Turtle Bay Gardens Historic District

Turtle Bay Gardens Historic District is a residential area with 20 rowhouses nestled between Second and Third Avenues in Manhattan. The four-story buildings feature pale stucco walls, cast iron trim, and English basements that date to the early 1800s.

The rowhouses were built in the 1860s and underwent major renovation from 1918 to 1920. This transformation, led by Charlotte Hunnewell Sorchan working with architect Clarence Dean, turned them into modern homes for that era.

The neighborhood name recalls the protected bay where turtles once thrived in this area. The closely arranged homes reflect a shared vision among residents to create a cohesive, quiet retreat within the busy city.

The district is easy to explore on foot and sits in a quiet area away from heavy traffic, just steps from the major avenues. Walking around to view the exteriors is possible anytime, and nearby subway stations make it convenient to reach.

Behind the rowhouses lies a shared private garden featuring a fountain inspired by Villa Medici, accessible only to residents. This hidden retreat reveals how the neighborhood has maintained privacy and separation from the surrounding urban rush since its renovation.