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As a Cambridge real estate agent, the city squares of Cambridge, Somerville and Medford and the town centers of Arlington, Watertown and Belmont, Massachusetts are my home turf. And as a lifelong New Englander who’s lived within twenty miles of Boston most of my life, I can introduce you to other nearby towns as we search for your new home. If you’re planning to sell your home in Cambridge, MA or nearby you’ll find plenty of info about the home selling process here too. Questions? Send me an email or call me at 617-504-1737.

Westwood Road Somerville – Real Estate, Architecture, History

 

Home on Westwood Road

Home on Westwood Road

Westwood Road is one of Somerville’s jewels and a favorite with real estate buyers who appreciate the architecture of its beautiful turn of the century houses.  Just one block long, Westwood Road runs from Benton Road to Central Street.  The Somerville Museum sits at the Central Street end of the block.

History of Westwood Road in Somerville MA

The lots on Westwood Road were divided in 1874 when the estate of James M. Shute and the adjoining Benton farm were subdivided.  Houses were not built on the street until 1894 when real estate developer and hardware dealer Charles Bradshaw built the first eight houses on Westwood Road. 

Bradshaw built the finest of homes and then proceeded in 1895 to move a number of large trees, elms and maples some 50 to 60 years old, onto the front of the lots lining the street.  It was said to be the first time such an undertaking was attempted in Massachusetts.  Just one year after the road was built, Westwood Road was lined with fine homes and mature trees.

The granite posts at the Central Street end of Westwood Road were part of the original gates of the Shute estate.

Westwood Road Architecture

The houses that make up this densely built street are some of Somerville’s best examples of Shingle Style, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival architectural styles.  The houses sit close to the street and are separated by just feet, making a rich and handsome streetscape.

Several of the houses on Westwood Road have been listed for sale in the last few years and I’ve had a chance to go inside.  The interior details – stained glass, woodwork, built-ins – even such typically mundane things as thermostats and heating grates – are some of the finest you’re likely to encounter.

Westwood Road is a National Register of Historic Places Historic District.  The district, consisting roughly of the area bounded by Summer Street, Benton Road, Westwood Road and Central Street was added to the Register in 1989.

Westwood Road Somerville Real Estate

In recent years several Westwood Road houses have sold to lucky buyers:

  • An 11 room, 7 bedrooom shingle style house sold in 2002 for $700,000
  • A 15 room, 7 bedroom Colonial Revival house sold in 2003 for $830,000
  • A 12 room, 7 bedroom Shingle Style house sold in 2007 for $688,500
  • A 7 room, 4 bedroom Victorian house sold in 2007 for $792,500

Here are photographs of some of the homes on Westwood Road in Somerville Massachusetts:

 

Use the following link to check for homes for  sale on Westwood Road in Somerville.  You can then continue to search for homes for sale in Somerville or in other Massachusetts towns.

CHECK FOR HOUSES FOR SALE ON WESTWOOD RD SOMERVILLE MA 02143

 

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  1. Tim Riley

    I was wondering if anyone had any information on 175 Summer St. It was home to Charles. Bradshaw. The interior and exterior are unusual mix of styles. The interior entry hall was one of the most interesting. Wondering if anyone had any interesting info. on this place. It’s right next door to St. Catherines church. I haven’t been able to find out much about this house. It was a beautiful home and doesn’t seem to be listed too many places jsut courious.

  2. Liz

    Hi Tim ~ I don’t know anything about the house myself though I do have a vague memory of seeing something on ebay I think – an article from a turn of the century architecture magazine I believe. Wish I had bought it!

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