Perfect Replica of 1804 Chestnut Hill Mansion That Once Housed Designer Behind New York City’s Central Park Lists for $11.5 Million

In a quiet corner of Chestnut Hill is a home that boasts an architectural legacy so rare, it could well serve as the basis for a novel.

The property in Brookline, MA, was constructed in 1804 and served as the home of famed architect H.H. Richardson, who turned it into a kind of "architectural salon" where he would host some of Boston's finest minds, including his close friend and neighbor Frederick Law Olmsted.

Between the two of them, the two men boast a design lineage that few could fail to be impressed by; while Richardson is best known for his work on landmarks like Boston’s Trinity Church, Olmsted has long been called the “father of landscape architecture” and is credited with the creation of several Boston parks, as well as serving as a co-designer of New York’s Central Park.

Perhaps, then, it is no surprise that the home that once hosted these two pioneers of design became a local treasure in and around the Boston area, a legacy that has lasted to this day.

However, over the years, the home fell into such a state of disrepair that it was beyond saving, prompting several local historic groups to have it rebuilt, creating an identical replica that is now on the market for the first time in nearly 30 years, to the tune of $11.45 million.

Because of its famous ties, special attention was given to the site and home during its complete rebuild.

“The house was in a bad state, so the Brookline Historic Commission, as well as several national historic groups, decided to have it rebuilt from the ground up to the exact same proportions, right down to the placement of windows and doors,” says listing agent Maggie Gold Seelig with MGS Group Real Estate.

The residence spans nearly 8,000 square feet, with five bedrooms and multiple spa-like bathrooms spread across three expansive levels. Inside, the layout is open and fluid—something that feels especially striking when paired with historic charm.

“The thoughtful design across an open layout is one of the home’s best features,” says Seelig.

The listing description echoes her sentiments, calling attention to the one-of-a-kind features found inside the historic replica.

"Elegant living meets modern style in this stunning light-filled Chestnut Hill residence," it states. "This property is in a class of its own, with graciously proportioned rooms, open layout and luxurious finishes."

Ceilings reach 11 feet on the main floor, with more than 9 feet on the bedroom and lower levels, creating an airy, gallery-like atmosphere throughout.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and oversized glass doors line many of the first-floor rooms, flooding the interiors with natural light and blurring the line between indoors and out.

At the center of the home is a custom-milled chef’s kitchen outfitted with double islands, offering ample space for cooking, gathering, and casual dining. The design is sleek but warm, balancing refined finishes with livable comfort.

But it isn’t only the complete rebuild of a historically significant home that makes this property special. It’s also the sheer size and location of the lot itself. The property’s flat, 1-acre parcel offers possibilities rarely available in Brookline, let alone so close to downtown Boston.

There’s ample room for a pool, pool house, or even a private golf simulator setup, along with gardens and outdoor entertaining areas.

“It’s very hard to find a house with this scale and proportions on one flat acre in Chestnut Hill, Brookline,” Seelig adds.

Despite its estate-like feel, the home is only minutes from Fenway Park, downtown Boston, and the heart of Brookline’s shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The location offers quick access to nearly every corner of the metro area, a combination that continues to draw buyers seeking privacy without sacrificing convenience.

“You can get anywhere in Metro Boston easily from here,” says Seelig. “And then there’s the history itself—the mature trees surrounding the home were planted by Olmstead. So it’s a bit like living in your own private Central Park.”