On the Market
The 2.5-story Queen Anne house built in 1885 is an extravagant and dramatic showcase of late Victorian architecture.
The house has a unique corner front entrance. Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
June 29, 2026 | 7:00 AM
3 minutes to read
On a corner lot at 269 Kent St. in Brookline’s Longwood neighborhood stands a house loved by students of historic architecture, Victorian-house enthusiasts, and by passers-by.
Known as the Webber-Bouve Mansion, the 2.5-story Queen Anne house built in 1885 is an extravagant and dramatic showcase of late Victorian architecture. It boasts large brackets, irregular massing, bays, gables, a stone porte-cochere, plinth-like stone porches, and an unusual corner entry tower.
The Webber-Bouve Mansion at 269 Kent St. in Brookline is on the market for $4.3 million. – Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
The first floor is composed of granite blocks and the upper level is faced with stucco, all featuring carved terracotta details. A steeply pitched red slate roof crowns the fanciful composition.
“And, the house has more stained glass than you would find in a museum,” said Ethan Felleman, an agent with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, who is offering the house for $4,350,000.
The house has stained glass details throughout. – Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
It was designed by Boston architect S. Edwin Tobey for local real estate magnate John Prescott Webber, who sold the house to George F. Bouve, a prominent shoe manufacturer, according to Buildings of New England. Since those eminent Victorians owned it, the house has been fortunate as none of its extensive interior woodwork, which includes paneled wainscoting, parquet floors, built-ins, and carved fireplace surrounds, have been removed, painted, or altered. It’s a rare high-style Victorian house that retains its original architectural elements while making room for modern amenities that include central air conditioning, a central vacuum system, an updated kitchen, and luxurious bathrooms.
A grand staircase leads to the second floor. – Gibson Sotheby’s International RealtyThe interior features original woodwork, which includes paneled wainscoting, parquet floors, built-ins, and carved fireplace surrounds. – Gibson Sotheby’s International RealtyOne of three full bathrooms, this one has a chandelier above the bathtub. – Gibson Sotheby’s International RealtyThe kitchen has patterned wallpaper and colorful floor tile. – Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
At 6,227 square feet, the house has seven bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and one half bath. A palatial entry hall leads into the spacious living and dining rooms in the tradition of entries that function as impressive entertainment centers. Located in a number of the bedrooms as well as in the living, dining, and sitting rooms, is a fireplace — the house has seven in total.
And, as Fellemen points out, the many stained glass windows bring grace and color into the interior.
Colorful patterned wallpaper adorns many of the spaces. – Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
The lot measures 0.33 acres, undoubtedly a small part of the original grounds. In 1995, the stable was demolished in exchange for a preservation restriction on the main house.
“The house that’s right behind it was originally the carriage house,” Fellemen said.
Many of the bedrooms feature colorful motifs. – Gibson Sotheby’s International RealtyMany of the spaces are wallpapered. – Gibson Sotheby’s International RealtyMany of the spaces are wallpapered. – Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
The current owners have made the most of the U-shaped lot by creating a lush series of outdoor areas planted with roses and other flowering perennials. There are lawns for children’s play, private, restful areas to take in the view, and, just outside the kitchen door, a cutting garden which also grows herbs and vegetables.
Roses clamber on many of the house’s stone architectural elements, including the massive pillars of the porte-cochere. The path leading to the front door features a circular focal point, which is flanked with stone and sod checkerboards. The gardens provide screening from the street while leading the eye to long, satisfying vistas punctuated by sculpture and outdoor seating.
The manicured gardens from above. – Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
By way of skillful design, the garden appears much larger than it actually is, and, the house has a feature prized by passionate gardeners: a greenhouse. There is also parking for up to eight vehicles.
Regina Cole writes about architecture and design for national and regional publications, with a specialty in historic architecture and the history of the decorative arts.
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