'And Just Like That': Carrie Bradshaw's NYC apartment is now getting a gate

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) – If you’re a “Sex and the City” fan, you know Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic brownstone.

On the show, Carrie actually lives on the Upper East Side, but the exteriors of the apartment were actually filmed in the West Village.

That brownstone is now visited by fans from around the world.

Now, the real-life owners are taking steps to protect themselves from tourists.

Through six seasons, two movies, and two seasons of its spin-off show, “And Just Like That,” the apartment is a constant in Carrie Bradshaw’s life. The brownstone on Perry Street in the West Village is now synonymous with the iconic show and with New York City.

You'll find many tourists outside any day, including this cold Tuesday afternoon.

 “I used it watch it with my mom. I’m actually talking to her right now on FaceTime,” said Victor Barulin, who visited from Michigan.

 Maria Valanzea from Mexico did, too. Valanzea said, “We love the series, and we’re here, and we’re very obsessed.

And they’re not the only ones. In a letter to the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission, the owners say the stoop is constantly occupied by tourists, noise, and people taking photos. Some even bring the doorbell and try to open the door.

Tuesday, they asked the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission to allow them to build a stoop gate on their steps. The owner said, "Take all the pictures you wish standing on the street, but please don’t climb into our space and into our windows." 

The owner says she purchased the Italianate-style rowhouse designed by Robert Mook in 1978, well before location scouts asked the family to use it as an exterior for Carrie’s apartment.

She says ever since the home has become “a global tourist destination,” leaving her no choice but to install a gate.

"That house shouldn’t be gated, excuse me, but what was beautiful in the late 19th century is unfortunately in need of more protection in our century and our time."

The city understands the need for more privacy and has signed off.

While the City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission has approved the gate, it asked the owners to work with its staff to simplify the design.

 Tourists sympathize with the owners, but many say they aren’t sure a gate will deter people from visiting.

“We are not dangerous. If I was an owner, I’d be so proud of it to own this,” Victor Barulin said,

“I truly respect them while they’re doing that, but it is a part of New York. One of the reasons people come to  New York” said a visitor from Los Angeles.