How about a stroll through time right here in the Brae-Burn Road Historic District? This charming residential area in Newton, Massachusetts has a unique story. It’s a story of growth, design, and community.
Brae-Burn Road Historic District is a testament to early 20th-century suburban planning. The district includes homes on Brae Burn and Windermere Roads. These roads were laid out in 1911. This was a time of renewed growth after an economic downturn.
The Brae-Burn Road Historic District covers 7.11 acres. It features 26 houses that show a distinct architectural character. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 16, 1990.
Many houses in the Brae-Burn Road Historic District were built between 1911 and 1916. The remaining ones were completed by 1940. These homes reflect Craftsman and Colonial Revival styles. They are moderately-scaled frame structures.
The architecture firm of Gay & Proctor designed seven of these houses. C. C. Crowell, a local architect, designed four houses after World War I. It seems many early houses were built on speculation. Attwood, Pattee, and Potter of Boston marketed them.
Brae Burn and Windermere Roads define the district. Auburndale is a village in northwestern Newton. Brae Burn and Windermere Roads sit on the southeastern edge of Auburndale. Greenough Road borders them on the north. Commonwealth Avenue borders them to the south and west. Arapahoe Road is to the east. Brae Burn Road runs north-south. Windermere runs north and then bends west.
Imagine living in one of these homes. Think about the families who walked these streets a century ago. They were enjoying the quiet suburban life. The Brae-Burn Road Historic District offers a glimpse into that past. It is a reminder of the area’s architectural and community development. This well-preserved neighborhood is more than just houses. It’s a slice of history.