Prospect Heights Historic Carriage House
Barely visible from the street, this 1870s carriage house sits at the end of a long, gated driveway, surrounded by brownstones that were constructed years after it. Originally built as the carriage house for a nearby estate, it’s rumored that the horse of a visiting U.S. President was once kept here during his stay.
The lower floor still holds the original posts dividing the horse stalls, with hoof marks visible on the wood. Upstairs, soaring 15- to 20-foot ceilings and original support beams add incredible character and volume to the rooms.
One of the property’s most striking features is the expansive private garden, which, along with its setback from the street, makes this home a rare, secluded refuge from the city.
When we first saw it, the longtime owners were preparing to move after several decades. The home’s walls and built-in nooks displayed an extraordinary collection of African and South Pacific artifacts gathered through years of travel. I wanted to honor that history in our staging, selecting lighting and accessories that reflected that tradition and paired naturally with the home’s casual, almost Mediterranean atmosphere.
We began by bringing in a contractor to paint the entire interior and update all the light fixtures. The garden was cleared and refreshed, with the listing carefully timed to coincide with the spring plantings at their peak. It took a number of showings, but the brokers held firm on the asking price — and the property went into contract in just 38 days. This was, without question, one of my favorite projects to stage.
On mobile devices, tap the images to see the full before and after results.
