Written by Cindy Bailen
Fall never fails in New England. We embrace the chance to put
away our summer clothes and break out our wool sweaters. The
temperatures are crisp, and so are the apples. Leaves turn red,
orange, and yellow, and people from all over the world come here to
enjoy them.
Those of us who live here begin nesting, getting
comfortable at home. Whether we live in the city or the suburbs,
our houses take on the feeling of fall. Three Boston-area homes
look especially appealing at this time of year, and all three are
ready for new owners.
168 Brattle Street, Cambridge
At the Joseph Thorp House, the Arthur
Little-designed architecture encompasses the best of Colonial
revival, neo-classical, a dash of Queen Anne, and some additional
influences. Its arches and balustrades look positively whimsical.
There is nothing cookie-cutter about this place.
From the first glance at the facade of the historic
home, the autumn gold exterior color warms and invites. Carvings on
the corbels are reminiscent of branches, and they echo the wisteria
vines that hug the home and the plantings in raised beds.
The solidity of the home draws us in to escape a
brisk autumn afternoon. Deep, natural wood in the entry is
complemented by the autumnal browns of the oriental runner on the
stairs.
Carved teak in the salon, recalling the American
Aesthetic Movement, looks especially cozy. The library offers 19th
century Norwegian design with a traditional peasant hearth.
Original homeowner, Sara Chapman Thorp Bull, had a Norwegian
husband, who probably loved this room best.
Not all of the rooms are deeply colored. The
neo-Classical dining room has plenty of white-painted woodwork,
with intricate bas-relief on the mantel. Its leaded glass Palladian
bay window allows a flood of sunshine to enter. Walls and the tiles
on the fireplace are the exact color of the autumn sky when it
threatens to storm.
French country in design and the light brown color of
fallen leaves, the homes kitchen is a balance of contemporary and
vintage elements. The stone on the generous prep-island works
nicely with mahogany cabinetry. The original Walker & Pratt
cast-iron stove stands nearby, reminding us of warm meals laced
with autumn spices.
68 Commonwealth Ave, Back Bay
Small, brilliant highlights of fall color enhance the
stunning interior of a Back Bay condo facing the seasonal views of
the iconic Commonwealth Avenue mall. Golden silk draperies in the
front bay frame the scene, and two red chairs by the windows
provide a place to relax and enjoy the fall. Look up! Even the
period moldings around the 12-foot ceilings are traced with gold
leaf.
The interiors of the formal dining rooms arched
custom built-ins are painted in a vibrant coral red, the
quintessential hue of an autumn maple leaf. The warm color palette
extends to the rooms chinoiserie-patterned wallpaper, and it pops
against a white background.
In the generous master bedroom, the current
homeowners red bedspread and oriental carpet provide autumnal
coziness, as does the marble fireplace opposite the bed. The rosy
color is repeated in two upholstered love seats that enhance the
comfort of the space.
A stunning en-suite marble bath revels in soft autumn
beige on the floor and soaking tub surround. Golden brass hardware
augments the dual sinks and cabinet doors.
Terra cotta tile in an autumn russet shade gives the
family room the feeling of fall and it coordinates well with built
in wood cabinetry. A bedroom, currently used as a den, has a
majestic red chair beside a pair of built-in bookcases, just the
place to catch up on reading during long fall evenings.
Outdoors, the private patio is enclosed by a red
brick wall, making it a charming spot to enjoy a warming beverage
and friendly conversation.
468 Highland Street, Hamilton
With a long equestrian tradition, Hamilton is a
wonderful place to enjoy autumn days, and this 31.7 acre estate on
Highland Street is an ideal location for horse lovers. It sits
close to a network of riding trails at Bradley Palmer State Park,
and the property includes a stable with five stalls and a tack
room.
The land undulates gently here, and the surrounding
trees are already mellowing into shades of fall. A pond on the
property reflects their colors.
A red Japanese maple tree stands beside the
organically-shaped swimming pool, adding a bit of color, and there
is a large pool house right past it. Swimming is probably a rarity
in the fall, but panoramic views flow inside, through the ample
windows of the exquisitely updated 18th century house.
In the homes entryway, hand-painted murals tell the
story of a previous era, with sailing ships and a white house that
appears to be this one. The homes softly carpeted staircase rises
straight ahead, with a golden oak bannister for support.
The big living room invites family members to get
comfy on the couch and enjoy the views. But its the glowing red
dining room that evokes fall most of all. Thanksgiving dinners held
at the long table in front of the fireplace could only be
delicious. The views through the rooms French doors look lovely in
any season.
An appealing cherry kitchen is the heart of this
home. Wood beams give it a rustic look, and one wall holds a big
fireplace. But the shining island and long countertop tell you that
this is a modern kitchen. The rooms best feature: a rounded wall
with six windows to let in autumn light and vistas.
A wood-paneled office sports red draperies, patterned
with autumn leaf silhouettes, and it looks like a great place to
get work done. However, a colorful life in this rural suburban town
does not preclude working at a job in Boston, because the
Hamilton-Wenham commuter rail stop is not too far away.
When an exuberant autumn comes to New England, were
wise to let it into our homes with joy. We know the long winter is
ahead, but if were lucky, well have abundant fall color to sustain
us throughout the year.
Contact ustoday to make one of theseextraordinary
homes your own. Call617.426.6900oremail info@gibsonsir.com. To
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