Eye-catching Victorian on livable scale

Located on a stretch referred to as “Doctors’ Row’’ for the physicians who once practiced from the many grand Victorians lining the street, the space eventually housed a pediatrics practice. When Thomas Guiney purchased it 13 years ago, file cabinets and phone lines were everywhere, the rooms painted “deplorable beige.’’ A wall divided the dining room. But the wainscot and a lovely bead detail in the millwork remained intact, as did two tiled fireplaces.

Guiney promptly removed the wall, hung William Morris wallpaper, and installed historic and reproductions lights.

The kitchen has new counters but older, plain cabinets, and is dominated by a 1915 Clark Jewel stove that Guiney bought as “sort of a rebellion against stainless steel.’’ Four bedrooms and the lone full-size bath are on the second floor. There are also two partial baths. The third floor hosts a small bedroom, an unfinished room, and another large enough for three computers, a big television, and a few couches. “This has always been the hang-out house for the kids, which is important when you live in the city,’’ said Guiney, the father of three boys. “It’s a terrific house to raise kids in.’’ And having hosted a holiday fund-raiser for the Pine Street Inn for many years, Guiney said, “It’s a great Christmas house, too.’’

Carol Meehan of Hammond Residential GMAC Real Estate in Chestnut Hill is the listing broker.