Munroe Hill

On a crisp autumn day in the 1870s, Munroe Hill became the canvas for a new chapter in Lexington’s story. Munroe Hill was chosen as the site of the first large-scale residential subdivision. This marked the beginning of a transformation that would shape the hill’s character for decades to come. Businessmen and professionals, drawn by the promise of suburban tranquility and convenient access to Boston via the railroad, began to settle the elevated area south of Bloomfield Street. From 1891 to around 1910, Munroe Hill saw a flourish of architectural creativity. Approximately twenty grand homes, showcasing the popular styles of Queen Anne, Shingle Style, and Colonial Revival, sprang up. These houses, interspersed with later constructions, reflected not only the affluence of their owners but also a unique stipulation in the deeds. Each building was required to cost at least $3,500 above the foundation, ensuring a certain standard of grandeur. Munroe Hill became a showcase for the talents of prominent architects. Henry B. Ball, Chapman and Frazer, Lois Lilley Howe, Samuel D. Kelley, and Edward D. Reed all left their mark on the hill’s landscape. One particularly striking example is the Warren Sherburne House at 11 Percy Road. Designed by Kelley in 1893, this house is a delightful blend of late-nineteenth-century eclecticism. It combines elements of Queen Anne, Shingle Style, and Colonial Revival, and is notable for its extensive use of curved glass, a testament to Sherburne’s ownership of a glassworks. Inside, the house boasts a classic living hall with rich, dark woodwork, a cozy inglenook, and a welcoming fireplace. In contrast, the living room features white-painted woodwork, a nod to colonial aesthetics. Munroe Hill stands as a testament to Lexington’s growth as a suburb in the late nineteenth century. Its collection of grand homes reflects a period of prosperity and architectural innovation. The hill’s story continues to unfold. Its unique blend of architectural styles and the echoes of its past residents make it a captivating destination.