Top 8 "Old Money" MANSIONS of Boston (You Can Visit Today)

Published 2023-09-27
Boston—Cobblestoned streets brimming with history, yet just as alive with the frenetic energy of today's go-getters.

But let's not forget what also makes Beantown especially captivating—the extraordinary residences belonging to the “old money” crested elite - those blue-blooded aristocrats whose lineage can often be traced back to the Mayflower.

We're talking about palatial abodes that scream both grandeur and timeless elegance.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:07 1. The Gibson House Museum
2:46 2. Otis House Museum
4:17 3. Paul Revere House
5:44 4. Longfellow House—Washington's Headquarters
7:23 5. Larz Anderson Auto Museum
9:07 6. The Nichols House Museum
10:31 7. William Hickling Prescott House
12:07 8. Commander's Mansion

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Welcome to today's video at Old Money Mansions, where we delve deep into the world of Boston’s aristocracy, uncovering stories that have long been protected behind luxurious gates and lush ivy. Today’s special feature is 'The Top 8 “Old Money” Mansions In Boston You Can Visit Today.'

Imagine walking through Boston's cobblestoned streets that echo with history, yet hum with the hustle and bustle of modern life. But what elevates Boston's charm are the extraordinary residences of its blue-blooded aristocrats. These aren't just any mansions—these are timeless symbols of family legacies, tales of triumph, scandal, and untold secrets that could make even the most composed butler blush.

First on our list is the Gibson House Museum, a 19th-century marvel located in North York. The scent of smoked wood and honeycomb greets you as you enter this opulent home. Designed as a mix of French and Italian architectural styles, it stands on reclaimed marshland, a tribute to Bostonian ingenuity. The Gibson Society continues to maintain this marvel, preserving not just bricks and mortar but the grandiose past of Boston.

Switch gears and find yourself at 137 Beacon Street, a museum capturing the 1950s Boston elite lifestyle. Then it's back to Gibson House, where the luxury continues from the mahogany dining table to an upstairs library that could rival the most distinguished social clubs.

Second, we have the Otis House Museum. This Federal-era gem has had its fair share of close calls, narrowly escaping destruction multiple times, thanks to preservationists like William Sumner Appleton. It’s not just a house; it’s a meticulously restored time capsule that gives us a glimpse into the bygone Federal period.

Our next stop is at 19 North Square, the Paul Revere House. As Boston’s oldest downtown building, it’s like stepping through a portal into the 18th century. Nearly 90% of its original structure stands intact, thanks to conservation efforts by Revere’s descendants. This isn't just a house; it's a tribute to a legacy deeply woven into America's turbulent history.

Next, we explore the Longfellow House. This residence has seen it all—from serving as George Washington's headquarters to inspiring Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poetry. Declared a national historic landmark, it continues to mesmerize visitors with its massive library and breathtaking views of the Charles River.

Our fifth stop takes us to Brookline, Massachusetts, at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum. Beyond being an exhibition of historical vehicles, this museum is a dynamic community hub that hosts a range of events and workshops, making it a must-see for car lovers and history buffs alike.

The Nichols House Museum is another beacon of Boston’s architectural and cultural history. Designed by Charles Bulfinch in 1804, this house stands as a compelling testament to the evolution of American architecture and the fascinating people who once called it home.

Finally, the William Hickling Prescott House invites us to experience 19th-century Boston life, preserved through a collection of authentic period furniture and artifacts. The house itself serves as a vivid narrative of America's rich past, one that has endured over the years.

So, if you find yourself in Boston, consider these mansions as more than just tourist stops—they're living, breathing pieces of history that offer a glimpse into an opulent past and storied families you'll never forget. Make sure to not miss out on these extraordinary homes, as they’re an essential part of the Boston experience.

All Comments (13)
  • @oldmoneymansions
    Which of these Boston “old money” mansions would you most like to visit?
  • @nonsibi1087
    The Kennedy's are not what "Old Money" folks would ever include in their rolls.
  • @LJB103
    I lived in Boston and still live outside the city, and I've never heard of "North York?" The Gibson House is in Back Bay. The Weld mansion ( Larz Anderson Museum) was demolished; the museum was its carriage house. We already met Charles Bulfinch before the Nichols House; he was the architect of the Harrison Gray Otis mansion (in fact of all 3 of his Boston mansions).
  • Quite the video--the narrator and writer did all they could to make this interesting.
  • @StamperWendy
    I once lived in a house owned by RE Kennedy, run by his sister Kate. It was his postcard you showed, depicting the Paul Revere House, where I've been. It's part of the Freedom Trail (a Boston-based walking journey into history).
  • @rgrndu
    The most entertaining thing in this video is the narrator's pronunciation of controversy.
  • @user-xf8uk7gr9m
    To expensive to live and governor and mayor are ruining Boston Allegedly