Harrison Gray Otis House II, Federal mansion in Beacon Hill, United States
The Harrison Gray Otis House II is a Federal-style mansion with four bays arranged across three stories, decorated with Corinthian pilasters adorning the second and third floor brick walls. The property retains its original semicircular cobblestone driveway and lawn space, an uncommon feature within the densely built Beacon Hill neighborhood.
Renowned architect Charles Bulfinch designed this residence in 1800 for Harrison Gray Otis, a prominent Boston lawyer who eventually became the city's mayor. The building gained later recognition when it served as a filming location for a 1968 motion picture and a television series.
The mansion displays architectural choices favored by affluent Bostonians in the early 1800s, with its distinctive brickwork and Chinese-inspired balconies that were common among the wealthy. These design elements remain visible today and reflect how prosperous residents expressed their status through home design.
The mansion sits in the hilly Beacon Hill neighborhood with historic cobblestone streets that can become slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Parking is limited in this area and the tight surroundings make it challenging to fully explore the exterior from a distance.
This residence appeared as the home of a fictional character in a 1968 film starring Steve McQueen and later in the television series Banacek. The Hollywood connection brought the building wider recognition beyond its local architectural importance.
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