For $3 million, a Newton ‘painted lady’ with plenty of whimsy

In a sea of whites and grays, 929 Beacon St. isn’t afraid to stand out.

Originally known as the Charles Davis House, the colorful Newton Center home was constructed in the Second Empire style in 1860 by Davis, a well-to-do chemical manufacturer in Boston, according to historic documents. It later served as a nursing home before returning to a single-family dwelling. About 20 years ago, an architect purchased the home and transformed it for himself into a six-bedroom, eight-and-a-half-bathroom home that exudes vibrant color and historic features that effortlessly blend with modern amenities. 

“Not only did he restore it to its original beauty, but he was also inspired beyond that. He really took it to another level,” said broker Ilene Solomon of Coldwell Banker Realty of Chestnut Hill, who has the listing.

In front of the 7,313-square-foot house, which boasts a mansard roof, unique gardens are interwoven with stonework and fountains. A walkway leads up to the front steps, and a veranda wraps around the front of the home, providing space to take a seat. Step inside a welcoming central hallway and see how all the rooms on the main floor feel open to each other thanks to massive doorways and high ceilings.

On your left, a living room is painted peach, and a fireplace is centered in the sun-drenched space that features huge bay windows. There are also two stained windows, each with intricate colors that play on the house’s sense of whimsy. On the other side of the hallway is the game room, which also has a bay window. That room has a door that leads up to an entire floor above the two-car garage, which is ideal for storage. 

Off the living room, an open dining room features a bay window and a comfortable seating area that tucks into the bay. Beyond the dining room is the spacious kitchen, which features a theme of arches. It has an eat-in area with unique tile flooring and extends into a cozy family room. The first floor also features a library with beamed ceilings, a fireplace, and wood paneling. A huge window extends across the back, and two stained windows add color and unique period details. 

After the family room, there’s a bedroom that has its own private entrance. It features its own full bathroom with a tub and shower.

Ascend the staircase to find the primary suite, which is tucked at the back of the house for ultimate privacy. A fireplace creates a cozy ambiance, and a large walk-in closet has a window of its own. The spa-like primary bath features marble on the dual sinks and a large step-in shower. From the second story, Crystal Lake can be seen in the distance.

In addition to the six bedrooms in the main house, the home has an additional wing that features its own private entrance. It features a three-room suite currently set up as a home office. However, it could be set up as an in-law suite or as a rental; the space could also function as a more secluded office. There’s additional parking behind the garage, as well as a back/side yard. It’s listed for $2,995,000.

Megan Johnson

Correspondent

Megan Johnson is a Boston-based writer and reporter whose work appears in People, Architectural Digest, The Boston Globe, and more.