30 Somerset St.

Not nearly as famous as its neighbor at 90 Somerset, the literary destination “Red Top,” the Albert Higgins house is a wonderful example of New England antebellum-style architecture. While the listing agent believes the house’s design is Greek Revival, it’s more a mashup of Greek Revival (more prominent on the Boston-facing east side of the house) and the tried-and-true Federalist style with the centered main entry, twin brick chimneys and a distinct cornice. 

First off, the house, built in 1850, is not named after a previous owner but for the “house wright” who constructed it; one of the numerous carpenter builders who put up homes in that era, according to Belmont Town Historian Richard Betts.

The home’s superior interior woodwork and craftsmanship with high ceilings, a graceful Bullfinch staircase, three fireplaces, long front windows with projecting cornices over the windows and doors. All three floors have stunning views of Boston.

Entering into a grand foyer, the main floor contains a formal living room, library,unique oval dining room, a gracious sunny family room and open eat-in kitchen looking out on the property’s professionally landscaped gardens, fruit trees, patio and stone walls. A private office is off the family room.

The second floor has a master bedroom with en-suite bath plus four additional bedrooms and a family bath. The finished area in the basement has a home spa complete with a sauna and shower. The home has a new Bulderus boiler heating system. Also on the property is a newly-renovated Carriage House which has an apartment.

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