Stable Real Estate: NYC carriage houses transformed into rarely-available homes

By CityRealty Staff | From Great Listings Wednesday, November 15, 2023

This beautifully-renovated carriage house in Clinton Hill was listed earlier this week (Compass)

At the height of lockdown, New York streets were closed to car traffic to allow pedestrians to practice safe social distancing and let restaurants provide outdoor dining. It is too soon to say whether these changes will become permanent or what effect they will have on the city. However, this would not be the first time New York City has adapted to changing street use - witness the ripple effects of the shift from carriages to cars.

During the days when the city streets were dominated by horse-drawn carriages, New York's wealthiest could own single-family homes with a separate stable for the family's horses, often accessed through a side passage or tunnel through the house. As time passed and modes of transportation changed, these individual stables tended to fare better than the full-block mews. These could be converted to garages for the automobiles that would come to replace carriages, but were more frequently transformed into residences known in today's parlance as carriage houses.

"Show horses and fine harness horses are transitory. Stables, on the other hand, are permanent." - The Brooklyn Eagle, 1900

As many remaining carriage houses are located in historic districts, their exteriors tend to look much as they did when they were first built. However, appearances can be deceiving - today's owners are free to bring the interiors up to contemporary standards with infrastructure, appliance, finish, and layout upgrades. There was a time that artists were drawn to these spaces (past residents of New York's carriage houses include Jackson Pollock, Edward Albee, Diane Arbus, and Bob Dylan), but today's buyers tend to be mostly moguls and mega-stars (e.g., investor David Aldea who bought a carriage house Taylor Swift once rented).

Carriage House Loft Condominiums, #PHS
$1,699,000

Hamilton Heights | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,780 ft²

Carriage House Loft Condominiums, #PHS (Compass)

↓ Soaring ceilings and two skylights bathe the penthouse in natural light.

↓A living room with wood-burning fireplace is the heart of the home.

↓ To truly top it all off, a massive, beautifully landscaped private roof terrace offers a beautiful pergola, separate seating and dining areas, and 360-degree city views.

From the Listing: Originally constructed in the early 1900s as a horse stable, this remarkable building underwent a transformation in 2006 to become a collection of eight luxurious and distinctive condominium loft homes. The one-of-a-kind penthouse is reached via keyed elevator that opens directly into the home. For those who love to cook and entertain, the open chef’s kitchen is a standout feature. The layout includes three generous bedrooms, each thoughtfully designed with custom closets. See floor plan and full details here.

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329 Vanderbilt Avenue, #TH
$7,500,000

Clinton Hill | Townhouse | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,050 ft²

329 Vanderbilt Avenue, #TH (Compass)

↓ 329 Vanderbilt Avenue dates back to 1870, and original features have been restored. However, it was recently rebuilt to Passive House standards.

↓ A minimalist Douglas Fir staircase stands in beautiful complement to mass timber ceilings and recycled wood floors.

↓ The kitchen abuts the private backyard and comes outfitted with blue marble countertops, abundant cabinetry with recycled wood veneer, and Fisher & Paykel appliances.

↓ A sunken living area gazes up at a beautifully planted roof deck with views of the adjacent cathedral and Brooklyn cityscape.

From the Listing: Designed for longevity, sustainability, comfort and modern convenience, this is Brooklyn’s first mass timber single-family residence, and is an ideal respite for the modern New Yorker. Featuring a three-story Douglas Fir laminated stair and bridge, a landscaped roof terrace and interior atrium, a garage with a curb cut, and sublime views of one of the city’s only Gothic Revival-style cathedrals, the house is a marriage of historic charm and the highest level of new construction craftsmanship. The architect recycled wood beams from the building’s original structure to create the wood flooring throughout. The lighting system was newly invented with locally-based firm Stickbulb to create light-reflective coves that seamlessly integrate into the mass timber structures. See floor plan and full details here.

121 East 83rd Street, #NA
$13,495,000

Carnegie Hill | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 7,825 ft²

121 East 83rd Street, #NA (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

↓ 121 East 83rd Street was designed as a private stable for Frank W. Woolworth, and the grand cornice on top has been beautifully restored.

↓ The main floor features an open-plan living room with fireplace and ample wall space for art.

↓ The eat-in kitchen features wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and access to a private patio.

↓ The bedrooms are on the top floor, and one of them opens up to a solarium and patio.

From the Listing: Presenting a rare opportunity to own, renovate and customize a history-rich Carriage House on Manhattan's prestigious Upper East Side, with additional FAR to expand to 10,420 square feet. 121 East 83rd Street was designed by Hamilton & Mesereau as one of the private stables of Frank W. Woolworth. Decades later, the three stories served as the studio and home of world-renowned photographer Carl Fischer, whose iconic work helped shape the era. The expansive basement with office, kitchen, powder room, tremendous storage, and mechanicals can serve a variety of uses. See floor plan and full details here.

112 Waverly Place, #NA
$13,500,000 (-12.9%)

Greenwich Village | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 6,321 ft²

112 Waverly Place, #NA (Corcoran Group)

↓ The house measures over 6,300 interior square feet, plus nearly 1,200 square feet of private outdoor space.

↓ Exquisite original interior details include hardwood floors, mahogany molding, exposed brick, and high ceilings.

↓ The carriage house boasts its own private entrance, a wood-burning fireplace, a massive skylight, soaring ceilings, and a private outdoor terrace.

From the Listing: Welcome to 112 Waverly Place, a stunning Federal-style townhouse that was once home to groundbreaking playwright, essayist, and advocate for justice, Lorraine Hansberry. The building is impeccably maintained, featuring new foundations, reinforced steel, and updated plumbing and electric. Situated just steps from Washington Square Park, whether you crave a peaceful escape or a vibrant city life, everything is close at hand. See floor plan and full details here.

The American Express Carriage House, #PH4A
$14,000,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 5 Baths | 3,818 ft²

The American Express Carriage House, #PH4A (Bespoke Real Estate LLC)

↓ The open-concept living and dining space is underpinned by an advanced AV system that controls shades, lights, HVAC, and sound.

↓ The eat-in kitchen features new Boffi cabinetry, a large center island with bar seating, and state-of-the-art appliances by Sub-Zero and Miele.

↓ A wraparound terrace extends the length of the penthouse to offer panoramic city views, as well as ample seating and dining space.

From the Listing: Nestled on a charming cobblestone street, this pre-war building’s striking brick facade exudes historic charm. Originally constructed as a stable in 1866, the building was once known as 157 Hudson and served as the American Express Carriage House. Today, the building has been transformed into a boutique and full-service condominium. The corner penthouse offers expansive private outdoor spaces, exceptional open concept living and breathtaking western and southern views. The residence features 5 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, a home office, 3,818 square feet of interior space, and 1,500 square feet of outdoor space. See floor plan and full details here.

66 Bedford Street, #House
$27,000,000

West Village | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths

66 Bedford Street, #House (Leslie J Garfield & Co Inc)

↓ This impressive prewar property is currently configured as two partially connected, side-by-side single-family residences with a single-story rear carriage house.

↓ Private outdoor space includes side-by-side rear gardens and an abutting triangular garden.

↓ Interiors can be kept separate, or combined into one magnificent Village townhouse.

From the Listing: Seldom does an opportunity exist to own a property in the heart of the West Village that is approximately 37.5’ wide by 145’ deep with private parking. Use “as-is” with two private residences supporting five bedrooms and six bathrooms with an elevator, or seamlessly combine to create one of the most unique private compounds not only in the prime West Village, but in all of New York. Located west of Seventh Avenue, this idyllic block is lined with low-rise townhouses and surrounded by sought-after restaurants, cafes and boutiques. See floor plan and full details here.

78 Irving Place, #CARRIAGEPENTHOUSE
$36,000,000

Gramercy Park | Condominium | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 10,303 ft²

78 Irving Place, #CARRIAGEPENTHOUSE (OFFICIAL)

↓ In this Gramercy Park carriage house, a living room with ethanol fireplace is the heart of the home.

↓ The eat-in kitchen comes equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and features a large skylight.

↓ The lavish primary bath boasts heated marble floors, a steam shower, and a soaking tub.

From the Listing: Rare opportunity to own both a Penthouse and separate Carriage House in the same Gramercy Park building! This exceptional Gramercy Park carriage house boasts unique features, including a private entrance on a beautiful tree-lined street and exclusively offered with a triplex penthouse completely redesigned by Pietro Cicognani of Cicognani Kalla and with exquisite interiors by Windsor Smith. The carriage house's flexible layout allows for various entertainment spaces, including a double living room and a lower-level media suite. Enter the 7,880-square-foot penthouse via keyed elevator access on all three levels. Additionally included in the sale is a 1,245-square-foot duplex apartment on the first floor, ideal for accommodating guests or staff. See floor plan and full details here.

158 West 118th Street, #NA
$2,495,000

Harlem | Townhouse | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,905 ft²

158 West 118th Street, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

↓ Interiors combine prewar design details with modern touches like recessed lighting and state-of-the-art sound system.

↓ The expansive dining area flows seamlessly into a south-facing yard, terrace, and private patio.

↓ The kitchen has been updated with marble countertops and restaurant-caliber range and oven.

From the Listing: This historic, 18-foot-wide Carriage House residence offers an exceptional level of privacy, complete with private parking and a detached garage, creating an oasis of tranquility that discerning homeowners covet. This home includes a wealth of prewar details, including paneled molding, door and window trim, original hardwood floors, tiered base molding, meticulously maintained steam radiators, and a striking brick facade. Replete with spacious rooms, the home's lofty ceilings and thoughtful layout are among its many highlights. Situated in the heart of vibrant south Harlem, you'll have access to the neighborhood's finest dining establishments, cafes, grocery stores, pharmacies, and the scenic Central and Morningside Parks, all of which are in convenient proximity. 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:

"Show horses and fine harness horses are transitory. Stables, on the other hand, are permanent." - The Brooklyn Eagle, 1900

Carriage House Loft Condominiums, #PHS
$1,699,000

↓ Soaring ceilings and two skylights bathe the penthouse in natural light.

↓A living room with wood-burning fireplace is the heart of the home.

↓ To truly top it all off, a massive, beautifully landscaped private roof terrace offers a beautiful pergola, separate seating and dining areas, and 360-degree city views.

Select which properties are of interest to you:

329 Vanderbilt Avenue, #TH
$7,500,000

↓ 329 Vanderbilt Avenue dates back to 1870, and original features have been restored. However, it was recently rebuilt to Passive House standards.

↓ A minimalist Douglas Fir staircase stands in beautiful complement to mass timber ceilings and recycled wood floors.

↓ The kitchen abuts the private backyard and comes outfitted with blue marble countertops, abundant cabinetry with recycled wood veneer, and Fisher & Paykel appliances.

↓ A sunken living area gazes up at a beautifully planted roof deck with views of the adjacent cathedral and Brooklyn cityscape.

121 East 83rd Street, #NA
$13,495,000

↓ 121 East 83rd Street was designed as a private stable for Frank W. Woolworth, and the grand cornice on top has been beautifully restored.

↓ The main floor features an open-plan living room with fireplace and ample wall space for art.

↓ The eat-in kitchen features wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and access to a private patio.

↓ The bedrooms are on the top floor, and one of them opens up to a solarium and patio.

112 Waverly Place, #NA
$13,500,000 (-12.9%)

↓ The house measures over 6,300 interior square feet, plus nearly 1,200 square feet of private outdoor space.

↓ Exquisite original interior details include hardwood floors, mahogany molding, exposed brick, and high ceilings.

↓ The carriage house boasts its own private entrance, a wood-burning fireplace, a massive skylight, soaring ceilings, and a private outdoor terrace.

The American Express Carriage House, #PH4A
$14,000,000

↓ The open-concept living and dining space is underpinned by an advanced AV system that controls shades, lights, HVAC, and sound.

↓ The eat-in kitchen features new Boffi cabinetry, a large center island with bar seating, and state-of-the-art appliances by Sub-Zero and Miele.

↓ A wraparound terrace extends the length of the penthouse to offer panoramic city views, as well as ample seating and dining space.

66 Bedford Street, #House
$27,000,000

↓ This impressive prewar property is currently configured as two partially connected, side-by-side single-family residences with a single-story rear carriage house.

↓ Private outdoor space includes side-by-side rear gardens and an abutting triangular garden.

↓ Interiors can be kept separate, or combined into one magnificent Village townhouse.

78 Irving Place, #CARRIAGEPENTHOUSE
$36,000,000

↓ In this Gramercy Park carriage house, a living room with ethanol fireplace is the heart of the home.

↓ The eat-in kitchen comes equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and features a large skylight.

↓ The lavish primary bath boasts heated marble floors, a steam shower, and a soaking tub.

158 West 118th Street, #NA
$2,495,000

↓ Interiors combine prewar design details with modern touches like recessed lighting and state-of-the-art sound system.

↓ The expansive dining area flows seamlessly into a south-facing yard, terrace, and private patio.

↓ The kitchen has been updated with marble countertops and restaurant-caliber range and oven.

This is your member's center

In this article:

"Show horses and fine harness horses are transitory. Stables, on the other hand, are permanent." - The Brooklyn Eagle, 1900

↓ Soaring ceilings and two skylights bathe the penthouse in natural light.

↓A living room with wood-burning fireplace is the heart of the home.

↓ To truly top it all off, a massive, beautifully landscaped private roof terrace offers a beautiful pergola, separate seating and dining areas, and 360-degree city views.

Select which properties are of interest to you:

↓ 329 Vanderbilt Avenue dates back to 1870, and original features have been restored. However, it was recently rebuilt to Passive House standards.

↓ A minimalist Douglas Fir staircase stands in beautiful complement to mass timber ceilings and recycled wood floors.

↓ The kitchen abuts the private backyard and comes outfitted with blue marble countertops, abundant cabinetry with recycled wood veneer, and Fisher & Paykel appliances.

↓ A sunken living area gazes up at a beautifully planted roof deck with views of the adjacent cathedral and Brooklyn cityscape.

↓ 121 East 83rd Street was designed as a private stable for Frank W. Woolworth, and the grand cornice on top has been beautifully restored.

↓ The main floor features an open-plan living room with fireplace and ample wall space for art.

↓ The eat-in kitchen features wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and access to a private patio.

↓ The bedrooms are on the top floor, and one of them opens up to a solarium and patio.

↓ The house measures over 6,300 interior square feet, plus nearly 1,200 square feet of private outdoor space.

↓ Exquisite original interior details include hardwood floors, mahogany molding, exposed brick, and high ceilings.

↓ The carriage house boasts its own private entrance, a wood-burning fireplace, a massive skylight, soaring ceilings, and a private outdoor terrace.

↓ The open-concept living and dining space is underpinned by an advanced AV system that controls shades, lights, HVAC, and sound.

↓ The eat-in kitchen features new Boffi cabinetry, a large center island with bar seating, and state-of-the-art appliances by Sub-Zero and Miele.

↓ A wraparound terrace extends the length of the penthouse to offer panoramic city views, as well as ample seating and dining space.

↓ This impressive prewar property is currently configured as two partially connected, side-by-side single-family residences with a single-story rear carriage house.

↓ Private outdoor space includes side-by-side rear gardens and an abutting triangular garden.

↓ Interiors can be kept separate, or combined into one magnificent Village townhouse.

↓ In this Gramercy Park carriage house, a living room with ethanol fireplace is the heart of the home.

↓ The eat-in kitchen comes equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and features a large skylight.

↓ The lavish primary bath boasts heated marble floors, a steam shower, and a soaking tub.

↓ Interiors combine prewar design details with modern touches like recessed lighting and state-of-the-art sound system.

↓ The expansive dining area flows seamlessly into a south-facing yard, terrace, and private patio.

↓ The kitchen has been updated with marble countertops and restaurant-caliber range and oven.

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

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