H
idden behind wrought‑iron gates, Pomander Walk on the Upper West Side has seen an unexpected surge in activity this year. A one‑bedroom, one‑bath unit—originally listed for $895,000—has just entered contract, adding to the lane’s growing tally of 2025 deals. The property, featuring built‑in bookshelves and a garden view, is one of 27 Tudor‑style cottages between West 94th and 95th Streets, within walking distance of Central and Riverside Parks. Local buyers who pass the gates daily made offers within 24 hours of the first open house.
Historically, Pomander Walk has been a rare market. No sales occurred in 2024, and the period from 2017 to 2019 was a dry spell. This year, however, the enclave has attracted a flurry of transactions. Earlier in September, a duplex—two one‑bedroom units in a corner building on West 95th—was listed for $1.39 million, with each unit priced separately at $699,000. A two‑bedroom unit listed in May for $749,000 entered contract in less than a month, underscoring the community’s quick turnover.
The co‑op’s appeal lies in its vibrant exteriors, miniature gardens, and the sense of privacy it offers. Natalie Weiss, a Nest Seekers broker who grew up there and has closed roughly 20 deals, highlighted informal cocktail hours and the tranquil, secluded atmosphere that residents cherish. The enclave’s history includes notable figures such as Humphrey Bogart, Rosalind Russell, and Lillian Gish.
Pomander Walk’s 104‑year‑old façade is unmistakable. The developer, Thomas Healy, drew inspiration from the 1910 English play “Pomander Walk” by Louis N. Parker, which depicted Thames‑side neighbors in a three‑act comedy. The play’s idyllic setting informed the Tudor architecture, bright shutters, and tiny gardens that define the lane. Like other rare mews—such as Washington Heights’ Sylvan Terrace and Murray Hill’s Sniffen Court, where Graham Norton recently sold a townhouse—Pomander Walk emerged from former horse‑stable alleys, creating a hidden street that remains a coveted, landmarked enclave on the Upper West Side.
