New York Habitat Blog

Pablo Picasso. Josephine Baker. Ernest Hemingway. The Montparnasse region of Paris has long attracted the creative and artistic. To this day the region continues to support the arts through its abundance of museums and theaters. Celebrate a rich history of culture and explore Paris with New York Habitat. This One-Bedroom Apartment near Montparnasse (PA-3048) could be your perfect starting point.

Bright, One-Bedroom Apartment in Montparnasse, Paris:

This modernly designed one-bedroom rental is located on the third floor of a contemporary building. The building (unlike many in Paris) is equipped with an elevator.

Also for your convenience, the owners of the apartment live in the building and have proven to be very helpful to tenants.

The windows stream in sunlight during the day and the modern lighting of the apartment warmly illuminates the space at night.

Located a ten-minute walk from Montparnasse, the rental is also conveniently near Line 13 (Plaisance stop) of the Parisian subway system.

Montparnasse, Paris:

The ancient Greeks believed “Mount Parnassus” to be the home of Apollo, the god of poetry, music, and beauty. In 17th century Paris, students began to gather on a small hill to recite poetry. The students nicknamed the area after the home of Apollo and soon the name morphed into Montparnasse.

Since its artistic inception, Montparnasse has continued to attract the truly creative. Patrons of the world-renowned cafes of Montparnasse have included writers such as Scott Fitzgerald and T.S. Eliot, painters such as Kandinsky and Modigliani, and directors such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Roman Polanski. In addition to cafes, the area boasts many shops, restaurants, and theaters.

Montparnasse is also home to the Tour Montparnasse, which was, at one time, the tallest office building in Europe. 

Why is this one-bedroom rental a Hidden Gem?

The warm lighting combined with the modern colors and designs of the décor are standout features of the apartment. When you add the nearby cultural and artistic hotspot of Montparnasse, this one-bedroom rental is uncovered as a hidden gem.

For more information on Paris, read:

• Paris in Song - “Paris – Picture Perfect”
• Paris in the Movies - Indulge Your Inner Film Buff

Feel free to post any comments or questions below.

When I grow rich say the bells of Shoreditch …

Children all over London have grown up reciting the hopeful words to the nursery rhyme, “Oranges and Lemons.” Today, Shoreditch has achieved its goal.

The lively neighborhood has grown to become very rich in culture and personality. New York Habitat heralds the cultural ascent of Shoreditch by highlighting a modern, One-Bedroom Accommodation (LN-436) .

Groovy, One-Bedroom Rental:

Located only a short walk from the thriving cultural center of Shoreditch, this one-bedroom rental stands out as a Hidden Gem.

The apartment’s design is richly inspired by the mesmerizing colors and swirls of the 1970s, while still providing modern appliances and wireless broadband Internet.

The trendy décor is further amplified by the apartment’s trendy fish bowl and three goldfish. The ground level flat also leads to a private garden and deck.

Travel into the city of London is made simple by the use of the Old Street tube station, as well as a 24-hour bus system.

Shoreditch, London:

From early on in the history of Shoreditch, artists have been attracted to the area. The first playhouse in England, The Theatre, was born here in 1576. This playhouse was soon followed by the Curtain Theatre, both of which housed plays written by William Shakespeare. In fact, it was in The Theatre that Romeo and Juliet and Henry V gained their initial fame.

While neither of these theaters are standing today, Shoreditch has since become a breeding ground for galleries, studios, and workspaces. It was the lure of cheap rent that attracted scores of artists to the area during the early 1990s.

Since then, however, artistic bohemians are not the only crowd flocking to the area. More recently, Shoreditch has become a mecca for students and successful twenty-somethings. Shoreditch real estate has become a booming business.

Shoreditch, located in the East End district of London, is centered around a triangle formed by Old Street, Great Eastern Street and Shoreditch High Street. It is on Old Street and nearby Curtain Road that the largest concentration of clubs, pubs, and restaurants can be found.

For example, The Pool, found on Curtain Road, is a very lively bar that features dance parties downstairs on the weekends. Or perhaps, you can enjoy the sunny terrace of the Caffe d’Arte, which serves hot meals and sandwiches during the day.

What makes this one-bedroom a Hidden Gem?

A prime position in a culturally diverse and now fashionable area of London is the standout feature of this one-bedroom apartment. The clever and colorful décor, as well as the private garden also help to make this accomodation a Hidden Gem.

If you know of any interesting spots in Shoreditch or have any comments/questions, feel free to post them below.

Image courtesy of: Golf Punk

There must be more than this provincial life…

While Belle of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast longed to escape her small town in France, there are people from all over the world who are clambering to get in. Many small villages comprise the South of France and they attract scores of people each summer, hoping to relax and get away. New York Habitat highlights the town of La Garde Freinet, located in the French Riviera and near St. Tropez, as well as a secluded Three-Bedroom Villa (PR-741) .

Private, Three-Bedroom Villa in the French Riviera:

This traditional stone villa is located within a forest of the cork oak and pine trees that are characteristic of the area. There are no neighbors close by, which heightens the sense of privacy surrounding the French Riviera villa.

The large swimming pool on the terrace overlooks the forests and the hills. You can cool off by taking a dip or relax on a comfortable poolside mattress, in the shade.

The sweeping property has two houses: the main house and the smaller house (or Maison d’amis). The smaller house can be used for even further privacy from the larger group. The villa boasts three separate bedrooms, as well as two bathrooms. Both of the homes are nestled within a sloping landscape that will leave you breathless.

The village of La Garde Freinet is a ten-minute drive from the villa and merely 15 miles away from the vacation hot spot of St. Tropez.

La Garde Freinet, French Riviera:

A narrow, winding road scales the mountains and weaves its way through miles of trees and vineyards, channeling towards the small village of La Garde Freinet.

The village was originally named by the ancient Saracens and translates roughly to “The Guard of the Forest.” The name is quite fitting, as the region is known for its abundance of oak, cork oak, pine, and chestnut trees. The forest and the village are located on a narrow ledge of the Massif des Maures mountain range and overlook the gulf of St. Tropez, which can be reached from the village by car in about 10 minutes.

The streets of the village are narrow and provide the only separation between the houses, which are constructed back-to-back and side-to-side, leaving no space for backyards or patios. This typical feature of Provençal villages makes the aforementioned private and spacious villa that much more enticing.

Twice a week, the town comes alive for market day. The aromas of all the delicious treats for sale join the scents of rosemary, thyme, mint, and marjoram that perpetually fill the air.

What makes this three-bedroom a Hidden Gem?

Its secluded location within the sweeping Massif des Maures mountain range is an attractive bonus to this accommodation. The large swimming pool, extensive terrace, and comfortable décor of this two-house property all add up to make the villa a Hidden Gem.

For more information on the South of France, check out the following articles:

• A Writer’s Retreat in the South of France
• An American in the Southeast of France
• Grape harvest in Provence - France

Please, feel free to leave any comments or questions below.

Neighborhoods in New York are constantly changing. What was once hip becomes taboo and what was once passé becomes the place to be. So it is with the Harlem neighborhood of Hamilton Heights. New York Habitat has a two-bedroom duplex accommodation in the heart of this thriving neighborhood.

Handsomely Decorated, Two-Bedroom Duplex Townhouse:

The apartment, owned by an architect, is impeccably designed and fills up two floors of a gorgeous townhouse. The owner also keeps a cat in the apartment, which a past renter of the accommodation has called “sweet and very friendly.” Therefore, if you enjoy cats, beautiful architecture, and stylish décor, then perhaps this Two-Bedroom Accommodation in Harlem (NY-12274) is for you.

One appealing aspect of this apartment, besides the duplex townhouse and the intriguing décor, is the unbelievable price. Crain’s New York Business reports that on average the prices of New York hotel rooms have risen since last year. The average hotel rate for the year up until now is listed at about $248 per night. New York Habitat, at the time of this article, is offering this fully furnished two-bedroom rental with Jacuzzi for $135 per day and $675 per week.

Travel into other areas of Manhattan (like Times Square and Rockefeller Center) is incredibly convenient. The townhouse is a brief walk to the 1, A, B, C, and D trains. The A and D trains travel express and reach 59th Street in midtown Manhattan in only two stops.

Hamilton Heights, Harlem:

The rental, as stated above, is on the second and third floors of a Harlem townhouse. According to the Hamilton Heights – West Harlem Community Preservation Organization, the pride and joy of the neighborhood are the gorgeous array of townhouses designed in various styles such as Dutch, Beaux Arts, Queen Anne, and Romanesque Revival.

Due to the hard work of community preservationists and the beauty of these houses, large portions of the neighborhood have become landmark areas. These areas have since been renamed the Hamilton Heights Historic District Extension and the Hamilton Heights/Sugar Hill Historic District.

While this townhouse is not located in the heart of Times Square, it is close to an array of museums, restaurants, and theaters that have become staples of Harlem life. Such locations are the world famous Apollo Theater and historic night spot, The Cotton Club. It is due to the rich culture and history of the area that the Community Preservation Organization has called it “a neighborhood like no other.”

What makes this two-bedroom a Hidden Gem?

This two-bedroom apartment is split between two floors of a historic Harlem townhouse. The cat is charming, the décor is interesting, and the neighborhood is a thriving cultural center. Also, how many New York apartments can you find that have a Jacuzzi at this price? These numerous attributes all add up to make this two-bedroom a Hidden Gem.

For more information on Harlem, check out some of our other blog posts: Harlem apartment rentals near the Renaissance Theater and New York In Song - “Uptown – The New Harlem.”

Feel free to share comments about Hamilton Heights, upcoming city events, or neighborhoods that you feel deserve notice below.

As described in A Writer’s Retreat in the South of France, southern France can be a very relaxing and comfortable environment for a vacation. Renting a quiet villa can be more rewarding than occupying a small and impersonal hotel room. New York Habitat has a stunning and scenic accommodation in a Five-Bedroom Villa in Provence, Luberon (PR-766).

Today, New York Habitat highlights this great find and the charming region of Gordes.

Beautiful, Five-Bedroom Stone Villa:

This enchanting villa is fully furnished, pleasantly private, can accommodate up to 12 people, and is located in one of the most enchanting villages of southern France.

The spacious villa was originally an old stone farm house. However, the reconstruction of the property has transformed it into a lovely five bedroom, four and a half bathroom property in the heart of Luberon. The home manages to balance its modern style of décor with the traditional style of Gordes architecture.

Outside of the living room windows is a shaded terrace with comfortable sofas and pillows. A very private setting heightens the sense of comfort around the pool area and garden.

The surrounding vineyards, farmland, lavender field, oak and olive trees work to enclose the home, pool/terrace, and pool showers. Even more, this sprawling home is being offered at a competitive price compared to the quality of the space.

Gordes in Provence, South of France:

Due to consistent efforts to maintain charm and tradition, Gordes has become a fashionable place to travel in the South of France. The villas are made of limestone, the roofs of terracotta tiles, no fences are allowed, and the beige stone of the castle burns orange in the sun.

The narrow stone streets wind their way in between the tall houses and specialty shops, while the majestic image of the 12th century castle proudly overlooks the enchanting city. Town ordinance has helped to preserve its image. Builders are only allowed to use limestone and terracotta during construction. It has also been ordained that all electricity and telephone cables be routed underground, rather than over the city.

Gordes and the general area of Luberon, since the 1980s, have become a well-known real estate market. This locale, referred to among journalists and real estate moguls as the “Luberon Gold Triangle,” was catapulted into the center of Parisian real estate by famous developer, Christian-Jacques Rosier. Since then, the Beaux Villages de France association has named Gordes as one of the most beautiful villages in all of France.

Every Tuesday morning, Gordes comes alive for market day. Merchants set up to sell everything under the sun: instruments, food, clothing, and more. While there are no supermarkets in this charming town, Gordes is full of mini-markets and stores that specialize in all the items you may need.

You can also travel down into the green valley among the world-reknowned lavender fields to find the Abbey of Sénanque, a Cistercian abbey that is still in use by Monks and open for visitors. Other areas of France can be reached using the Cavaillion-Gordes bus line that provides thirty minute trips, three times a day.

What makes this five-bedroom villa a Hidden Gem?

The enchanting villa discussed above is special because of the seclusion of the outdoor area, the modern use of the space,  its capacity for large occupancy, and the charm of the surrounding location.

François Roux, the Vice President of New York Habitat, calls Gordes “truly unique.” This is no understatement. With its stone streets, majestic castle, and lavender fields, Gordes will continue to be a dream getaway destination.  New York Habitat and our Hidden Gem will provide the privacy and the comfort to make that dream a reality.

For information on upcoming events in Gordes, check out Gordes-Village.com. If you have any questions or would like to give your own suggestions of activities to do while in Gordes, feel free to comment below.
 

All information received from: Gordes-Village.com, ProvenceWeb, Provence Beyond, and Wikipedia.com.
Final image courtesy of: www.web-provence.com/infos/gordes.htm 

The jig is up. The secret is out. People are flocking to Brooklyn in droves.

The reasonable prices, proximity to the city, and the quiet of living outside Manhattan have motivated buyers and renters alike to cross the bridge. Our article, New York Habitat offers rentals in Brooklyn Housing Boom, comments on the borough’s rise to fame. Within Brooklyn, New York Habitat has put the spotlight on a one-bedroom brownstone apartment (NY-11601) in the thriving neighborhood of Boerum Hill.
 
Furnished, One-Bedroom Apartment in Brooklyn:

“It was just perfect!”

In his review, Armand of the Netherlands raves about this “very nice apartment” and the services of New York Habitat. This one-bedroom accomodation is situated on the garden level of a brownstone. Primely located on tree-lined Wycoff Street, the apartment is merely two blocks in one direction from trendy Smith Street and, in the other direction, four blocks from the bustling Atlantic Avenue.

The 700 square foot apartment features decorative fireplaces and windows that look out onto a charming garden. The garden is maintained by the owners who reside in the floors above the rental and who have also proven to be incredibly helpful to the occupants.

Donna comments that the apartment “had everything we required for our stay and the hosts even supplied a high chair and some toys for our child.” Several families have rented this apartment, all of whom have appreciated the comfort of the apartment and of the “great family neighborhood.”

The brownstone is conveniently located near the F and G trains, which run along Smith Street. The F train is only three short stops away from Manhattan. A little further away are the B, M, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains at Atlantic Avenue, which also carry you into Manhattan.
 
Boerum Hill, Brooklyn:

Stretching from about Third Avenue to Court Street and from Schermerhorn Street to Douglass Street, Boerum Hill has overcome a see-saw of a history. By the 1960s, the neighborhood had drastically declined. It lost its name of Boerum Hill and was lumped together with several other neighborhoods to form the area called Gowanus or South Brooklyn.

Beginning in the 70s, a group of preservationists made it their mission to restore the area to its former glory. They began to inhabit and revitalize the 19th century brownstones that dominate the area. As the fruits of their labor began to flourish, new business arrived in the area, as well as interested renters and buyers. The neighborhood, then, reclaimed its previous name, Boerum Hill.

Today, Boerum Hill has become a showroom of renovated brownstones, new and trendy restaurants, a happening bar scene, and charming cafes. Smith Street and Atlantic Avenue have become hot spots for Brooklyn’s happy hour and the weekend night scene.

New York Magazine, in fact, named Smith Street “the most innovative, exciting restaurant row” in the city. Not only has Boerum Hill become a fun destination for Brooklynites, but tourists and even inhabitants of Manhattan are beginning to flock there.

What makes this Brooklyn brownstone a Hidden Gem?

New York Habitat currently has many apartments being offered in Brooklyn. This one-bedroom apartment stands out among the rest because of its charming location, the soothing garden view, and the accommodating nature of the owners. All in all, this apartment has proven to be a Hidden Gem.

Do you know of any happening bars or great restaurants in the Boerum Hill area? Leave a comment below.

If you’re looking to escape the hectic cities of the world, consider renting this furnished villa in Aix-en-Provence.

We have selected this four-bedroom villa (PR-386) in the South of France from our many accommodations for several reasons: positive feedback from previous clients, the large garden and family-sized quarters, and the proximity to the region’s and city’s transportation network.

This Aix-en-Provence Villa:

Many of our offerings in Southern France are well suited to families looking to spend time in a quieter location, but this apartment offers extra amenities including a first floor master suit, single-sized beds in some of the upstairs bedrooms, and two large bathrooms.

Furthermore, this apartment, set in a residential neighborhood, offers spectacular gardens that include a vegetable bed, various plants and a patio with a large dining table and BBQ grill.

Feedback about this villa:

The villa created an “enchanted stay.”
and
“The owners were charming and helpful.”

Location of this villa in Provence:

This villa is located two miles from the center of Aix-en-Provence and 15 miles from Marseilles. Transportation in the area is convenient with the main TGV line running from Paris to Aix-en-Provence in under three hours and car rentals are available directly at the train station.

Furthermore, direct flights from the U.S. are available to Nice Cote d’Azur Airport and connecting flights from international destinations are available to the airport in Marseilles.

For more on Provence and the South of France read:

• Grape harvest in Provence - France
• Cypress trees welcome you to Provence
• A Writer’s Retreat in the South of France
• An American in the Southeast of France

With positive reviews, a central location and a well laid out villa and garden, this offering is perfect to consider for a group looking to explore Provence and the South of France.