5 Most OPULENT Gilded Age MANSIONS in Boston

When you think of Boston, many images come to mind - but perhaps not Gilded Age mansions that take the breath away - and yet in today's episode you can gasp and marvel at the stunningly breathtaking opulence of the American Gilded Age, exquisitely preserved in architecture all around Boston.
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
#1 The Nichols House Museum - 55 Mount Vernon Street
#2 The Ames-Webster Mansion - 306 Dartmouth Street
#3 The Gibson House Museum - 137 Beacon Street
#4 The Ayer Mansion - 395 Commonwealth Avenue
#5 The Otis House - 141 Cambridge Street
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When one thinks of "old money" in Boston, a cascade of vivid images may come to mind, reflecting the city’s rich historical tapestry.
From its revolutionary roots marked by iconic churches and meetinghouses, Boston also boasts a striking portfolio of Gilded Age architecture, a testament to its opulent past during the American Gilded Age.
This period, spanning from the 1870s to the 1900s, was marked by vast fortunes accumulated by industry magnates, leading to an era characterized by extreme wealth and grandiose living, epitomized by the construction of sprawling mansions that still awe today with their lavish details and imposing presence.
Join us at Old Money Mansions as we embark on a luxurious journey through the top five Gilded Age mansions in Boston that continue to welcome visitors, offering a glimpse into a world of bygone splendor.
The first stop is the Nichols House Museum at 55 Mount Vernon Street. Nestled in the quaint cobblestoned lanes of Beacon Hill, this museum is a showcase of Federal-style architecture crafted by the eminent Charles Bulfinch in 1804.
Inside, the layout reflects the period's architectural intelligence with a central stairwell dividing spaces that are rich in both design and history, including features from later Greek Revival influences.
The home transitioned into a museum in 1961, curated by Rose Standish Nichols, and today, it provides insights into the lifestyle of Boston's elite from the late 19th to the early 20th century.
Next, we explore the Ames-Webster Mansion at 306 Dartmouth Street, a marvel of the 1871 design by Peabody and Stearns with enhancements in 1882 by John Hubbard Sturgis.
This mansion embodies a blend of original artistry and modern luxury, recently transformed into ultra-luxe condos. Its opulent interiors feature exquisite woodwork, ornate fireplaces, and plasterwork that testify to its Gilded Age glory.
The journey continues at the Gibson House Museum at 137 Beacon Street. As a pivotal piece of Victorian-era architecture, this museum encapsulates the lavish lifestyle of the Gibson family over generations, preserved as if frozen in time with original furnishings and decorations.
It serves as a vibrant cultural hub, offering a comprehensive view of the social stratifications and everyday life of the era.
Our penultimate mansion, the Ayer Mansion at 395 Commonwealth Avenue, stands out as the only surviving residence with complete designs by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
This architectural gem, built between 1899 and 1902, features a unique blend of materials and intricate designs, showcasing Tiffany’s distinctive artistry.
The mansion has undergone significant restorations to maintain its grandeur, merging historical elements with modern amenities aimed at ensuring its legacy.
Lastly, the Otis House at 141 Cambridge Street offers an immersion into the Federal period. Designed by Charles Bulfinch in 1796, this home highlights the elegance of the era through its symmetrical design and classical interiors.
Now a museum and headquarters for Historic New England, it reflects the evolution of Boston's urban and social landscapes through detailed exhibitions and guided tours.
These mansions not only narrate stories of architectural grandeur and luxurious lifestyles but also serve as custodians of history, each continuing to enchant and educate those who walk through their venerable halls.
Whether you are a Boston native or a visitor, these mansions offer a unique peek into the city's illustrious past and its ongoing narrative of preservation and admiration. Have you visited any of these historical treasures? Let us know your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.

[@oldmoneymansions]

COMMENT: Are you a native of Boston - and have you been to any of these incredible mansions?

[@matthew-jy5jp]

Every home in Beacon hill is a mansion. Not just the one you're talking about. All those brownstones go back to the 1800s and before

[@tomblack6972]

The picture that you show is the Gibson House in Toronto. You really ought to do your homework. And the Isabella Gardiner house is certainly more opulent than most. As I’ve written before, you guys are a bunch of charlatans

[@tonitemperance9960]

Yes, yes and yes! Isabella Stuart Gardner is spectacular, maybe next time you'll cover it. Love Boston ❤

[@jonathanaldrich2441]

I live in Salem Mass and would enjoy hearing about mansions in and around Salem.

[@mistayu]

​@@matthew-jy5jp Beacon Hill does not have "Brownstones"...they are in the Back Bay or the South End. Beacon Hill is brick, brick, and more brick; with black or forest green shutters.

[@claireburkus8497]

Not enjoying the dancing photos…too distracting!!! The video is terrific …visited often while living in Groton,Ma!!!

[@tdesq.2463]

I love the Gibbet Hill Grill!

[@claireburkus8497]

@@tdesq.2463 me too!!!

[@larryelmaestro]

I love your videos! Maybe stop juggling the between scenes photos? It's a bit distracting.

[@rmkpilates]

Makes me dizzy...

[@DorothyKiley]

I am a native and here to say that your video is all news to me! I plan to visit each mansion…for sure.

[@massmama3953]

Same here born and raised in the north shore and never knew any of these existed 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@mistayu]

The video is a fairly well done production with excellent photos and camera work. As a dyed in the wool Bostonian I am peeved about the brick farmhouse you kept showing as the Gibson House which is not the Gibson House. The jumping photos were distracting and deterred from the educational benefit of watching the video. The Ayer Mansion should not be included as it is another example of the tasteless alterations and destruction of old Boston homes in the Back Bay by greedy real estate developers who don't even live in Boston and inexperienced interior designer poseurs who thought Roche Bobois style "furniture" belongs in a "Gilded Age" renovation; how trite can one get? Bleccch!!

[@Wee162]

Couldn’t agree more.

[@originaloldfashionedtarot]

I expected Isabella Stuart Gardener but I enjoyed this.

[@leashgang1]

Probably because it’s not in Back Bay. No list of Boston mansions is complete without it though!

[@mwfitz]

Extremely annoying bouncing pictures!!

[@hierophant369]

Thanks for the history of these beautiful buildings I drive by every day and even been in some as I worked for the wster & sewer commission. One stops paying attention to the history and beauty around us sometimes. So, thanks.🙏

[@PickledPepperz]

I live in Boston and I was unfamiliar of these particular homes. Beautiful. I will visit these in person. Thank you!

[@oldmoneymansions]

Please do!

[@kmos1948]

Never been - mixed feelings about historic buildings that are not owned by American investors. Thank you for the mini tour.

[@mattg1085]

While discussing the Nichol’s house a few images are of the Otis house; the Gibson house wasn’t shown at all as it’s a brownstone and not a freestanding residence; and most of the images for the Ayer mansion are renderings and proposals used in a real estate listing. Overall, good presentation.

[@daniellamurphy9862]

I live in the suburbs of Boston and felt I visited all historical places but I never heard of any of these. Thanks!

[@oldmoneymansions]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed!

[@matthew-jy5jp]

Just to give everybody an example of how bad inflation is. The Gibson house was bought for $3000 in 1860 when John F. Kennedy died the casket that was purchased for him was $3000.

[@tbergstrom4599]

beautiful video and superb narration

[@oldmoneymansions]

Thank you so much 😀

[@singularseeker]

Ayer Mansion facade and entrance at at exquisite

[@kathymatte7951]

Work for a gc that has rehabbed and updated so many of these type homes comm ave beacon st chestnut st unbelievable the money to change these residences with no exception or care to costs.

[@jimwalsh3498]

Bean Town resident

[@BatBrakesBones]

Thumbnail look like David Goggins with a top hat

[@jhash9554]

Why are we selling American properties to Saudis? Why were they allowed to change the property into three units? What a Shame

[@barbaratompkins108]

From The Beacon Falls New York, thanks for the designs!

[@adfadgaqgv]

I've done a lot of electrical work inside the Otis house and other Historic New England houses throughout Massachusetts

[@marypaquette8705]

It's not about how much money you had during that time frame, but your Ancestry😊

[@barbaratompkins108]

Thanks from BeacoNY!

[@zsigzsag]

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (James Deering estate) in Miami, Dade, FL is amazing. Huge place. The breakwater looks like a stone ship!. Worth doing a video on this mansion if you haven't. New to and enjoying the channel!

[@oldmoneymansions]

Thanks Zsigzsag! We'll add it to the list

[@hopehope7696]

This would of been a great video if you would stop the flipping/dancing of pictures and in and out shots. Please just stay with a constant video please and thank you

[@mainecoast3519]

What is the classical piece playing in the background during the Otis House discussion?

[@winstonstone]

yES AND i NEED TO!!

[@NanaAmySpectreSeeker1111]

Plymouth, and no, not really, Boston traffic is prohibitive. ❤

[@placova]

Who added alll that hideous furniture to the Ayer mansion?

[@randyscott3386]

Before The Federal Reserve System . Go Figure !!!

[@user-uh4dv2zn5m]

if one needs adjectives that nobody uses in context, just listen, 'with that said...." sigh