Top 10 Features to Consider in a Garden-Level Property

When we think of garden-level apartments today, we no longer associate them with the nostalgic Hollywood elegance of old New York brownstone basements. (Consider Kim Novak's apartment in 'Bell, Book and Candle,' or the iconic urban settings from 'Sesame Street.')

In an era dominated by suburban commuting and a desire for space — with privacy, fences, and lawns being prioritized — urban living often takes a backseat. However, for those who cherish city life, a garden-level apartment offers more than just a basement: it's a unique perspective of the world around you.

Living within this urban environment is an exciting journey: a continual flow of fascinating lives and stories unfolding right outside your window. Escaping the dark confines of a basement and transforming a garden-level space into your own is all about thinking beyond the conventional.

Let’s explore some of the key factors to consider when looking at a garden-level property.

10: Natural Light

When considering a garden-level property, it's essential to find a space with windows that allow natural light to enter. The positive effects of sunlight on one's mood and well-being are well-documented. With ongoing studies on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other conditions, we are learning more about how Vitamin D and sunlight impact health. Ensuring your home gets enough natural light is crucial in creating a welcoming atmosphere for both you and your guests.

As the saying goes, 'You want to live in a place you want to live.' Before making a decision to buy or rent, ensure your comfort. For added privacy, you can use static-cling film on windows, and placing a mirror opposite the window can help make the room feel brighter and larger. Pay attention to window placement and orientation: southern and western exposures are ideal, although the latter may lead to higher cooling costs in the summer.

9: Water & Drainage

When we consider street-level apartments as basements, the negative associations often stem from issues like water damage: mold, damp odors, flooding, and pests attracted to moisture. A garden-level home for you should be constructed — or revamped — with these concerns in mind.

Start by examining the street outside: Are the gutters wide enough to handle heavy rain or floodwaters? Are the edges of the street sloped to prevent water from pooling? Are there signs of recent damage or renovations that suggest how well the property has been maintained over time?

Inside the property, watch out for visible signs of wear and damage. Also, be cautious of quick fixes like fresh drywall patches, hastily applied paint, and other signs that the problem might not have been properly addressed.

8: Privacy

Your window to the world — or at least to its lower half! — offers a view in both directions. Consider striking a balance between your need for light and your desire for privacy. Street-level homes often provide even more intimate spaces than the apartments above, with efficiencies and studios where personal activities, usually confined to bedrooms and bathrooms, sometimes spill into more visible areas.

Ironing your clothes before heading to work, fetching a forgotten towel, or entertaining friends can quickly turn into a public performance for anyone passing by. Think about your daily routine and plan accordingly.

Sheer café curtains offer a soft flow of daylight and privacy during the day, but at night your interior lights may expose your life like a movie screen! On the other hand, blackout curtains can keep curious onlookers at bay in the evening, but come morning, you'll feel like you're waking up in a cave.

Observe the traffic flow and the nature of the neighborhood, and consider a curtain system that caters to both day and night lighting needs.

7: Security

Whether you're home or away, windows can be a target for burglars. Most garden-level apartments come with window bars and locks, but it’s important to verify or replace these features as a tenant. Additionally, you can take steps to ensure that you and your property aren’t targets in the first place.

Once again, you'll need to balance security with the need for natural light. This means considering different options: Sheer café curtains or a sash can provide daytime privacy, but for nighttime security, you'll need something less inviting.

Your patio or garden décor can add comfort and style while making the most of your outdoor space, but it could also be a target for theft or, worse, signal the valuable items inside. Keep outdoor furniture minimal or choose inexpensive pieces, and always remember to turn off outdoor lights when they’re not in use.

6: Ceiling Height

When considering the interior space of a property, after square footage, ceiling height should be your next priority. While it’s not usually included in the advertised measurements—unless it’s being marketed as a selling point—ceiling height can greatly differ based on the architectural style and era. It subtly influences how we experience and perceive the space.

In fact, ceiling height is almost as crucial as natural light itself. A tall ceiling can capture light, creating the illusion of a much larger space, whereas a low ceiling can evoke that undesirable "dungeon" feeling.

However, low ceilings don’t have to be a deal-breaker. With thoughtful placement of art, mirrors, and other visually stimulating objects—plus clever use of wallpaper or paint—you can enhance the sense of height without overcrowding the space. After all, the walls aren’t truly closing in on you!

5: Usable Space & Location

When you visit a garden-level property, remember that you’ll actually be living in the space. It may seem like an obvious point, but it’s easy to get lost in the idea of the space without considering the practical realities. Avoid basing your life plans on an idealized vision of the property.

Think not just about your dream activities—like hosting cocktail parties or writing a novel on the patio—but also about your everyday routines. Will you actually use that breakfast nook? Will the patio be a frequently used space throughout the year? By assessing the space in terms of your typical activities, you’ll have a clearer idea of whether this is the right place for you. You may discover you need more—or less—space than you initially thought.

Will you truly take advantage of the nightlife, restaurants, and nearby attractions? How often will you return home tired and simply need a place to rest your head? Location, like any other selling feature, is only valuable if it truly resonates with your lifestyle.

4: Division of Space

Creativity also plays a big role when imagining your future living space. When you tour a garden-level property, it may be furnished to make the most of its floor space, but this might paradoxically make the space seem less practical, since you’re viewing a single small area. Use your imagination to picture how the space can be organized and divided to suit your needs and preferences.

Classic methods such as folding screens, rolling dividers, affordable bookshelves, and even the arrangement of couches, chairs, or rugs have long been used to divide spaces efficiently, making them both more functional and more comfortable for everyday living.

When evaluating the property, ensure that you can create clear areas for sleeping, dining, and entertaining. Make use of the space by applying the square-footage paradox, utilizing partitions that stay at or below head height to maintain privacy while preserving the flow of light and space efficiency.

3: The Outdoor Situation

Many garden-level apartments offer some form of semi-private outdoor space. It’s important to consider how you plan to use these outdoor areas before settling in, ensuring that you make the most of the space available.

Cultivating plants in an attached patio or vestibule is a fantastic way to bring a touch of nature into your living space. The city garden has long been a cherished tradition, whether you use simple window boxes or herb planters, or if you’re lucky enough to have more room, larger DIY containers. A small trellis with climbing vines offers a compact solution that provides a burst of color or fragrance without taking up much space.

If you love spending time outdoors, consider transforming your outdoor area into an additional living space. With sturdy furniture, scented candles, and cozy outdoor cushions, you can easily set up a reading corner or private dining area right in the heart of the city.

2: Surrounding Neighbors

In a garden-level apartment, you may find yourself surrounded by the sounds of neighbors from all sides. Passersby and local residents might also become part of your day-to-day life, both in pleasant and unwelcome ways. However, there’s no reason for strangers to remain strangers, and getting to know them can work in your favor.

Neighbors should be a source of comfort, not anxiety. One of the great aspects of city living is the close proximity to others, and by setting and respecting proper boundaries, this can add to the vibrancy and excitement of your new home.

Before settling on an apartment, take the time to thoroughly explore the environment. In an urban setting, this is even more crucial than in other situations. Understanding the neighborhood and determining whether it will be a friendly place is key. Trust your judgment and instincts, but keep an open mind as you assess your surroundings.

1: Future Possibilities

When considering buying or renting, it's important to reflect on how your life might change in the next five to ten years. Whether you're living alone or without children, it's crucial to consider potential shifts in your family life, lifestyle, or personal preferences.

What about your career and finances? Could you see yourself desiring, or being able to afford, a larger or more private space before your current commitment ends? Take these possible future changes into account as you make your decision.

Think carefully about why you're drawn to a garden-level living space and whether you're ready to commit to this type of lifestyle for the long term. These apartments serve a specific purpose, but if you're uncertain whether this style of living suits you, it’s worth some reflection.

That said, keep in mind that your garden-level apartment or condo is not a permanent decision. It's an exciting opportunity to experience city living right at its core, with all the energy and access it provides.

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