This is, indeed, one of New York's most-unique destinations.

Cynthia is an internationally-known visual artist with formal architectural training, and her home is the product of 22 years of sustained artistic focus. The photos are accurate but cannot capture a myriad small details such as the elegant solutions for concealing piping and wiring runs, or for ensuring adequate airflow between the lofts and open areas. At one point, I got a glimpse of a concealed wiring closet as she relocated her wifi base station -- I was impressed by the carefully-designed infrastructure that lies beneath the sumptuous exterior.

As an extra treat, Cynthia's artwork graces the walls. The overall effect is stunning, like living in a bohemian fin-de-siècle palace -- admittedly a compact one, but a palace, nonetheless.

Cynthia herself is the epitome of the perfect hostess. Her warmth and generosity is beyond compare. Her morning smoothies are the perfect metaphor -- healthy, fresh, and sustaining.

Living successfully in a small shared place requires the willingness to balance intimacy with privacy, and she handles that balancing act with effortless grace. In the last week of my two-week stay, I fell ill. Cynthia went overboard to ensure that I was comfortable, even to the point of getting chicken soup for me!

There is a large community of people around Cynthia, some drawn initially by her miniature palace. I feel lucky to have joined that community.