1. Grace Court Alley, Brooklyn Heights

Grace Court Alley in Brooklyn Heights originally housed the stables of the Remsen family who lived in a mansion nearby during the 19th century. The mews got its name when Grace Church was built across the street in 1847 and used the stables for the church. Then automobiles replaced carriages and the mews at Grace Court Alley were paved and used as car garages by residences nearby. As development continued and demand for housing increased, the buildings were converted into lovely little apartments.

For more “mews,” check out all these fake mews in NYC, then read about 15 of NYC’s one block streets and 10 of NYC’s smallest historic districts.