A Mews is a primarily a British term describing a row of stables usually with carriage houses and living quarters above, built around a paved yard or court, or along a street, behind large city houses, such as those of London, during the 17th and 18th centuries. The word may also refer to the lane, alley or back street onto which such stables  open. Today most mews stables have been converted into dwellings, some greatly modernized and considered highly desirable residences.