Ever strolled through a neighborhood that feels like a storybook? Welcome to the Cottage Farm Historic District. It is a residential area in eastern Brookline. This place is known for its association with industrialist Amos Adams Lawrence.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the 1850s. Jurist Samuel Sewall owned this large meadowland in the 17th century. It stretched from the Charles River to the Muddy River.
In the early 19th century David Sears acquired the property. He built a house here in 1844 for his son Frederick. Then came Amos Lawrence in 1850. He bought the Cottage Farm tract from Sears. Lawrence built a house for his family in 1851. He started dividing the land to build more homes.
Lawrence envisioned Cottage Farm as an escape. A rural setting was close to the bustling city. It was ideal for those working in Boston.
Look around. See the architecture? Three early houses showcase English Gothic Revival style. George Minot Dexter even designed his own home here. Later houses embraced other popular styles. You can admire the Queen Anne style in the Cottage Farm Historic District too.
Notice the open space. The southwestern part of the district offers a playground. Hall’s Pond is a conservation area. It provides a habitat for plants and animals.
The Cottage Farm Historic District is roughly bounded by several streets. These are Amory, Dummer, Lenox, Brookline and Beacon Streets. The district excludes properties on the latter two roads.
Did you know a highway almost destroyed this area? Governor Francis Sargent put a stop to it. In 1970 he placed a moratorium on highway construction inside Route 128. This saved much of the Cottage Farm Historic District. It sat directly in the path of the Inner Belt Expressway.
Today Cottage Farm retains its charm. Residents can enjoy the gracious homes in a rural setting. It’s a short walk to Amory Street. The sounds of the city fade away quickly.
As we conclude our walk remember Amos Lawrence’s vision. He created a sophisticated suburban neighborhood. It offered an escape from city life. The Cottage Farm Historic District remains a testament to that vision. It is a blend of history architecture and peaceful living.