The Dutch House

The Dutch House is a residential building in Brookline featuring distinctive Dutch architectural characteristics such as stepped gables and a high mansard roof spanning two floors. The structure is distinguished by over 12,000 individual leaded green glass window panes and preserves massive ceiling beams along with Flemish wooden panels throughout its interior.

The building was originally constructed as the Dutch Cocoa House for the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, then dismantled and relocated to its current location in Massachusetts. This relocation transformed it from a temporary exhibition structure into a lasting residential landmark.

The structure displays authentic Dutch architectural elements, including stone animal sculptures modeled after the Enkhuizen Orphanage and design inspired by Franeker City Hall. These features create a strong sense of Dutch craftsmanship and cultural expression transplanted to American soil.

The building functions as a private residence under historic protection, so exterior views are possible but the interior remains private. Visitors should appreciate the architectural details from the street and explore the surrounding area to understand how this unusual structure fits into the local neighborhood.

Netherlands Road, the street where the building stands, was specifically named to honor this transplanted Dutch structure. This is an unusual example of how a single building so profoundly influenced its surroundings that it determined the official naming of an entire street.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 42.33590,-71.11240

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:46