Listings on NYC's hidden mews: Homes on charming backstreets that evoke English planning

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. Pomander-Walk-01 Pomander Walk via The Corcoran Group Sniffen-Court-01 Sniffen Court circa summer 2020 via CityRealty Greenwich-Mews-01 Greenwich Mews via Brown Harris Stevens Sylvan Terrace (Stribline) 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) 9-College-Place-01 All images of Love Lane Mews via Compass 9-College-Place-02 9-College-Place-03 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 421-Hudson-Street-02 421-Hudson-Street-03 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 401-Hicks-Street-02 401-Hicks-Street-03 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.

Henderson Place

Henderson Place via Leslie J. Garfield 14-Henderson-Place-01 All images of 14 Henderson Place via Leslie J. Garfield 14-Henderson-Place-02 14-Henderson-Place-03 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) 1-Fifth-Avenue-01 All images of 1 Fifth Avenue via Compass 1-Fifth-Avenue-02 1-Fifth-Avenue-03 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 8-Warren-Street-01 All images of 8 Warren Street via Sotheby's 8-Warren-Street-02 8-Warren-Street-03 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 455-West-20th-Street-01 All images of 455 West 20th Street via BLU Realty Group 455-West-20th-Street-02 455-West-20th-Street-03 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.