“Isn’t it magnificent?” This is Maria Bassett House. It stands as a testament to a bygone era. The Maria Bassett House is in Arlington, Massachusetts. It is one of the oldest houses in northwestern Arlington.
Built circa 1850–70, the Maria Bassett House is a grand example of Italianate architecture. It earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The Maria Bassett House sits on a hillside. It overlooks the Lower Mystic Lake. You will find it at the southeast corner of College Avenue and Stowecroft Road. The house is a short distance above United States Route 3.
Let’s take a closer look at the Maria Bassett House. It is a 2+1⁄2-story wood-frame structure. Its front facade faces east toward the lake. The Maria Bassett House’s Italianate features are easy to spot. Notice the hip roof. See its extended eaves. Observe the paired brackets and dentil moulding. The corner boards are scored to resemble quoins.
The porch wraps around two sides. It is elaborately decorated. Look for brackets and dentil moulding. The porch also has paired columns and turned balusters. It might once have sported a cupola. This was another high-style Italianate feature. A modern ell extends to the rear.
Imagine this area in the mid-19th century. The rolling hills were primarily used for dairy farming. The Maria Bassett House was one of the first to be built here. Most of this northwestern part of town remained undeveloped residentially until the 20th century. The Maria Bassett House stands as a reminder of that time. It connects us to the early development of Arlington.
Consider Maria Bassett herself. What was her life like in this home? We can only imagine the stories within these walls. The house offers a glimpse into the past. It lets us appreciate the architectural styles and the historical context of its creation.
Today, the Maria Bassett House remains a private residence. It is a tangible link to Arlington’s past. Its well-preserved Italianate features remind us of a time when craftsmanship and architectural detail were highly valued.
As you leave the Maria Bassett House, remember its significance. It is more than just an old building. It is a piece of Arlington’s history. A reminder of its agricultural roots. It shows the early residential development of the town. It’s a legacy of Maria Bassett and the generations who have called this place home.