Timeless 1818 Federal-Style Townhouse in Massachusetts With 7 Fireplaces, a Rooftop Deck and Sunlit Corner Rooms

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.

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

This exquisite Federal-style townhouse in Boston’s historic Bay Village neighborhood showcases 19th-century elegance combined with modern amenities. Situated on an oversized corner lot, it features a rare extra-wide floorplan allowing abundant natural light from three exposures. The home retains its original wide plank flooring, reflecting its historical significance, while boasting recent high-end renovations such as a state-of-the-art kitchen and a luxurious primary bath with a sculptural soaking tub. The expanded primary suite includes a walk-in closet and office space, with a walk-out roof deck offering stunning city views. Priced at $2,595,000, this meticulously maintained property blends classic charm with contemporary living, just steps from the Public Garden, Newbury Street, and downtown Boston.

Historic Front Entryway

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

A charming brick facade with traditional red bricks laid in classic pattern forms the structure. The entryway features a gently arched doorway with a pale green door numbered “33,” flanked by multi-paned sidelights that welcome natural light inside. Stone steps with a worn, rustic texture lead up to the entrance, guarded by wrought iron handrails on one side. Black shutters with an aged patina adorn the windows, adding historic character. The street is paved with bricks and cobblestones, enhancing the vintage Bostonian atmosphere, complemented by an old-fashioned black lamp post with a “Do Not Enter” sign.

Historic Row Houses Exterior

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

Long rows of traditional brick townhouses with black window shutters line a narrow street. The red brick walls and cobblestone corner evoke colonial-era craftsmanship. Tall, narrow windows and white door frames offer contrast. Black wrought iron gas lamp posts add historic charm along the sidewalk. Dormer windows project from the sloped gray shingled roofs, giving attic spaces a classic look. The street appears residential with parked cars and a quiet atmosphere. Leafless trees reveal bare branches reaching skyward, indicating a late fall or winter season. Urban cityscape elements blend with the preserved historic architecture.

Historic Street Corner

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

A charming corner of a historic brick row house with classic New England architectural elements. The red brick façade is accented by black shutters and dormer windows on the upper floor, adding depth and character. The stoop entrance is set within an arched doorway with black lantern-style wall lights flanking it, enhancing the vintage feel. The street is narrow with a mix of cobblestone and asphalt paving, lined with parked vehicles and bare trees suggesting early spring. The overall scene evokes a sense of urban historic charm and well-preserved architectural detail in a quaint neighborhood.

Living Room Details

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

Wooden plank flooring anchors this inviting living room, complemented by a large, patterned area rug with soft neutral tones. The focal point includes a white-painted fireplace mantel adorned with decorative items and a vibrant, abstract painting above it, adding a splash of color. Seating includes a bold red sofa with patterned throw pillows, a floral upholstered armchair, and a mix of dark wood chairs, creating a harmonious blend of patterns and styles. The walls are painted white, accented with classic moldings and multiple framed artworks. Two windows dressed with pale yellow valances let in natural light, brightening the space while built-in shelves with decorative plates add subtle elegance.

Living Room Fireplace Wall

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

Central to the space is a classic white fireplace with intricate molding, flanked by built-in shelves painted a soft blue, filled with decorative plates and vases. Above the mantel hangs a vibrant, colorful landscape painting within a gold frame, adding a contemporary touch. Warm honey-toned hardwood floors extend across the room, anchored by a large, ornate area rug with floral patterns in subtle blues, creams, and browns. A modern glass coffee table with sculptural wooden legs sits atop the rug. On the left, a bright pink sofa contrasts with yellow draperies framing a large window, creating an inviting, eclectic ambiance.

Dining Room with Fireplace

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

The room centers around a polished wooden dining table surrounded by six elegant chairs with patterned upholstery. A large, ornate wooden sideboard stands against one wall, supporting framed photos and decorative items beneath a vivid framed landscape painting in warm tones. To the opposite side, a classic white fireplace with a black iron grate is topped by a richly carved, gilded mirror and flanked by shelves housing delicate ceramics. Two windows with gently draped yellow valances bring natural light to the space, highlighting the wide plank hardwood floor partially covered by a floral-patterned area rug. A central chandelier with a candle motif adds a historic charm to the refined room.

Classic Kitchen Fireplace

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

White cabinetry with simple, classic hardware lines both sides of the kitchen, complemented by light-colored countertops and a white subway tile backsplash. A stainless steel oven and microwave stand on the left, alongside a copper kettle and cutting board that add warmth. At the center, a charming brick fireplace with a stone mantle serves as a striking focal point, adorned with a lemon-shaped centerpiece and copper cookware artfully arranged on the exposed brick chimney. Hardwood floors and a rich, patterned rug add texture and color, balancing the traditional and modern elements thoughtfully.

Kitchen and Hallway View

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

White cabinetry with simple silver knobs lines the kitchen, paired with a sleek stainless steel refrigerator and dishwasher. The countertop is a light neutral stone, complemented by a subway tile backsplash in soft off-white tones. A single curved faucet is mounted above the sink, under warm under-cabinet lighting. Adjacent to the kitchen window, a stone bench or ledge adds extra surface space and sits beneath white blinds filtering natural light. The flooring is a warm-toned wood, partially covered by a richly patterned rug with warm reds and browns. The narrow hallway beyond features white walls decorated with small framed art, leading to a white door with a brass handle and a glimpse of the red door outside.

Bathroom Sink Area

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

A compact bathroom corner with a white porcelain wall-mounted sink, accented by chrome fixtures and exposed plumbing beneath. The walls are covered in a vibrant botanical wallpaper featuring a variety of multicolored flowers and lush greenery on a cream background, adding an energetic, vintage charm. Above the sink, a small oval mirror is mounted, reflecting natural light filtered through delicate, lace-style curtains on a nearby window with cream-painted wooden trim. A classic white radiator sits below the window, contributing to the home’s historic character. Nearby, a simple metal paper towel holder is attached to the wall, blending utility with the space’s quaint aesthetics.

Entry Hallway with Staircase

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

The open green front door marked with the number “33” introduces a narrow, carpeted hallway leading directly to a traditional staircase with wooden banisters. The muted beige carpet extends along the corridor, unifying the space. White walls create a bright, clean backdrop for the variety of framed paintings arranged on the wall beside the stairs, adding an artistic touch. The hallway leads to additional rooms, with glimpses of a room featuring a classic fireplace and exposed brickwork visible through an open doorway. The overall atmosphere is a blend of historic charm and homey warmth.

Bedroom Corner with Fireplace

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

Natural wood plank flooring adds warmth to the bedroom, complemented by two area rugs: a small pastel floral rug near the bed and a larger intricately patterned one partially visible. The bed, adorned with a white textured coverlet and a beige quilt, rests between two matching wooden nightstands each holding a traditional lamp. Light gray walls frame the space, accentuated by floral drapery panels over double-hung windows allowing ample daylight. A painting with green and beige tones hangs above the bed. An antique white-painted fireplace with decorative molding anchors the space, paired with a modern black metal chair nearby.

Bathroom with Fireplace

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

A bright, spacious bathroom featuring a large freestanding white tub positioned near windows allowing natural light to flood the room. Cream-colored floor tiles arranged diagonally complement the pristine white cabinetry flanking a classic marble fireplace, adding a historic and cozy touch. Above the fireplace hangs an elegant framed painting, paired with decorative pottery. The glass-enclosed shower area and floating white vanity with modern lighting contribute to the room’s contemporary ambiance. A wooden chair adds warmth and a hint of rustic charm, blending modern comfort with traditional architectural elements seamlessly.

Bathroom Interior

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

A bright bathroom with a neutral color palette of soft beige tiles and crisp white walls creates a clean, modern atmosphere. The spacious glass-enclosed shower features metallic fixtures and beige stone tiles that add warmth. A sleek floating vanity with a white basin and a large rectangular mirror above it provides minimalist functionality. A traditional wooden chair with woven seat contrasts against the contemporary design, adding a bit of rustic charm. On the opposite side, a white freestanding bathtub invites relaxation. Additional amenities include a mounted flat screen TV, a coffee maker, and a sliding barn door, merging practicality and style.

Bathroom Vanity Corner

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

A compact, modern vanity with a sleek white countertop and integrated sink sits beneath a large mirror framed with vertical LED strip lights on each side, providing ample illumination. The cabinetry below is smooth and white, with an open lower shelf holding woven storage baskets and bags, adding practical charm. A window with classic white muntins and white slatted blinds allows natural light to filter in, highlighting the clean, bright walls. A framed art print referencing the Musée du Louvre adds a cultured touch on the adjacent wall, blending contemporary aesthetics with subtle historic nods.

Hallway View to Fireplace

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

A narrow hallway with light-colored tile flooring leads to a cozy fireplace framed by white marble with visible veining. The walls are painted a clean white, enhancing natural light and creating a modern yet classic atmosphere. Three framed paintings adorn the left wall, each with gold-toned frames that add a touch of elegance and warmth. Atop the fireplace mantel are decorative items, including a plate and a small metal pitcher, contributing to a subtle vintage charm. The overall space feels bright, minimalistic, and artfully curated.

Bedroom Corner

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

Hand-painted wardrobe with a vintage, floral design dominates one side of the room, boasting ornate edging and soft muted yellow and green tones. A large window dressed with pale pink curtains allows natural light to flood the space, brightening the white walls. The room includes a classic wooden headboard with turned posts, paired with a small wooden side table holding modern lamps. A patterned area rug in pastel blue and ivory covers the hardwood floor, contributing to the cozy yet elegant atmosphere. The space blends historic charm and simple contemporary accents.

Bedroom with Window Alcove

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

White walls and ceiling reflect abundant natural light streaming through a series of white-framed windows set in a deep alcove. A simple, white bedspread covers the bed positioned against a slanted wall, emphasizing the unique roofline’s architectural charm. Built-in drawers and storage sit beneath the windows, adding practical functionality while maintaining a clean aesthetic. The room incorporates subtle touches like green potted plants on the windowsill and light-colored floor rug with delicate patterns. A mix of classic and minimal furnishings, including a wooden chest and bedside table with a lamp, contribute to an airy, serene ambiance.

Artist Studio

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

A cozy attic space with sloped ceilings serves as an artist’s studio, illuminated by daylight streaming through two large sash windows. The room combines a black-and-white checkered floor with a neutral beige rug, grounding the creative chaos. An easel with a seascape painting stands centrally, surrounded by supplies on shelves and rolling carts. White paneled walls feature an old-fashioned radiator beneath the windowsill, which holds vibrant vases, brushes, and sunflowers, adding cheerful pops of color. The walls and ceiling are painted white, enhancing natural light and making the compact space appear brighter and open. Various art materials and sketches cluster around, suggesting an active, inspiring workspace.

Bathroom with Clawfoot Tub

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

The bathroom presents a compact, vintage charm with a classic white clawfoot tub positioned under a sloped ceiling, suggesting an attic or upper-level location. Soft yellow towels hang neatly over the tub’s edge and a wall-mounted rack, adding gentle warmth to the mostly white walls. A small, old-style radiator stands beside the tub, enhancing the historic feel. The door features frosted, textured glass panes, providing privacy while letting light filter in. The simple white sink sits close to the door, with utilitarian fixtures. A framed piece of art bridges traditional and personal touches in this modest, timeless space.

Rooftop Deck

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

Wooden planks form the flooring and railings of this open rooftop deck, offering a rustic urban outdoor space. A red brick chimney stands centrally near the back, adding historic character and contrasting with the weathered wood. Several small terracotta and ceramic plant pots are arranged at the base of the chimney, suggesting a simple garden or personal touch. Surrounding the deck are city buildings made of brick and concrete, highlighting an urban setting with views of varied architecture including fire escapes and modern high-rises. The natural light emphasizes shadows cast by the railing’s cross beams, enhancing the textural details.

Rooftop Deck

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

A spacious rooftop deck with weathered wooden flooring and sturdy wooden railing surrounds the perimeter, providing an open airy atmosphere. A brick chimney stands prominently near one corner, adorned with a rustic black lantern-style light fixture. Several small terracotta and green potted plants are placed next to the chimney, adding a hint of greenery amidst the natural wood and brick tones. The deck offers wide views of neighboring historic brick buildings and the distant modern city skyline under bright blue skies with scattered clouds, combining urban living with outdoor relaxation.

Rooftop Deck and Access

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

The rooftop deck is constructed of weathered wooden planks with a simple rustic railing made from raw, untreated wood, showing natural wear from exposure. A small door leads to a cramped, sloped-roof interior space with a visible toilet, suggesting an attached half-bath on the rooftop. Surrounding the deck is a backdrop of red brick walls and a metal fire escape on the adjacent building, creating an urban contrast. The sky is clear and blue, which brings in plenty of light and emphasizes the open-air nature of this small, functional outdoor space atop the historic structure.

Living Room Details

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

A cozy living room features white walls and a classic white fireplace with a modest mantel decorated with framed art and small sculptures. Two large windows with salmon-colored drapes bring in natural light, complementing the soft pastel palette. A light-colored couch with floral and striped pillows sits next to a matching armchair with a pink knitted throw. The flooring is rich wood partially covered by a large, patterned area rug in shades of blue and pink. A compact TV stands on a vintage wooden stand, and an exercise bike by built-in shelves adds a modern touch to the historic ambiance.

Home Office with Fireplace

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

White walls and ceiling with a slightly textured finish set a bright and airy tone in this home office area. A large ornate red and beige oriental-style rug anchors the warm honey-toned hardwood floor. A white wooden fireplace mantle with classic molding details is the focal point of the wall, topped with a small collection of decorative items and a framed painting. Natural light streams in from three tall windows dressed in white trim, illuminating a dark wood desk with multiple drawers positioned beneath the windows. A modern black and chrome chair contrasts the more traditional leather sofa adorned with colorful throw pillows. A vintage wooden chest with brass handles and a white table lamp add historic character to the room.

Laundry Room Detail

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

Compact laundry area with white walls, featuring a top-loading washing machine and dryer set side by side. A simple white utility sink with a curved faucet sits adjacent to the machines, installed in a worn wooden cabinet with a distressed finish. A small, narrow window above the washer is dressed with a sheer curtain adorned with an orange abstract pattern, bringing a subtle pop of color to the otherwise neutral room. Opposite the appliances are sliding closet doors in a matching off-white color, with an ironing board and pink cloth hanging neatly on the wall, highlighting functional and practical use of the space.

Home Office Space

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

Wooden floorboards are complemented by a large red and white Persian-style rug that adds warmth to the room. A wooden desk with a mid-century style chair, both simple in design, sit adjacent to a tall white shelving unit stacked with books and items. A comfortable armchair with light-colored stripes offers a cozy sitting area, facing floor-to-ceiling glass doors that provide a view and access to a small courtyard outside. Cream-colored curtains frame both the glass doors and a double-hung window, which enhances natural light. White-painted walls and trim contribute to a bright, airy, and inviting atmosphere.

Outdoor Utility Area

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

A small, narrow outdoor space enclosed by weathered white wooden siding on one side and a red brick wall on the other. The ground is covered with irregular stone pavers, some showing moss or aging. An aged white bench with ornate iron legs sits against the wooden wall, next to creeping ivy or vines spreading across the ground. Modern HVAC equipment, including an air conditioning unit and condenser, occupies much of the space. Black window shutters and a door with simple hardware add to the historic building’s exterior, presenting a mix of old charm and functional utility.

Bathroom Interior

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

A compact bathroom with a light color palette dominated by white and soft beige tiles, creating a clean and airy atmosphere. The countertop features a simple sink with a single-handle faucet, alongside a large mirror that reflects light and expands the sense of space. A floral-patterned shower curtain brings a touch of vintage charm and color with shades of blue, orange, and green, contrasting gently against the predominantly white tub and wall surrounds. The door and walls show classic paneled woodwork painted white, complementing the room’s modest, functional, and somewhat traditional aesthetic.

Basement Utility Area

Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

An industrial basement space crowded with various boxes and storage items, highlighting a functional utility area. Exposed brick walls and unfinished concrete floors evoke a raw, utilitarian atmosphere. Visible pipes and ductwork run overhead, alongside wiring and an electric panel on the right wall, underscoring the room’s mechanical purpose. A mint-green furnace or boiler unit sits on the left, complemented by a water heater. The area is cluttered with stacked cardboard boxes and paint cans, and a metal ladder leans against the back wall, suggesting ongoing maintenance or renovation activities. Natural light filters in from an opening, accentuating the worn and practical character of this sublevel space.

Listing Agent: Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay via Zillow 

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