Discover an Elegant 1898 Waterfront Victorian in Massachusetts With Corner Bedrooms, a Bistro Kitchen and Au Pair Suite

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

This historic Newtonville Shingle Style home, built as part of the early 20th-century architectural wave, offers timeless charm with modern flexibility. It features a unique open floor plan, four fireplaces, multiple stained-glass windows, and built-in seating, capturing the essence of period craftsmanship. Located on a picturesque waterfront along Laundry Brook, a Charles River tributary, the property includes a bistro-style kitchen with a butler’s pantry, heated sunroom, and an expansive third-floor playroom. With 4 private corner bedrooms, a lower-level au pair suite, and abundant local amenities, this 2,250,000 USD home combines rich history with contemporary comfort in Newton.

Covered Porch Seating

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

Wooden porch with a sturdy roof supported by thick, dark-stained wooden beams and posts. The flooring consists of horizontal wooden planks painted in a muted grey tone, complementing the rustic aesthetic. Black vertical balusters form a railing around the edge, creating a boundary while maintaining openness. A simple black and white square lantern light fixture hangs centrally, adding a modern touch. The porch includes a white metal outdoor dining set consisting of a round table and four chairs with mesh detailing, lending a vintage charm. Surrounded by lush greenery, the porch offers a serene, secluded outdoor retreat.

Natural Garden Stream

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

A tranquil garden setting with a gently flowing stream meandering through lush greenery. Dense foliage, including various grasses and leafy plants, lines the banks of the clear water, creating a vibrant, natural border. Tall trees cast dappled sunlight and soft shadows over the scene, enhancing the serene atmosphere. A subtle combination of wild and maintained plant growth suggests careful landscaping that respects nature while adding to the peaceful ambiance. The overall composition evokes a secluded, forest-like retreat, perfect for relaxation and connecting with the outdoors in a historic estate garden.

Historic Home Exterior

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

A large, two-story historic home with a steeply pitched roof and multiple gables topped with dark shingles. The exterior combines weathered wooden shingles with white trim around the windows and support beams, reflecting classic American colonial architecture. A covered front porch with decorative woodwork serves as the focal entry point, blending rustic charm with welcoming appeal. The house is set within a serene, tree-filled environment, bordered by a well-maintained grassy yard and modest landscaping that includes small shrubs and a single flowering tree near the entrance. A driveway leads up to the home, emphasizing accessibility and function.

Entry Foyer and Dining Area

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

The space opens with a wide entry foyer featuring polished hardwood floors contrasted by a rich teal carpet runner on the staircase. The stairway curves upward to the left with white railings and dark wood handrails, framed by simple white wainscoting along the walls. Several small botanical prints add subtle color above the stair landing wall. A crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, casting warm light on the cream-colored walls and white trim. The adjoining dining area is visible through a wide columned opening, furnished with a dark wooden table and matching chairs atop a patterned green area rug. An antique piano and wall sconces blend seamlessly, evoking early 20th-century charm and elegance.

Living Room Seating Area

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

Soft lavender walls create a calm ambiance around a compact sitting nook by a trio of leaded glass windows, which bring in natural light and views of greenery outside. A small upholstered sofa with subtle patterning rests on a muted floral rug with pale pink and cream hues. In front, a round wooden pedestal table with elegant curved legs anchors the space and holds a small plant for a touch of nature indoors. Architectural details include classic white wainscoting, fluted pilasters, and an intricately carved column, lending charm and historic character to the room. Hardwood flooring adds warmth and continuity throughout.

Dining Room with Piano

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

Hardwood floors with a warm finish cover the room, centered by a traditional rectangular dining table surrounded by six wooden chairs with intricate backrests. A large, patterned green area rug anchors the dining set, adding texture and color. The right wall features a built-in bench seat beneath multiple leaded glass windows that allow natural light and scenic outdoor views, complemented by cream-colored cushions for comfort. Ornate wall sconces provide soft ambient lighting. A polished wooden piano and matching bench sit on the left side, contributing to the room’s historic charm. White-painted walls and delicate crown molding enhance the classic, inviting atmosphere.

Window Seat Nook

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

A cozy window seat cushion lines a wide, white-painted ledge beneath a row of tall, narrow windows. Each window contains colorful stained glass panels at the top with floral and geometric motifs that contrast beautifully with the clear lower sections, offering a view of lush greenery outside. The window frame and seat base are detailed with classic molding, giving a refined historic charm. Soft beige cushions with a central accent pillow add warmth and comfort. On the ledge, a small decorative vase brings a simple, elegant touch. The walls are painted a light neutral shade, complemented by a brass wall sconce with a glass shade that emits soft light.

Fireplace Alcove

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

Centered wood-burning fireplace with a rich, dark wooden mantel stands flanked by two stately classical columns and short half-walls with paneling, creating a small alcove. Pale cream walls and trim contrast with the warm honey tone of the hardwood flooring. Two small windows on either side of the fireplace provide natural light and add symmetry. The corner includes a modest seating area with a cane back chair and a round wooden side table holding a small bouquet, paired with an ornate brass wall sconce that emits a warm glow, enhancing the cozy, traditional ambiance.

Kitchen Countertop and Cabinets

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

Soft white cabinetry with classic recessed panel doors lines the kitchen, complementing the warm granite countertops with subtle earth tones. The cabinetry extends to the ceiling, maximizing storage space, while under-cabinet lighting highlights the light backsplash tiles with occasional accent pieces. A stainless steel stove and microwave add a modern touch, balanced by the home’s traditional feel. The kitchen island curves slightly outward, creating a cozy breakfast nook with a simple wooden stool. Walls painted in muted teal enrich the room’s vintage charm, while a small window above the sink allows natural light to brighten the space.

Kitchen and Breakfast Nook

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

The kitchen combines a natural and modern aesthetic with white cabinetry and granite countertops that emphasize cleanliness and brightness. Stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher under the counter, add a sleek metallic contrast. The light wood flooring extends throughout, lending warmth and continuity to the space. An island with a wooden stool provides casual seating and a transition to the breakfast nook. Walls painted in a rich teal tone bring vibrancy and tie the room to the greenery visible through large sliding glass doors. The dining area has a wooden table with chairs that harmonize with the floor, and ceiling lights with a fan offer both function and charm. Decorative tiles above the counter add subtle detail to the backsplash, enriching the overall historic yet fresh character.

Butler’s Pantry and Kitchen View

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

The narrow butler’s pantry features rich, dark wood cabinetry with glass panel doors showcasing an array of glassware. A small, inset sink with a chrome faucet is set into the white countertop, which contrasts cleanly with the wood tones. The walls behind the sink have subtle vertical paneling, enhancing the vintage charm. Beyond the pantry, a spacious kitchen bathed in natural light reveals cream-colored cabinets and black countertops, combining classic and practical elements. The hardwood floor flows continously through both spaces, linking the warm wood finishes with the light, inviting kitchen area beyond.

Living Room Details

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

Deep red walls with dark wood trim create a warm, historic ambiance in this living space. A wooden fireplace mantle anchors one wall, flanked by a small stained-glass window and a regular window, both contributing period charm. A patterned area rug covers the hardwood floor, defining the seating area that features a curved-back couch in brown floral upholstery and a white wooden rocking chair with a blue cushion. A small wooden cabinet holds a globe and TV, while a pendant light with a frosted glass shade hangs from the ceiling. An open doorway with wooden framing and a few steps leads to another room, adding architectural interest.

Entry Hall Cabinetry

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

Rich, dark wood paneling and built-in cabinetry dominate the space, with intricate leaded glass doors on the upper cabinet showcasing traditional craftsmanship. A series of small drawers below offer practical storage, their brass handles adding a vintage touch. The deep red painted walls complement the warmth of the wood trim, while the polished hardwood floor ties the room together with a natural smooth finish. An open doorway leads to a brightly lit kitchen with wood flooring and white cabinetry, contrasting the deeper tones here. Stairs with white risers and wooden treads ascend beside a simple, classic white door, creating layers of historic American charm.

Upper Stair Landing

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

White walls and ceilings with subtle crown molding frame the upper stair landing, where a dark wooden handrail and intricately turned white balusters define the staircase. A rich green carpet runner ascends the stairs, contrasting with the warm wooden floors below. Two arched openings lead to hallways, adding architectural interest and a historic charm. Walls display framed landscape paintings under simple black iron sconces with candle-style bulbs, enhancing the old-world ambiance. The lower level, glimpsed through the stairwell, shows a cozy sitting area with a patterned window curtain, emphasizing the home’s timeless and inviting character.

Sunlit Stair Landing

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

A cozy landing at the top of a staircase with rich, polished hardwood floors that add warmth to the space. A built-in bench with a striped cushion and wooden armrests nestles against one wall, offering a quiet seating nook. The focal point is the tall, rectangular stained glass window composed of soft yellows, greens, and pinks, which bathes the landing in a colorful, diffused light. White trim and molding accentuate the window and surrounding walls, while the stair’s elegant newel post and balusters introduce traditional architectural charm. Neutral wall colors harmonize with the classic wood and glass details.

Bedroom with Fireplace

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

Hardwood floors with a warm finish spread across the room, complementing the rich, dark wood bed frame with classic paneled detailing. The bed is dressed in a simple white comforter, accented by cushions in deep blues and purples with circular and floral patterns. A brick fireplace with a wooden mantelpiece anchors one side of the room, enhancing historic charm. A built-in window seat with a patterned cushion sits adjacent to the fireplace under a small stained-glass window. Walls are painted a soft cream, illuminated by traditional wall sconces adding a cozy glow. The space balances elegance and comfort with historic touches and subtle modernity.

Bathroom with Clawfoot Tub

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

An inviting bathroom displays a clawfoot bathtub painted in a soft blue hue, resting on classic curved feet which add vintage charm. The pedestal sink complements the tub’s antique style with simple yet elegant lines. A white toilet sits beside the sink, anchored onto a warm wooden floor that adds an organic, earthy contrast to the fixtures. The walls are adorned with small, delicate floral green wallpaper, giving a quaint, old-world feel. A large window brings in natural light and frames leafy greenery outside, enhancing the room’s serene atmosphere. Simple wooden cabinetry and a towel rack are mounted above for practical storage.

Cozy Fireplace Seating

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

A small, intimate room with a classic wooden fireplace mantel painted in a rich reddish-brown, providing a focal point. On either side of the fireplace, built-in wooden benches with soft upholstered cushions in a vintage floral pattern offer cozy seating. The benches have a pale gray concealment frame with an open space underneath for potential storage. Dark hardwood floors add warmth and contrast with the light-colored walls and ceiling. Above the left bench, two wooden corner shelves hold decorative items, complementing the minimalistic yet charming design. A window with a decorative leaded glass panel is positioned above the right bench, filtering natural light and adding historic character.

Bedroom with Nook

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

Hardwood flooring in rich, warm tones contrasts with soft, pale blue walls and ceiling, creating a calming atmosphere. The metal-framed bed with a blue floral bedspread sits near a black bookcase stocked with books and decorative items. An alcove nook with floral cushioned seating and pillows provides a cozy reading or relaxation spot beneath a white door. A wooden tall dresser rests against one wall, complementing the muted elegance of the room. White trim and a small window with natural light brighten the space, while vintage-style wall sconces add a gentle, ambient glow.

Attic Loft Space

Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group

Sloped ceilings define the cozy attic loft, with warm, rich wood paneling lining the walls and built-in cabinets that follow the angles of the roof. Three skylights framed in matching wood flood the space with natural light, enhancing the warm tones of the paneling and blending with the muted beige carpet flooring. At the far end, a small window with wooden shutters adds a quaint touch, while built-in bench-like seating niches along one wall provide cozy spots for relaxation or storage. A simple, modern ceiling light fixture offers balanced illumination. The space evokes a nostalgic, rustic charm with practical storage integration.

Listing Agent: Mary Ann Figoni of Centre Realty Group via Zillow 

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