, #B3E
$1,795,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

1 Fifth Avenue, #12H
$1,950,000

142 Baltic Street, #3F
$700,000

Carriage houses and select gems for sale off alleys, mews, and private gardens.

Villa Charlotte Bronte, #E3
$649,000

Villa Charlotte Bronte, #G1
$949,000

36 Bethune Street, #2
$995,000

Prospect Park Mews, #4G
$995,000

114 Clinton Street, #2B
$1,295,000

321 Clinton Avenue, #7
$1,400,000

7 Sylvan Court, #TH
$1,795,000

The West Broadway Arches, #1B
$3,400,000

Franklin Place, #34BC
$4,950,000

The MacDougal Lofts, #3W
$5,495,000

10 Bedford Street, #TH
$5,495,000 (-5.2%)

Wythe Lane Townhouses, #3
$6,500,000

39 Barrow Street, #TH
$7,995,000

159 East 69th Street, #TH
$9,500,000

1 Great Jones Alley, #10
$10,495,000

This is your member's center

In this article:

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Carriage houses and select gems for sale off alleys, mews, and private gardens.

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

Tags:

Related Articles

Buy & Sell

Rent

Buildings

Insights

Company