They executed a complete, historically minded overhaul, including redoing walls and ceilings, and installing period woodwork and period black doorknobs. One small bedroom was turned into a walk-in closet, study and TV room, while the other remained a sleeping space.

“Once we got used to it, and it took a little time, we were happy with the move,” Ms. Behm said.

“Except those stairs,” Mr. Coleman said.

They loved the neighborhood. As the Village goes, West 11th delivers on the swoon meter: gracious old brownstones, inviting restaurants, cafes and bars, an art gallery and a tiny spa. But last summer they learned through the co-op grapevine that a 350-square-foot one-bedroom in the compound was going on the market. Because the tiny ground-floor place opened onto a handsome ivy-trimmed courtyard of about 2,000 square feet, the locals referred to it as a “cottage.”

“And I have always wanted to live in a cottage,” Ms. Behm said, beaming.

She soon learned that her infatuation with cottages was shared by a number of other New Yorkers. On the day of the open house, an estimated 250 prospective buyers queued up around the block. Being residents of the co-op, Ms. Behm and Mr. Coleman were on the inside track and purchased it for $825,000.

Their current dwelling is not exactly a free-standing cottage, but it feels like one. The courtyard just outside, where they have put a small table and chairs, belongs to their co-op, Ms. Behm said, but is seldom used by others.

After minor alterations, the couple moved in last September. They are more than content.

Of course, the smaller you go, the more you heave overboard, Ms. Behm said. “So out goes the Herman Miller sofa and credenza; out go my big art books — that was hard. The big turkey platter had to go, also my nine cake pans — I’ll buy that flourless chocolate cake.” She also sold all but one of her large paintings.

Their cheerful all-purpose room features a working fireplace (wood is stored at the bottom of built-in bookshelves), hardwood floors, tall windows facing the courtyard and an eight-foot ceiling. A napkin’s toss away are a 100-square-foot bedroom with a built-in closet, a cleverly arranged galley kitchen and a small tiled bathroom. The entrance hallway serves as a coat closet.