For decades, 66 Perry Street in New York’s West Village has been a must-visit location for Sex and the City fans. However, Barbara Lorber, the owner of the famous brownstone, has finally had enough. In an effort to reclaim her privacy, she has taken a bold step—requesting permission from New York’s Landmarks Preservation Commission to install an iron gate at the stairs of her home. Her goal? To put an end to the relentless influx of tourists who have turned her residence into a global attraction.
From Private Home to Tourist Hotspot
Built in 1866, the brownstone gained worldwide fame as the fictional home of Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker. Since then, the building’s façade has been the backdrop for countless photos, videos, and social media posts, as fans attempt to recreate scenes from the beloved series.
But for Lorber, who purchased the home in 1978, this level of attention has come at a steep price. She describes her house as a Sex and the City “theme park,” where fans gather daily—sometimes even in the dead of winter—posing on the steps, filming videos, speaking loudly, and even peering through her windows. According to El Mundo, the problem worsens in the warmer months when crowds swell, creating constant disruptions for her and her neighbors.
Despite placing a chain and a “Private Property” sign at the entrance, many visitors ignore the warning, treating the space as a public landmark rather than a private home. Some neighbors have even reported instances of vandalism and verbal altercations with aggressive tourists unwilling to respect boundaries.
A Necessary Measure or an Overreaction?
Lorber’s request to install an iron gate that aligns with the building’s historic aesthetic has been approved by city authorities. However, the decision has sparked mixed reactions among fans.
While some visitors view the gate as an extreme response, others believe it is a reasonable step toward protecting the homeowner’s right to privacy. One tourist from Texas, interviewed by EFE, called the decision “prudent,” noting that it would improve both safety and the well-being of the residents.
On the other hand, some Sex and the City enthusiasts have suggested that Lorber could turn the home into an official tourist attraction—perhaps as a themed café or a gift shop. However, this would mean sacrificing even more of her privacy, a compromise she does not seem willing to make.
A Cultural Phenomenon That Won’t Fade
Lorber’s history with Sex and the City began innocently enough. She recalls agreeing to let her home be used for filming after a location scout pleaded with her for permission. At the time, no one could have predicted that the show would become a cultural phenomenon, spanning decades and influencing generations of viewers.
Despite her frustrations, Lorber acknowledges the deep connection fans have with the series. However, she remains firm in her desire to reclaim her space. “Take all the photos you want from the street,” she wrote in a letter to city officials, “but please, stay out of our personal space and windows.”
Sex and the City, starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon, revolutionized television with its bold take on love, friendship, and fashion. But for one homeowner in New York, its lasting legacy has been far more personal—and far less glamorous.