Mary Fiske Stoughton House, National Historic Landmark house in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Mary Fiske Stoughton House is a two-story wooden building on Brattle Street clad in continuous rectangular shingles over irregular forms with minimal exterior ornamentation. The structure features large window openings divided into smaller panes, while its interior centers on a broad hall equipped with a fireplace.
Henry Hobson Richardson designed this house in 1882 as a residence for Mary Fiske Stoughton, who wanted to live near her son. The building marked the start of an architectural movement that spread across decades and shaped how homes were built in subsequent years.
This residence helped spread a new architectural approach across America during the late 1800s, which builders in other regions began to imitate. Visitors can observe how the design influenced the way houses were built and perceived in subsequent decades.
The house sits on a busy street with parking available nearby and is visible from outside, though interior access may be limited. The best time to explore the exterior facade is during daytime when light brings out the architectural details.
The house features an unusual window technique where small panes are combined into larger patterns, giving the building a distinctive appearance. This detailing was uncommon at the time of its creation and became a recognizable feature of the emerging architectural direction.
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