Luxury Homes

Luxury Home of the Week: For $20.5 million, Beacon Hill town house next to John Kerry

In a past life, this six-level Beacon Hill town house was part of a convent. Now it’s a luxurious estate.

By Caroline Anders

November 11, 2019

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In a past life, this six-level Beacon Hill town house was part of a convent. Now it’s known as a luxurious property right next door to former secretary of state John F. Kerry’s.

The town house at 17 Louisburg Square hit the market last week for $20,500,000.

Constructed in 1899, the property once belonged to the Society of St. Margaret, according to the listing agent, Lisa Macalaster of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. It served as part of an Episcopal convent and private hospital for many years.

St. Margaret’s Chapel, which used to stand behind the town house and its neighboring estate, was transformed into more living space and a courtyard for the properties.

“Louisburg Square is Boston’s most prestigious neighborhood and an enclave which is recognized worldwide,” Macalaster said in a statement. “This particular home has a long and noble history. It exudes so much charm and Old World elegance and yet contains all the modern amenities a homeowner would desire.”

The town house is outfitted with high ceilings, French doors, and bow-front windows with wrought-iron trim. It has its own elevator and roof deck.

The living room features stately columns, an expansive fireplace, and built-ins, while the dining room boasts Palladian china cabinets and a gas fireplace. The kitchen, affixed with granite countertops and high-end appliances, leads into a family room and then a courtyard, exercise studio, and playroom. The study has a mahogany wet bar and a Juliet balcony.

On its garden level, the home boasts a caterer’s kitchen and extensive storage for bikes and skis — along with a wine cellar that can house more than 3,000 bottles.

Settling down in Beacon Hill also means you’ll be privy to the annual Halloween on the Hill festivities and the ringing of the bells on Christmas Eve.

The town house has five bedrooms, three full and two half baths, and 7,610 square feet of living space on 0.04 of an acre. There are two parking spaces out front.

See more photos below:

17 Louisburg Square

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