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Asa Gray's home goes on the market for $10.8 million
May 29, 2023
Asa Gray's home goes on the market for $10.8 million Austin
By   Larissa Runkle
  • City News
  • House
  • Residential
  • Property
Abstract: The Asa Gray House at 88 Garden Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts ticks all the boxes - history, charm, and walking distance to Harvard Square.

This place recently came on the market for $10,800,000.

 

Although always privately owned, the house has been a National Historic Landmark since 1965.

 

The five-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom home is named after the famous Harvard botanist and passionate Darwinist who lived here for over 40 years. But he is not the only notable person associated with the 7,588 square foot home.

 Asa Gray's home goes on the market for $10.8 million

"The property, designed by renowned architect Ithiel Town, was built in 1810 and is located within the Harvard University Botanical Gardens," said listing agent Gail Roberts." The purpose of the home was to provide a home for zoologist William Dandridge Peck."

 

After Peck, occupants included botanist Thomas Nuttall and former Harvard University presidents James Walker and Jared Sparks.

 

Gray moved into the house after his appointment as Massachusetts Professor of Natural History at Harvard University. He continued to live there until his death in 1888.

 Asa Gray's home goes on the market for $10.8 million

One of the most interesting things about the house, however, is that it did not always occupy this particular piece of land on Garden Street.

 

"The house was moved further to its present location in 1910 when it was purchased by Allen H. Cox, an architect trained by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology," Roberts said.

 

In addition to its rich history, the house has much to offer its modern-day residents.

 Asa Gray's home goes on the market for $10.8 million

From the well-preserved custom woodwork and stonework to the many fireplaces and high-end appliances, the Asha Gray residence is a product of good taste, past and present.

 

"The entire house was meticulously renovated in 2022 and 2023 by highly skilled architects, interior designers, carpenters, stonemasons and landscapers," says Roberts." The gorgeous eat-in chef's kitchen is completely bespoke and will please the harshest of critics."


The spacious kitchen opens to the huge Brazilian wood deck outside through several sets of glass doors.

 

Each of the home's bedrooms has its own spa-inspired en-suite bathroom with radiant heat.

 

The ground floor studio has a wet bar, skylights and a bathroom that can be used as a gym, guest room or workspace.

 Asa Gray's home goes on the market for $10.8 million

The ground floor has a large media room, guest bedroom and bathroom. Other areas include the formal living and dining rooms and an office.

 

Thanks to its seamless indoor-outdoor spaces, the home's design beckons to the lush, green three acres of land.

 

If you decide to venture beyond your historic palace, you are only a short walk to some of the best urban amenities Cambridge has to offer.

 Offering.

 

"The house is within a one-mile radius of Cambridge's Harvard Square, Porter Square and many great parks.

 

Great parks," says Roberts." Living here provides easy access to Harvard, Lesley, MIT, and prestigious public and public schools."

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Asa Gray's home goes on the market for $10.8 million
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