This stern, Federal brick building was the first of three houses designed by Charles Bulfinch for Mr Harrison Gray Otis at the end of the 18th century. Preservationists have recreated the interior of Otis’ day, complete with flashy wallpaper and exquisite period furnishings. Tours take place every half-hour.

A real-estate developer, congressman and mayor of Boston, Otis and his wife Sally were renowned entertainers who hosted many lavish parties here. Since then the house has had quite a history, serving as a women’s bath and rooming house. These days it is the headquarters of the preservationist society Historic New England.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Boston attractions

1. Museum of African American History

0.11 MILES

The Museum of African American History occupies two adjacent historic buildings: the African Meeting House, the country’s oldest black church and meeting…

2. Massachusetts State House

0.19 MILES

High atop Beacon Hill, Massachusetts’ leaders and legislators attempt to turn their ideas into concrete policies and practices within the State House…

3. West End Museum

0.2 MILES

This gem of a neighborhood museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the West End and educating the public about the ramifications of unchecked…

4. Nichols House Museum

0.22 MILES

This 1804 town house offers the rare opportunity to peek inside one of these classic Beacon Hill beauties. Attributed to Charles Bulfinch, it is unique in…

5. John Adams Courthouse

0.24 MILES

Peek inside the impressive courthouse on Pemberton Sq, which is home of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (the oldest appellate court in the…

6. Boston Athenaeum

0.27 MILES

Founded in 1807, the Boston Athenaeum is an old and distinguished private library, having hosted the likes of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne…

7. Ether Dome

0.28 MILES

On October 16, 1846, Thomas WG Morton administered ether to the patient Gilbert Abbott, while Dr John Collins Warren cut a tumor from his neck. It was the…

8. Robert Gould Shaw Memorial

0.28 MILES

The magnificent bas-relief memorial opposite the State House was sculpted by Augustus St Gaudens. It honors the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of the Union…