A landmark private estate reborn as a design-forward family home, garden sanctuary and neighborhood cultural hub. Cedar and glass, oak and stone — two minutes from Belmont Center, twelve from Cambridge.
ARCHITECTURE — GARDEN — COMMUNITY — DESIGN TOURS — SEASONAL EVENTS — 31 HOMER ROAD — ARCHITECTURE — GARDEN — COMMUNITY — DESIGN TOURS — SEASONAL EVENTS — 31 HOMER ROAD —
01 — About the estate
Not just a house. A living archive.
Built in 1928 as a classic New England Colonial at 31 Homer Road, Belmont, MA, the house was quietly radical from the start — oversized south-facing windows, a deep porch for summer concerts, and a half-acre that was always orchard more than lawn.
In 2022–2024 the estate underwent a full architectural reimagining: the historic street facade was preserved, while the rear was opened with a two-story glass volume, cedar slats and a sculptural steel stair. The result is warm minimalism — oak floors, lime plaster, skylights, and a ground-source heat pump hidden beneath the wildflower meadow.
Open estate. Monthly tours, harvest dinners, design talks and artist residencies open to neighbors.
02 — Residence
Warm minimalism you can touch
Four bedrooms, studio, sunken lounge, chef’s kitchen and a glass pavilion that dissolves into the garden. Every material was chosen to age beautifully.
01
Glass Pavilion Living
Double-height south glass with automated cedar screens. Winter sun heats the slab; summer shade keeps it cool. 28 ft of uninterrupted garden view.
02
Chef’s Oak Kitchen
White oak, honed basalt, Lacanche range and 12-ft island. Pantry wall hides coffee bar, fermentation fridge and garden harvest station.
03
Primary Suite Retreat
Skylit bath in tadelakt plaster, cedar soaking tub, private balcony over meadow. Blackout linen drapes, silent radiant floors.
04
Studio & Library
Original 1928 library preserved + new garden studio for work, music and guests. Acoustic cork walls, north light, Murphy bed.
05
Systems Invisible
Geothermal, ERV fresh air, 9.6 kW solar + 27 kWh battery, rainwater for garden. Utility bills near zero, air always fresh.
06
Outdoor Rooms
Cedar deck, fire circle, outdoor shower, orchard hammocks and greenhouse. 0.42 acre zoned as orchard / meadow / woodland edge.
Homer Road sits in the historic Payson Park pocket — tree-lined, quiet, yet absurdly connected. Walk to coffee, train to Cambridge in 12 minutes, bike the Minuteman in 5.
“Impeccable restoration. They kept the soul of 1928 and added California light.”
— D. Whitaker, Architect
★★★★★
“Stayed in the studio for a month. Silent, warm, birds at dawn. Best sleep in years.”
— Jonas K., Residency Artist
★★★★★
“Harvest dinner under string lights — unforgettable. This house brings people together.”
— Priya S., Neighbor
Is the house for sale or rent?
31 Homer Road is a private residence with limited artist stays and monthly public open days. Long-term rental of the garden studio is occasionally available — ask via Contact.
Are tours really open to public?
Yes. First Saturday each month 10:00–14:00, plus architecture evenings quarterly. RSVP helps us manage groups.
Is it kid and pet friendly?
Very. Meadow lawn for play, fenced orchard, mudroom with dog shower, high chair and toys on request.
05 — Journal / News
Stories from the house
Renovation diaries, garden seasons, how-tos on retrofit, event recaps and Belmont guides — fresh from the porch notebook.
