Lay of the Land
• Location: The tiny, elevated neighborhood lies between 41st and 43rd Sts., between First and Second Aves.

• Directions: Take the 4, 5, 6, 7 or S train to Grand Central. Head east to Second Ave. and climb the stairs at 42nd St.

• Set-Up: The eleven, quaintly-named apartment buildings—The Manor, Essex House, Windsor Tower—were originally built as pied-à-terre rentals and are now Co-Ops (except for The Hermitage). The neighborhood also includes four townhouses, a hotel, a post office, and a few eclectic shops. It was designated an historic district in 1988.

BY KATE APPLETON AND EMMA ROSENBLUM
PHOTOGRAPHS BY KATE APPLETON