Chic Beacon Hill Home with Suburban-Scale Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces have taken on renewed importance this year as more people seek out places of security and tranquility within their homes. Such spaces are hard to come by in cities like Boston; even if a property does come with a yard, it is often narrow and small. That's why this iconic Beacon Hill property, with its astounding 5,000 square-foot yard and garden, is so enviable. According to listing agent Rebecca Davis Tulman of Coldwell Banker Realty, Boston, the historic 7,100 square-foot residence offers “the best of both worlds” — chic urban living close to everyday conveniences and graciously scaled amenities that are more commonly found in suburban settings. Taking its position at the corner of picturesque Mount Vernon and Walnut Streets, the house was built in 1803 in what is now the city's first designated historic district and one of the most desirable addresses in Boston. Its centuries-old provenance underscores the enduring one-of-a-kind quality of the property; previous owners of the home include golfer and philanthropist Harriot Curtis and Dr. Charles Schepens, the father of modern retinal surgery. Today the residence is spread across five stories, with generously proportioned rooms, modern conveniences and outdoor spaces that allow for ease of living and entertaining. “The home is an entertainer’s dream, yet it also feels warm and inviting, regardless of your lifestyle,” notes Tulman. “To have so many rooms that are grand in scale is a rarity. The entertaining options are spectacular.” A massive, recently completed top-to-bottom renovation gives the home an elegant yet timeless ambiance throughout. Each finishing detail was painstakingly selected to maintain the original elegance of the home while bringing it tastefully into the present with a transitional palette. Reclaimed wood “ship” beams from Boston Harbor accent the ceiling in the SieMatic kitchen. A handsome bar and caterer's kitchen were seamlessly integrated into the design to facilitate entertaining. A chic informal dining area rests adjacent to the kitchen and family room, where a fireplace creates a sense of comfort and warmth. The stunning parlor level is highlighted by a formal living room, dining room and inviting study. Over 60 windows bathe the home with natural light, while soaring 11-foot ceilings make each room feel bright and open. On the third floor, the sumptuous master suite is an ode to modern-day luxury with a spacious bath, two walk-in closets and a gas fireplace. Four additional bedrooms, three of which have ensuite baths, are spacious and private. Other amenities include two laundry areas, a spacious storage room, an office, a studio and an elevator. Multiple sets of French doors connect to a fairytale-like outdoor setting unlike any other in Boston. “An expansive brick terrace is positioned right off of the formal dining room, which gives it a magical feeling — like you are at a special event,” describes Tulman. “You can walk out there with a glass of wine and enjoy a view of the garden below.” An elongated Juliet balcony with intricate wrought iron detailing extends from the library to the formal living room, offering yet another position from which to admire the view of the stone garden below. “All of these outdoor spaces have their own drama,” adds Tulman. In the garden, herringbone walkways meander through manicured swaths of lawn and lush foliage, shrouded by mature hedges. The result is that the entire outdoor sanctuary feels intimate and private — “like you’ve just entered another world,” says Tulman. Three exposures also ensure that there is balance of shade and light at virtually all times of day. “An outdoor space of this scale is remarkable to find in any city, much less Beacon Hill, given the density,” says Tulman. “Right now, having a green space to call your own is incredibly valuable — especially for those of us who love living in this city and have no intention of leaving it.” This Beacon Hill home is listed for $15,000,000. For more information, contact at Rebecca Davis Tulman of Coldwell Banker Realty, Boston at (617) 510-5050 or Rebecca.DavisTulman@nemoves.com. .