A Chelsea carriage house that's a passport to the 19th century

By Virginia K. Smith | June 21, 2016 - 11:59AM

Fans of exposed bricks and exposed beams will want to sit up and take notice for this one: you can now rent a studio that's more or less the platonic ideal of a historic, Old New York dwelling. Nicknamed "The Cottage," the $3,600/month rental being marketed by Town Residential is located in the ground floor of a carriage house, which in turn is located right behind a Chelsea townhouse.

As such, it's got its own private gated entrance, as well as direct access out into a scenic shared courtyard and garden.

The apartment itself looks like it might get a little dark at times (as is often the case with first-floor residences), but it's full of lovingly preserved historic detail, including exposed beams, multiple fireplaces, and barn-plank flooring. We also particularly like the "built-in sleeping niche," which includes extra storage on the bottom.

The listing also notes a "walk through spacious closet," though it's hard to get a sense of it from the photos. As for the kitchen and bathroom, the kitchen has been recently renovated with new shelving and flooring, and the bathroom has been freshly re-tiled and features an appropriately old school claw-foot tub.

No pets are allowed, unfortunately, but a two-year lease is available if you're planning to stick around a while.

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