Discover an exceptional opportunity nestled in the heart of Brookline at 12 Thayer Street, a historic carriage house brimming with potential. Tucked discreetly behind 14 Thayer Street, this mid-1800s structure is ready to be transformed by a visionary neighborhood developer. Access this hidden gem via the shared driveway between 14 Thayer Street and the adjacent brick building, leading to off-street parking for two or more vehicles. Positioned just minutes from Emerson Park, local schools, child care providers, the Green Line, and vibrant village shops and eateries, this location is as convenient as it is charming. While uninhabitable in its current state, all necessary zoning and preservation approvals are in place, streamlining the renovation process. Secure this diamond-in-the-rough and craft a landmark of contemporary living infused with historical elegance. With its irregular lot lines, this property offers a unique canvas for creative redesign. Preserve the timeless charm while modernizing, as this structure boasts lofty ceilings that enhance its historic character. The surrounding small front and side yards offer a quaint outdoor space amidst the urban setting.

As designed, approved plans reimagine this property as a sophisticated three-level single-family home that seamlessly blends historic character with modern livability. The 3,080-square-foot design transforms the existing carriage house into an open, light-filled residence featuring connected living and dining spaces, a contemporary kitchen with direct access to a private garden and bluestone terrace, and a functional mudroom entry.

Upstairs, four well-proportioned bedrooms and 2.5 baths offer flexibility and comfort, while the finished lower level provides valuable space for a fifth bedroom, office, or gym and bathroom. The approved site plan includes two off-street parking spaces with an EV charging station, privacy fencing, and professionally designed plantings with a curated mix of native and ornamental species.

All preservation and planning approvals are in place, allowing a developer, builder, or end user to move directly into construction on a distinctive, design-forward home in one of Brookline’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Offered at $995,000

The parcel of land, on which the carriage barn at 12 Thayer Street now sits, was once part of the much larger Thayer estate. In April 1858, the Thayer estate was sold to Edward Wild. In May of 1866 the Wild’s sold the property to Joshua Conant along with all buildings on the premises, including an estate house and barn. In 1888, the parcel was sold to Nathaniel Conant and subsequently subdivided into three parcels. The parcel at the corner of Thayer and Washington Street, which contained the original estate house, was sold to Alexis H. French who served as the Town Engineer for many years. Nathaniel Conant kept the middle parcel on Thayer Street, and the southernmost parcel on Thayer Street was sold to Eugene Morse. It was during Nathaniel Conant’s ownership that the carriage barn, as it stands today, was constructed. Cartographic research indicates the structure was built between his purchase in 1888 and 1900. Nathaniel Conant served as a Selectman in Brookline for 15 years and continued to be active in town government until his untimely passing in 1912 on his way home from town meeting. After his death, the property on Thayer street was sold to Alexis French who still owned the abutting parcel at the corner of Washington Street. Over the years, ownership of the carriage barn has changed hands several times and in the 1940’s, the lot was subdivided again making room for a home to be built along the front edge of Thayer Street. Although many changes in the neighborhood have taken place, the carriage barn remains as it was built during Nathaniel Conant’s ownership in 1888.

Former research suggests that the carriage barn was constructed as part of the original Wild estate, dating between 1858 and 1860 on the rear edge of the property (on what was later to become the parcel owned by Eugene Morse). The Wild tax records show an increase in assessment between 1858 and 1859, although the first listing of a stable appears in the 1861 records. After the sale of the property, Joshua Conant is listed for permits for additions to the stable in 1892. The location of the Wild barn as depicted on atlases does not align with the present-day location of the barn. It is plausible that the barn
had been moved during subdivision of lots or it is indeed an entirely different structure, dating to the ownership of
Nathaniel Conant. If the barn was relocated to its current position, then it remains as the sole surviving building of the Wild estate and is one of the few intact surviving suburban estate stables remaining in the Brookline Village area.

The carriage barn at 12 Thayer Street follows the form of a one and a half story suburban estate stable of wood frame construction with gable ends set on a field stone foundation. It features two carriage bays, one central and one to the far left. The design is of plain Italianate Style with a center loft gable, heavy cornice molding, deep eaves and a short return at the gable ends, typical of the pre-Civil War period. Original features include the clapboard siding, hay loft hoist, and six over six sash windows. The carriage barn also features two distinct additions clad in cedar shake, one on either end, which were presumably utilized as storage sheds. The central carriage bay was remodeled for an auto garage with overhead track doors, leaving the central loft gable intact from the original design. The carriage bay on the left remained unaltered and still features swinging doors.