Chestnut Hill Historic District

Chestnut Hill Historic District is a residential area in Brookline containing more than 2,600 buildings with different architectural styles including Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival designs. The streets display a variety of late-1700s and 1800s structures organized within landscaped grounds bounded by stone walls and garden spaces.

The area was first settled around 1744 and transformed from farmland into a wealthy suburban community during the 1800s. This evolution was officially recognized in 1987 when the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The neighborhood developed in the 1800s when wealthy Boston families moved here to build grand homes surrounded by manicured gardens and estates. This pattern of residential living shaped how the area looks and feels today.

When exploring the district, remember this is an active residential area, so visiting during daylight hours and respecting private properties is important. Many sights are visible from public streets, but informational signs and guided tours help you understand the history and architecture better.

Many streets preserve intact collections of 1800s mansions that still have their original stone garden walls and landscaping design. These unchanged details offer a glimpse into how wealthy families lived during the Gilded Age.

Location: Brookline

GPS coordinates: 42.32670,-71.15890

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:02