History of
Hooper-Lee-Nichols
House
159 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA
The original dwelling was constructed ca. 1685. It has been modified and enlarged many times over the last 300 years and today is considered a Georgian style building.
During the 18th century, the owners "modernized" the house to hide its original 17th century appearance. Remarkably, the house retained many of its 18th century features throughout the 19th century, when many early houses were "Victorianized." Then, in the early 20th century, the owners wished to showcase its earlier features, and reversed earlier alterations, returning a portion of the house to an assumed 17th century appearance.
 Side
elevation of Hooper-Lee-Nichols house 1685-1689. Click
here to see entire timeline |
The complexity and creativity of this process over three centuries gives the Hooper-Lee-Nichols house its lasting significance.
Due to renovations,The Hooper-Lee-Nichols House is closed for tours as of December 17, 2008.
Our offices and archives are open Monday through Friday by appointment. Please call 617 547-4252 to schedule a time.
Virtual Tour:
Click here for virtual tour.