Nobility Hill Historic District

Nobility Hill Historic District is a residential neighborhood in Stoneham with homes built between 1860 and 1920 featuring styles ranging from Italianate to Dutch Colonial and Queen Anne designs. The area bounded by Chestnut Street, Maple Street, and Cedar Avenue contains these residences arranged along tree-lined streets that maintain their original layout and character.

The neighborhood developed in the late 1800s when wealthy industrialists including shoe factory owners John Hill and H.H. Mawhinney built residences here. Most construction occurred between 1860 and 1920, establishing the district as a center for successful factory owners during that period.

The homes here reflect how wealthy factory owners expressed their status through architecture during the late 1800s. Walking through, you notice how each house displays different design choices while maintaining the neighborhood's overall sense of prosperity and stability.

The district sits several blocks west of Stoneham's Central Square and is accessible on foot from downtown. You can explore the neighborhood by walking the streets at your own pace, viewing the exteriors of homes and enjoying the tree-lined blocks without any special arrangements.

The row of homes at 31-35 Chestnut Street showcases three notable examples of Stick style and Queen Anne architecture from the peak building period. These consecutive houses are worth examining closely since they display the most ornate details and variations of the district's signature styles.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 42.47944,-71.10528

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:14