The suburban community of Wellesley is home to a number of neighborhoods that will take homebuyers back in time with its classic architecture and old world feel.
Wellesley Hills
Located in the heart of town, Wellesley Hills is an idyllic community that covers most of central Wellesley, even extending to a part of its eastern reaches. The intersection of Route 9 and Washington Street, also known as Route 16, is located right at the town’s commercial and geographical center. North of Wellesley Hills, home buyers will find the original part of the Cliff Estates.
Peirce Estates
Peirce Estates is west of Cliff Road, a short drive to the north from the Cliff Estates. The neighborhood is primarily known for its significantly larger lots compared to those available in the Cliff Estates. This is due to the zoning restrictions in the area, which requires lots to have at least 30,000 square feet of land. Peirce Estates was first developed in the 1960s and was named after Edward R. Peirce, an affluent wool merchant who once owned the area.
College Heights
Tucked between the communities of the Fells and Wellesley Square, College Heights serves a neighborhood with easy access to some of the town’s shopping districts – Linden and Wellesley Square. It was first developed in the late 19th century to accommodate students over at Wellesley College. The remainder of the lots in the neighborhood were only developed in the 1920s and 1930 and remains a popular option for those in the College community. Wellesley MBTA station is located nearby.
Country Club
The Country Club neighborhood is home to one of the most historic spots in Wellesley – Belvedere Estates. Country Club was mostly developed by the offspring of the revered judge and politician Josiah Abbott. The Abbott family left their stamp all over the neighborhood by naming the streets of the neighborhood after family members. Real estate in the area largely consists of Colonials, Arts & Crafts, and Victorian estates, most of which were constructed between 1890 and 1930. Babson College and Wellesley Country Club are just situated in the southern edge of the neighborhood.
Wellesley Farms
Wellesley Farms, located in the northeast side of the town, is home to some of the most highly coveted properties in Wellesley. Real estate comes in a wide range of options, from modestly sized Colonials dating back to the 1920s and 1930s to some of the largest residences in town. Historic homes are also aplenty, with old mansions scattered throughout the area. Another draw that might attract home buyers to invest in Wellesley Farms is its proximity to the MBTA commuter line, Route 128, and the Mass Pike.
Poets Corner
Architecturally distinctive among Wellesley neighborhoods, Poets Corner boasts romantic homes in an array of styles, including Cape Cod, Colonial, and Tudor. Streets in Poets Corner are named after some of the most famous American poets and writers such as Kipling, Tennyson, and Emerson. Homes in the neighborhood were largely developed from 1919 until the 1930s.
Cliff Estates
Cliff Estates is one of metropolitan Boston’s most sought-after neighborhoods, with its scenic and quiet environment and selection of stunning luxury homes. Located north of Route 9, the affluent neighborhood was established in the 1880s, with development accelerating during the 1920s and 1930s.
Most homes in Cliff Estates are beautifully updated and appointed, with expansive lot sizes ranging from over 20,000 square feet to an acre. Homes in the area consist mostly of classic brick and clapboard Colonials and Tudors built with intricate details.
The Fells
The Fells is a prestigious neighborhood that was one of the few remaining large-scale areas in Wellesley to be developed into a residential community. Before its development during the 1920s, almost the entire area was used as farmland.
After Wellesley transitioned into a commuters’ suburb, there was increased demand for more housing, paving the way for the neighborhood’s development. Most of the original properties constructed in The Fells were smaller bungalows, Capes, and Colonials, many of which are now expanded and updated.
In addition to its selection of beautiful homes, residents of The Fells can enjoy visiting nearby outdoor destinations such as Morses Pond and Boulder Brook Reservation, both of which are just a few minutes away.
Dana Hall
Dana Hall is a desirable neighborhood located in the southwest portion of Wellesley. It is very popular for growing families for its quiet tree-lined streets, close proximity to quality schools and ability to walk to the town center.
At the center of the community is Dana Hall School, an all-female independent boarding and day school for students from grades 5-12. The school was established in the late 1800s by the founder of Wellesley College, and is currently the home of the Boston Leadership Institute.
There’s a wide variety of homes to choose from in Dana Hall. Buyers can choose from properties ranging from beautifully upgraded pre-1900 cottages to expansive newly built custom homes.
Linden Street
Linden Street is a neighborhood located east of Kingsbury Street and bordered by Route 9. This community is very ideal for residents who value convenience, as it is located close to Wellesley Middle and High Schools, as well as the shopping venues at Wellesley Square, Wellesley Hills Square, and Linden Square.
During its early days, the neighborhood was home to the town’s largest estates, which are now divided to accommodate mid-sized Capes and Colonials. There’s also a great selection of homes built before the 20th century which have been updated and renovated with modern fixtures.
Lower Falls
Originally an industrial hub during the 1700s, Lower Falls is an area consisting mostly of businesses and several office buildings. In the mid-1800s, the town was known as one of the largest paper manufacturers in the US. Most of the factories closed down in the mid-20th century, starting a long period of redevelopment that shaped the village into what it is today.
Some of the homes constructed during the 1900s still stand today, in areas like Newton Lower Falls and near St. John’s Church.
Standish & Sheridan Estates
Established in the late 1930s, Standish & Sheridan Estates are two separate subdivisions located between Route 9 and Oakland Street. The two neighborhoods are bisected by two of Wellesley’s most breathtaking natural features – the Town Forest and Longfellow Pond.
Most of the original homes in the area were Capes masterfully designed by notable architect Barry Willis. Other properties include mid-sized Colonials that are filled with luxurious features.
For more information about Wellesley neighborhoods and the real estate options available in the area, contact Traci Shulkin today at 617-939-6309 or send her a message at traci.shulkin@compass.com.