Have you heard? The famous Skinny House in Boston is up for sale!
It is less than ten feet wide but is four stories high. Its unusual width is due to a spat between two brothers dating back to the 1860s. One brother – the greedy one – built a large home on the shared property and left very little room for the other brother to build while he was away at war. Then when the unfortunate brother returned from the Civil War he was so angry, he built a tall, skinny house right next to his brother’s house, blocking the view and sunlight.
That’s why The Skinny House is also known as the Spite House.
Even though it’s out of reach for most of us with a price tag of $1,200,000, the listing is a rare opportunity for a peek inside this very unique abode.
But first, the cute backyard!
The lot size is only 449 square feet so it’s a wonder there is even any yard at all.
The back of the home features a “Juliet balcony”, pictured below from the inside:
The Skinny House is what is known as a “floor-through residence” because each floor has an unobstructed floorplan that goes straight through from the front end to the back end.
The kitchen has updated appliances, custom cabinetry, and a stone countertop.
The total interior square footage measures in at 1,165, with only 2 bedrooms and 1bathroom.
The Skinny House last sold in 2017 for $900,000.
Over the years it has had various uses from a single-family home to apartment rentals, to a short-term vacation rental.
This would be a super fun place to rent for a vacation in Boston!
Though there are other famous skinny houses peppered throughout the United States, Boston’s Skinny House is perhaps the most iconic.
There is so much character in this place, it’s hard to pick a favorite floor, but the quiet space below is fabulous:
The exposed brick, the original hardwood floors… this place has been so well preserved!
It must be a real workout going up and down this many stairs!
One of the best parts of this home is the excellent views from the rooftop deck.
You can see the Boston Harbor from here…
You also have great city views:
Even though this house was born of spite, it has a special place in the hearts of Bostonians and old house lovers alike.
ps…. want to see an even skinnier skinny house? Check out the Skinniest House in London – a mere 6 feet wide!
Sources:
https://www.today.com/home/famous-skinny-house-boston-sale-1-2-million-see-inside-t227963
https://www.redfin.com/MA/Boston/44-Hull-St-02113/home/9277688
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/44-Hull-St-Boston-MA-02113/
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