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.
In this article:
Pomander Walk via The Corcoran Group
Sniffen Court circa summer 2020 via CityRealty
Greenwich Mews via Brown Harris Stevens
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.
Love Lane Mews
Love Lane Mews (Compass)
All images of Love Lane Mews via Compass
Beautifully laid out apartment in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District features soaring ceilings and incredible natural light throughout. The open chef's kitchen has been updated with custom cabinetry and sleek stone countertops. The master suite boasts a massive walk-in closet and marble bath with custom shower and double vanities. A tax abatement is in effect until 2023. See floor plan and full details here.
Printing House Mews
All images of The Printing House via The Corcoran Group
Maisonette apartment enjoys the convenience and amenities of a full-service condominium along with a private entrance along the building's mews garden. Interiors boast 17' ceilings, 10' windows, and a slick steel staircase connecting both levels. The open kitchen is outfitted with state-of-the-art appliances, Waterworks fittings, Caesarstone countertops, and custom cabinetry. See floor plan and full details here.
The Arches at Cobble Hill
All images of The Arches at Cobble Hill via Compass
Duplex apartment is located in a luxurious landmarked building with original brick facade, arched windows, and Art Deco design. However, the home boasts CitiQuiet windows, stylish kitchen with a touchscreen refrigerator among the state-of-the-art appliances, master bath with chromatherapy LED lighting in the shower, and Lutron smart home technology. A virtual tour is available for this unit. See floor plan and full details here.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Henderson Place
Henderson Place via Leslie J. Garfield
All images of 14 Henderson Place via Leslie J. Garfield
Beautifully renovated townhouse with a private parking space is located on a private cul-de-sac on the Upper East Side. Updates include designer lighting, state-of-the-art kitchen, Nest thermostat, luxurious master bath with heated floors, high-end finishes throughout, and newly constructed penthouse floor. However, none of that came at the expense of historic details like soaring ceiling, exposed beams, exposed brick walls, and original mantle. See floor plan and full details here.
Washington Mews
Washington Mews (CORE)
All images of 1 Fifth Avenue via Compass
High-floor home in a landmarked Art Deco skyscraper looks out on Washington Mews, Washington Square Park, and the Manhattan skyline. The interiors have undergone a major renovation, albeit one highly respectful of its historic setting. Full-time doormen, porters, and other building staff are on hand in the building. See floor plan and full details here.
The Warren Place Mews
The Warren Place Mews via Sotheby's
All images of 8 Warren Street via Sotheby's
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.
General Theological Seminary Alley
Entrance via Corcoran
All images of 455 West 20th Street via BLU Realty Group
Garden residence in a historic Chelsea building is reached through a private entrance on West 20th Street. Upon arrival, interiors boast paneled oak doors with darkened steel hardware, herringbone hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, and wood-burning fireplace with costume mantle. The windowed eat-in kitchen is outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances. See floor plan and full details here.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
6sqft delivers the latest on real estate, architecture, and design, straight from New York City.
