Century-plus old houses in Weston, Massachusetts, are frequently tied to local history, but few are as tethered to notable individuals as the Ridgehurst Estate, once the home of a wealthy cordage manufacturer.
Once a larger family retreat and gentleman’s farm totaling 300 acres, the Ridgehurst Estate today sits on four acres, adjoining land protected by the Weston Conservation Commission. (BASSICK REAL ESTATE ADVISORS)
The Shingle-style mansion was designed by Boston architect Francis Chandler, known for his large and picturesque homes incorporating Queen Anne elements. The American Shingle style was an outgrowth of that tradition. He would go on to become the head of architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The Shingle-style mansion, which dates to the 1880s, was designed by Boston architect Francis Chandler, who was known for his mastery of the Queen Anne style. (BASSICK REAL ESTATE ADVISORS)
Famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted had a hand in selecting the original plantings and designing the gardens, which include formal gardens, expanses of lawn, fields and woods.
The central reception room features a fireplace, a coffered ceiling and detailed wood-clad walls. (BASSICK REAL ESTATE ADVISORS)
Built in the 1880s for jute fabric and rope maker Charles Townsend Hubbard, the house was part of a much larger family retreat and gentleman’s farm once totaling 300 acres. Today it sits on four acres, adjoining land protected by the Weston Conservation Commission.
While the 10,000 square feet of living space maintains its rich old-world details, the house and systems have been restored and updated for state-of-the-art living. (BASSICK REAL ESTATE ADVISORS)
Approached from the circular driveway at the front, the house retains its early lines with a steep pitched roof and a tower with a domed roof. A portico with a filigreed pediment covers the double-door entryway.
A large center island with bar seating and a slab top highlights the light and bright open-concept kitchen. (BASSICK REAL ESTATE ADVISORS)
While the 10,000 square feet of living space maintains its rich old-world details, the house and systems have been restored and updated for state-of-the-art living.
The five-bedroom home has a theater room and a wine cellar integrated into the lower staircase. (BASSICK REAL ESTATE ADVISORS)
The central reception room features a fireplace, a coffered ceiling and detailed wood-clad walls. A wide, gradual staircase steps of up several landings, one of which has a window seat. The living room features inlaid wood floor, elaborate molding and a fireplace.
A fireplace, built-in wood shelving and a glass-front built-in cabinet highlight the executive den/library. (BASSICK REAL ESTATE ADVISORS)
Wood floors continue in the formal dining room, which has a bay window and wainscoting as well. The cozy living library/den has a fireplace, built-in wood shelving and a glass-front built-in cabinet.
A light-filled family room sits off the kitchen area. (BASSICK REAL ESTATE ADVISORS)
A large center island with bar seating and a slab top sits in the updated kitchen, which opens directly to the family room and a casual dining area. A butler’s pantry is nearby.
The lower level has a snazzy bar area for entertaining. (BASSICK REAL ESTATE ADVISORS)
The five-bedroom home has a theater room, a wine cellar, seven bathrooms and 11 fireplaces. A wrap-around porch extends the living space outdoors. There’s also a detached five-car garage.
There’s also a movie theater with two rows of seating and a snack bar. (BASSICK REAL ESTATE ADVISORS)
Catherine Bassick of Bassick Real Estate Advisors is the listing agent. The asking price for 80 Orchard Ave., Weston, Massachusetts, is $7.9 million.
Famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted had a hand in selecting the original plantings and designing the gardens that surround the Ridgehurst Estate. (BASSICK REAL ESTATE ADVISORS)
Boston Logan International Airport is less than 14 miles away.
