Built in 1873 by notable builder and politician Rufus Lamson for former mayor George Stevens, 42 Essex Street is a stunning example of late 19th-century Italianate architecture located in the Cambridgeport neighborhood. This sun-soaked home features vintage deep-crown molding, nine-foot ceilings, and quarter-sawn oak flooring. The spacious layout spans three levels, offering over 2,100 sq ft of finished space, plus a high-ceilinged unfinished lower level. The second floor includes three bedrooms, a study, and a full bathroom, while the third floor boasts two additional rooms accessible by a steep staircase. The property also features a charming rear yard and a paved two-car driveway. With its historic charm and endless possibilities, this unique property is ready for the next visionary to transform it into their dream home or development project!
Sold for $1,710,000
$1,710,000
42 Essex St, Cambridge, MA 02139
3beds
2,007sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1873
2,300 Square Feet Lot
$1,717,500 Zestimate®
$852/sqft
$5,009 Estimated rent
Home value
$1,717,500
$1.58M - $1.87M
$5,009/mo
Zestimate® history
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List your homeWhat's special
Paved two-car drivewaySun-soaked homeVintage deep-crown moldingNine-foot ceilingsQuarter-sawn oak flooringCharming rear yardSpacious layout
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Laura Palumbo-Hanson 617-413-5537,
Gibson Sotheby's International Realty 617-945-9161,
Dawn Felicani 781-820-8096
Bought with:
The Quirk Group
Coldwell Banker Realty - Boston
Source: MLS PIN,MLS#: 73360322
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 1
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
- Main level bathrooms: 1
Primary bedroom
- Features: Closet, Flooring - Wood
- Level: Second
- Area: 187.33
- Dimensions: 14.3 x 13.1
Bedroom 2
- Features: Closet, Flooring - Wood
- Level: Second
- Area: 152.71
- Dimensions: 12.12 x 12.6
Bedroom 3
- Features: Flooring - Vinyl
- Level: Second
- Area: 208.81
- Dimensions: 15.7 x 13.3
Bedroom 4
- Features: Flooring - Wood, Lighting - Overhead
- Level: Third
- Area: 148.8
- Dimensions: 12.4 x 12
Bedroom 5
- Features: Flooring - Wood, Lighting - Overhead
- Level: Third
- Area: 157.48
- Dimensions: 12.4 x 12.7
Bathroom 1
- Features: Bathroom - Half, Flooring - Vinyl, Wainscoting
- Level: Main,First
- Area: 27.54
- Dimensions: 5.1 x 5.4
Bathroom 2
- Features: Bathroom - Full, Bathroom - Tiled With Tub & Shower, Closet - Linen, Flooring - Stone/Ceramic Tile, Low Flow Toilet, Remodeled, Wainscoting, Lighting - Overhead, Beadboard, Pedestal Sink
- Level: Second
- Area: 71.44
- Dimensions: 7.6 x 9.4
Dining room
- Features: Flooring - Wood, French Doors, Chair Rail, Decorative Molding
- Level: Main,First
- Area: 219.62
- Dimensions: 13.9 x 15.8
Kitchen
- Features: Bathroom - Half, Flooring - Vinyl, Window(s) - Bay/Bow/Box, Dining Area, Balcony / Deck, Pantry, Deck - Exterior, Exterior Access
- Level: Main,First
- Area: 238.64
- Dimensions: 15.2 x 15.7
Living room
- Features: Flooring - Wood, French Doors, Decorative Molding
- Level: Main,First
- Area: 204.49
- Dimensions: 14.3 x 14.3
Heating
- Hot Water, Natural Gas
Cooling
- None
Appliances
- Included: Gas Water Heater, Water Heater, Range, Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer
Features
- Walk-up Attic
- Flooring: Wood
- Doors: Storm Door(s)
- Windows: Storm Window(s), Screens
- Basement: Full,Walk-Out Access,Interior Entry,Concrete,Unfinished
- Has fireplace: No
Interior area
- Total structure area: 2,007
- Total interior livable area: 2,007 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 2,007
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Paved Drive, Off Street, Tandem, Paved
- Uncovered spaces: 2
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: No
Features
- Patio & porch: Deck
- Exterior features: Deck, Rain Gutters, Screens, City View(s), Garden
- Has view: Yes
- View description: City View(s), City
Lot
- Size: 2,300 Square Feet
- Features: Corner Lot, Level
Details
- Parcel number: 403552
- Zoning: Res
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Italianate
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Frame
- Foundation: Stone
- Roof: Shingle
Condition
- Year built: 1873
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
Community & HOA
Community
- Features: Public Transportation, Shopping, Pool, Tennis Court(s), Park, Golf, Medical Facility, Laundromat, Bike Path, Highway Access, House of Worship, Private School, Public School, T-Station, University, Sidewalks
- Subdivision: Central Square
HOA
- Has HOA: No
Location
- Region: Cambridge
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $852/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $1,314,500
- Annual tax amount: $8,347
- Date on market: 1/5/2026
- Road surface type: Paved
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5/23/2025 | Sold | $1,710,000+15.5%$852/sqft |
Source: MLS PIN #73360322 Report a problem | ||
| 4/23/2025 | Contingent | $1,480,000$737/sqft |
Source: MLS PIN #73360322 Report a problem | ||
| 4/16/2025 | Listed for sale | $1,480,000$737/sqft |
Source: MLS PIN #73360322 Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $8,347 +5.2% | $1,314,500 -1.9% |
| 2024 | $7,932 +6.4% | $1,339,900 +5.3% |
| 2023 | $7,455 +4.2% | $1,272,200 +5.3% |
| 2022 | $7,153 +5.3% | $1,208,300 +4.1% |
| 2021 | $6,791 +3.9% | $1,160,900 +2.1% |
| 2020 | $6,537 +8.3% | $1,136,900 +11.9% |
| 2019 | $6,036 +6.9% | $1,016,100 +13.2% |
| 2018 | $5,645 +5.8% | $897,400 +9.2% |
| 2017 | $5,335 +4.8% | $822,000 +12.9% |
| 2016 | $5,091 -2.1% | $728,300 +9.6% |
| 2015 | $5,199 +4.6% | $664,800 +12.1% |
| 2014 | $4,969 +5% | $592,900 +8.5% |
| 2013 | $4,733 +1.8% | $546,500 -0.3% |
| 2012 | $4,648 +3.9% | $548,100 |
| 2011 | $4,472 +6.9% | $548,100 +1.1% |
| 2010 | $4,183 +2.1% | $541,900 |
| 2009 | $4,097 +2.3% | $541,900 -0.4% |
| 2008 | $4,006 -3.2% | $544,300 -1.6% |
| 2007 | $4,137 +3.8% | $553,100 +2.4% |
| 2006 | $3,987 +3.7% | $540,200 +9.3% |
| 2005 | $3,844 -8.6% | $494,100 -10.3% |
| 2004 | $4,205 +21.9% | $551,100 +16% |
| 2003 | $3,449 +5.6% | $475,100 +5% |
| 2002 | $3,267 +40.8% | $452,500 +88% |
| 2000 | $2,320 | $240,700 |
| 1999 | -- | $240,700 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Neighborhood: The Port - Area 4
Nearby homes
- $2,310,0004 bd4 ba2.5k sqft3 Lamson Pl, Cambridge, MA 02139Off Market
- $2,022,8003 bd3 ba2.2k sqft40 Essex St, Cambridge, MA 02139Off Market
- $2,101,6001 bd1 ba850 sqft2 Lamson Pl, Cambridge, MA 02139Off Market
- $582,6001 bd1 ba600 sqft2 Lamson Pl #2, Cambridge, MA 02139Off Market
- $2,188,6003 bd3 ba2.3k sqft1 Lamson Pl, Cambridge, MA 02139Off Market
- $1,948,1003 bd3 ba2k sqft4 Lamson Pl, Cambridge, MA 02139Off Market
- $2,505,0002 bd4 ba2.3k sqft2 Percy Pl, Cambridge, MA 02139Sold
- $--2 bd2 ba1k sqft6 Lamson Pl #1, Cambridge, MA 02139Off Market
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 9/10Cambridgeport SchoolGrades: PK-5Distance: 0.2 mi
- 9/10The Amigos SchoolGrades: PK-8Distance: 0.5 mi
- 8/10Cambridge Rindge and Latin SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 0.8 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Lottery
- High: Rindge & Latin
Source: MLS PIN. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
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Estimated market value
$1,717,500
Get a cash offer in 3 minutes
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Estimated market value
$1,717,500
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