Active

183 Days on market

159 Brattle Street Cambridge — Photo 1 of 29

Recent Drop: $850,000

$5,800,000

$4,950,000

159 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Cambridge, MA 02138 — West Cambridge

Investor Analysis

Beds

Baths

2.5

SqFt

6,449

Style

Single Family

Built

1685

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.

Market Value Analysis

This Property

Size (SqFt) →Price →

This Property$768/sqft

Local Avg (Cambridge)$713/sqft

8% AboveMarket Average

* Analysis is based on 23 actively listed and recently sold comparable properties strictly within Cambridge, MA.

Financials

Original Price$5,800,000

Annual Taxes$46,860.46

Parking

Garage2

Off-Street5

Interior Specifications

Total Rooms16

Fireplaces5

Flooring--

BasementUnfinished

Climate & Utilities

HeatingForced Air, Steam, Ductless

CoolingCentral Air, Ductless

WaterPublic

SewerPublic Sewer

Building & Exterior

Construction--

Roof--

FoundationStone

ZoningA-1

Property & Lot

Acres0.41

SqFt Lot18,012

Lot FeaturesCorner Lot

Geography

Property History

Price Drop

$4,950,000

Was $5,800,000

Sep 21, 2026

MLS® 73490272

Listed

$5,800,000

Mar 23, 2026

MLS® 73490272

Population

38,509

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates (B01003)

Median Household Income

$120K

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates (B19013)

Renter-Occupied Homes

58.1%

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates (B25003)

New Construction Permits — Middlesex County

2,698 housing units permitted in the last 12 months (+3% vs the prior 12 months) — 1,713 in 5+ unit buildings

U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (through Jul '26)

ADU Potential

Massachusetts allows one accessory dwelling unit by right in single-family zoning districts statewide (M.G.L. c. 40A §3; 760 CMR 71.00, effective Feb 2025). Estimated maximum ADU size for this property: 900 sq ft (the lesser of 900 sq ft or half the 6,449 sq ft principal dwelling). Lot size: 18,012 sq ft.

Based on listing data, which indicates the property type — not the zoning district. Local dimensional, septic (Title 5), and historic-district requirements still apply. Not legal advice — verify with the municipality.

Full Cambridge, MA market report ZIP 02138 market data

Listing Provided By

Listing Agent: Monahan Barker Team

Listing Office: LandVest, Inc., Ipswich

MLS® Number: 73490272