A storied Queen Anne Victorian mansion at 318 Metropolitan Ave. in Roslindale has a new claim to fame. It recently garnered the designation of being the only Roslindale home acknowledged as a landmark by the Boston Landmarks Commission. This prestigious title underscores the structure's historical significance and the attention to detail taken in its preservation.
The home, constructed in 1900, initially boasted 24 rooms and featured a stable linked by a portico. Throughout the decades, after the original Fox family vacated, the house experienced a notable transformation in the 1940s when a developer sliced the dwelling in half, relocating part of it nearby. Fast forward to 2016 when biopharma executives Dr. Vissia Viglietta, from Italy, and Adam Shutes, hailing from London, took ownership, or as Boston.com states, "adopted" the venerable property. They committed nine years to meticulously restoring it, efforts that undoubtedly contributed to its landmark status.
The home's exterior is encircled by an array of fruit trees and welcomes visitors with a gravel driveway leading up to the grand, wrap-around porch. An antechamber and a mahogany-paneled foyer with its original brick fireplace impart a sense of historical renaissance, all detailed by the landmark protection ruling. The preserved interior features a spacious double parlor, music-turned-dining room with an ornate China cabinet, and a conservatory addition that seamlessly blends modern amenities, such as its own wet bar, with the aesthetic of the bygone Gilded Age.
The updated kitchen combines functionality with respect to the home's history. It includes a bespoke herringbone-style tile backsplash, expertly installed by an Italian craftsman from Viglietta's hometown, and gleaming black Corian quartz countertops that complement the stainless steel appliances. According to Boston.com, "A slider connects to the porch in the front of the house." The second-floor suite includes, both old and new features, such as a 431-square-foot bedroom alongside a newly added glass conservatory.
On the third floor, the primary bedroom makes a bold statement with its ceiling formed by the intriguing angles of the roofline, offering panoramic window views. The Roslindale home spans a generous 3,835 square feet, complete with five bedrooms and multiple baths. It also boasts a practical yet spacious unfinished basement with ample storage space, an original granite boulder foundation, and a modern gas heating system adjustable in six zones.
With its rich history and modern touches, the mansion promises a unique blend of luxury, style, and historical charm. Listed by John Maxfield of Maxfield & Company, this landmark estate, as recounted by Maxfield & Company's listing, not only echoes its fascinating past but also delivers a living space equipped with "state-of-the-art renovations" and the luxury of modern comfort.
