The iconic Hooper-Lee-Nichols House, built c.1685 and recognized as the second-oldest home in Cambridge, now seeks its next chapter. The three-story Georgian structure is distinguished by its central chimney and balanced proportions. Set on an expansive 18,012± sq. ft parcel, the house is sited well back from the street with a detached carriage house/garage accessed from Kennedy Road. Today it stands as the headquarters of History Cambridge and though it is currently configured for office use, future owners will have the opportunity to reimagine the interiors as a grand private home. The property is protected by historic preservation measures ensuring its integrity for generations to come. An easement held by the Massachusetts Historical Commission safeguards important interior features, while its location within the Old Cambridge Historic District safeguards the exterior. The Hooper-Lee-Nichols House is an invitation to stewardship—an opportunity to carry forward a 340-year legacy.
For sale
$4,950,000
159 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
10beds
6,449sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1685
0.41 Acres Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$768/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Central chimneyThree-story georgian structureBalanced proportions
- 201 days
- 961
- 73
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Monahan Barker Team 617-680-6895,
LandVest, Inc., Ipswich 617-680-6895
Source: MLS PIN,MLS#: 73490272
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 10
- Bathrooms: 3
- Full bathrooms: 2
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Primary bathroom
- Features: No
Heating
- Forced Air, Steam, Ductless
Cooling
- Central Air, Ductless
Features
- Basement: Unfinished
- Number of fireplaces: 5
Interior area
- Total structure area: 6,449
- Total interior livable area: 6,449 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 6,449
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 5
- Parking features: Detached
- Garage spaces: 2
- Uncovered spaces: 3
Lot
- Size: 0.41 Acres
- Features: Corner Lot
Details
- Parcel number: M:00238 L:00010,417335
- Zoning: A-1
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Antique
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Foundation: Stone
Condition
- Year built: 1685
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
Community & HOA
HOA
- Has HOA: No
Location
- Region: Cambridge
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $768/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $7,379,600
- Annual tax amount: $46,860
- Date on market: 3/27/2026
Estimated market value
Not available
Estimated sales range
Not available
Not available
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 9/21/2026 | Listed for sale | $4,950,000-14.7%$768/sqft |
Source: MLS PIN #73490272 Report a problem | ||
| 3/23/2026 | Listed for sale | $5,800,000$899/sqft |
Source: MLS PIN #73490272 Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
Tax history is unavailable.
Monthly payment
Est. payment






