Captured by Cornelia Street: Unraveling the Charisma of Taylor Swift’s Rental Residence

Back in 2016, during the time when Taylor was renovating her penthouses in Tribeca, she found her ideal rental in the charming West Village of New York City. This delightful converted carriage house, nestled on Cornelia Street, stole her heart. Despite the monthly cost of $39,500 (£31k), the 21-foot-wide historic brownstone with its double-height ceilings, elegant hardwood floors, three cozy fireplaces, and breathtaking urban vistas was undeniably worth every penny. Taylor’s fondness for this residence even led her to compose the song ‘Cornelia Street,’ featured in her 2019 album, Lover.

Dating back to 1870, this 5,500-square-foot space boasts four bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Though recently revamped, the blend of vintage and contemporary elements seamlessly intertwines. The home is adorned with modern amenities, including a magnificent chef’s kitchen, exquisite Lalique light fixtures, and industrial-inspired floor-to-ceiling glass windows that bathe the interior in natural light. As twilight descends, the dining room becomes aglow with the intricate illumination of an ornate Murano chandelier.

Luxury Italian furniture company Zanotta acquired the converted carriage house in 2019 for $11.5 million (£9m). The house was imaginatively transformed into an interactive showcase for the company’s finest pieces, accessible only by appointment. This exclusive VIP shopping experience allowed patrons to delve into the brand’s ethos and even offered the chance to stay overnight in this storied abode. However, the property was recently put up for sale in late May 2023, with an asking price just shy of $18 million (£14m). It has now reemerged on the market for rent at a princely sum of $45,000 (£35k) per month.

Given its historical lineage, this venerable structure has undergone numerous renovations over the years. An example is the modern addition of the pool level, which showcases soaring 27-foot ceilings and a sleek basalt stone floor. Nestled within is a 30-foot-long swimming pool adjacent to a comfortable lounge area, with double doors that open onto an exterior patio. Adding to the allure is a splendid rooftop terrace framed by a metal gable structure. Following Taylor Swift’s parting from English actor Joe Alwyn, this street evolved into a pilgrimage site for her fans. So much so, that on Instagram, it became known as “Cornelia Street aka Taylor Swift Ave.”