Peter and Oliver Tufts House

The Peter and Oliver Tufts House is a two-and-a-half-story wooden building with five bays, a gambrel roof, and two prominent chimneys on Highland Avenue. The structure displays typical early American construction techniques with sturdy timber framing and carefully crafted details.

The house was built during the Colonial period and served from 1775 to 1776 as headquarters for General Charles Lee of the Continental Army during the Boston siege. This period marked its shift from a private residence to an important military base during the American Revolution.

The house shows how New England homes evolved over time, with Italian-inspired design touches like decorative brackets framing the entrance. These details reveal the tastes and prosperity of the families who lived here.

The building sits on Highland Avenue, formerly called Barberry Lane, and is easily visible from the street. The location offers good views of the structure and allows visitors to see the details without difficulty.

Charlotte Cushman, a renowned Boston actress, spent her childhood holidays at this property in the 1820s when it was called Uncle Oliver's Farm. This connection to performing arts shows how the house was part of the social life of Boston's prominent families.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 42.39083,-71.10000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:14