Known in the Lasell Neighborhood Historic District as “The Castle,” the Winslow-Haskell Mansion is a Gothic Victorian that dates to the 1870s.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, the magnificent structure has a special connection to the Boston Herald — it was owned by Edwin Haskell, then-owner of the paper.
In the 1980s, 53 Vista Ave. in Newton was converted into separate units and after purchasing the adjacent first-floor condos, the current owner turned them into a single, singular home.
The joining of the two units elevated the space into an entertainer’s dream, with a layout that flows naturally from room to room. Many of the remarkable architectural details of the home were carefully preserved, retaining the drama and heft of the Gothic interior.
The new owners of Unit AB will find themselves transported by cathedral windows, intricate millwork, and coffered ceilings, all in the middle of four secluded acres surrounded by woodlands. From a great room with an imposing marble fireplace to the intimate living room with its bay of oversized windows and the sleek, modern dining room, the home is an elegant backdrop to formal gatherings and family holidays alike.
Marrying old world craftsmanship to new, the kitchen’s 12-foot coffered ceilings and floors of decorative tile meet contemporary custom cabinetry, a La Cornue range, and a pair of sweet dining nooks for casual dining.
A primary suite with its own private garden patio, immense custom closet area, and spa like en-suite bath occupies the garden level, with two more bedrooms for family and guests on the main level.
For more information about the condominium, which includes four parking spaces, contact Lisa Godwin and Dawn Felicani with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, 617-686-0405 or 781-820-8096.
Home Showcase:
Address: 53 Vista Ave., Unit AB, Newton
Bedrooms: 3
List Price: $2,399,000
Square feet: 4,706
Price per square foot: $510
Annual taxes: $21,011 in 2021
Location: Secluded hilltop surrounded by woods
Built in: 1872
The Appraisal:
Pros:
Historic character
Privacy
Cons:
Condo fees
