The famed brownstone stoop that served as Carrie Bradshaw's fictional apartment in the TV series "Sex and the City" may soon be gated to curb fan gatherings. The series, which aired on HBO in 1998, has captivated audiences with the lives of four professional female friends living in New York City. The exterior of this iconic brownstone, located in the West Village neighborhood, became a magnet for fans, who often gathered to take photos on the front steps.
Despite a clear "No Trespassing – Private Property" sign, many ardent visitors ignored the chain installed by the owner, Barbara Lorber, a few years ago. Fans frequently posed, danced, or lay down on the steps, causing damage to the property. Lorber had hoped that the fascination with the stoop would wane over time. However, it continued to lure fans who went as far as climbing to the top of the stoop to peer into windows, raising safety concerns.
"The front of my home appeared in the Sex and the City TV series as the exterior of character Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment. My fault: I felt sorry for the young location scout who was a recent grad from NYU Film School. He told me if he didn’t secure this house, he would lose his first real job in the business." – Barbara Lorber
The stoop has become a global tourist destination and a scene for social media posts and TikTok videos. Lorber reported that some visitors even attempted to open the main entrance door or rang doorbells late at night, often while intoxicated. This prompted her to apply to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in January 2022 for permission to install an iron gate at the bottom of the steps to block access. The application is currently pending.
"At the time, no one knew the show would turn into anything long lasting … much less the iconic fantasy vehicle and touchstone for NYC’s magic that it has become." – Barbara Lorber
Lorber’s residence has inadvertently become an emblem of "Sex and the City’s" enduring allure, drawing fans from across the globe. Her experience highlights both the positive and negative impacts of fame on private property. The stoop's cultural significance remains undeniable, but it comes at a personal cost to those who call it home.
"My home is now a global tourist destination … At any hour of the day or night, there are groups of visitors in front of the house taking flash photos, engaging in loud chatter, posting on social media, making TikTok videos or just celebrating the moment." – Barbara Lorber