Do you see those Colonial Revival homes? Welcome to the Chestnut Hill Historic District. It is a place where history whispers from every corner. This isn’t just a collection of old buildings. It is a living testament to architectural styles. These styles include Colonial, Italianate, Shingle, Tudor Revival and Victorian.
The Chestnut Hill Historic District lies mostly in Brookline. However, it slightly overlaps into Newton. This 70-acre area is roughly bounded by Middlesex Road. It also includes Reservoir Lane, Denny Road, Boylston Street and Dunster Road. A small section extends south of Route 9. It encompasses a few houses and the Baldwin School on Heath Street. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Imagine Chestnut Hill long ago. The oldest part of Chestnut Hill is actually over the line in Newton. This area was the first to develop into a residential suburb. In 1888, Brookline sought advice from Frederick Law Olmsted. He was a landscape architect. However, his plans were not executed.
Development occurred between 1888 and 1920. Large, high-quality houses were built on well-proportioned lots. Most houses are Colonial Revival or Shingle style. There are also some earlier Queen Anne houses. The Reservoir Lane area features later Craftsman-style homes. This area was developed last.
Several prominent architectural firms shaped this district. Chapman & Frazer designed 29 of the 120 plus houses. Horace Frazer even lived here at 471 Heath Street. Putnam & Cox designed seven homes. These were typically in the Arts and Crafts style. William Putnam also resided in the district. Arthur Bowditch designed one house. The firm of Hartwell & Richardson also contributed a design.
The Chestnut Hill Historic District stands as a reminder of meticulous planning. It shows the dedication to preserving architectural heritage. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of styles. Consider the visionaries who shaped this remarkable neighborhood. Their legacy lives on in every detail.