Property Features

20 Oakland St.
Wellesley Hills

Welcome to Kelso Hill Farm, located in the heart of Wellesley Hills, featuring three premium lots, including the historic Bancroft House. Set on almost two acres of land and situated at the crest of the hill, Kelso Hill's private drive and lit walkway draws you into something special. Surrounded by natural beauty and mature trees, Kelso Hill is reminiscent of the Scottish farm estates. The Farm will be sheltered with berm and fencing to maximize privacy, creating a sanctuary abundant in light and comfort. Each lot comes with plans for luxury homes designed to offer over 7000 ft.² of living area and set on 18,000 to over 35,000 square feet of land. From Kelso Hill, you are close to walking paths, shopping, Wellesley Hills train station, and easy access to the city. You may feel like you have escaped the hustle-bustle of city life and found the perfect marriage of elegance and convenience at Kelso Hill Farm.

 

The Bancroft House: The original historic mansion set on an over 18,000 sqft lot, built by blacksmith John Smith Bird in 1848, is a local landmark and an architectural gem with many stories to tell. Owned after that by a prominent Wellesley family, it became known as the “Bancroft House” when the family was in the home in the late 19th century. The estate was subsequently occupied by the esteemed Brigadier General Henry C. Ward, whose military career spanned the globe. Design plans for the Bancroft House include restoration and expansion of this beautiful home, five to six bedrooms, a Great Room, and a direct entry three-car garage that offers an unparalleled marriage of historic character and modern luxury living.

  • Offered as is $1,650,000 
  • 18,719 sq.ft. Lot 

 

The Ward House: This will be a new construction home set on an over 24,000 sqft lot. Its design will echo the elegant Greek Revival architecture of the historic Bancroft House. Featuring six-plus bedrooms, over 8,500 sqft of living space on three levels, and a finished lower level. This home is designed to maximize views and access to the beautiful outdoor spaces with large plantation windows and French doors leading out to entertaining areas from all sides of the house. The house offers a flexible, open floor plan for easy entertaining and family living, including a dramatic two-story Great Room. There are also thoughtful options for home office space, 10-foot ceilings, and fine millwork throughout. Nestled in the heart of Wellesley Hills with easy access to all major routes, Wellesley Hills Train, and shops.

  • Price $1,200,000 - Lot includes water, sewer, and underground utilities brought to the house location and driveway roughed-In
  • 24,636 sq.ft. Lot

 

The Roberts House: This will be a new construction home set on an over 35,000 sqft lot. Its design will echo the elegant Greek Revival architecture of the historic Bancroft House. Featuring six-plus bedrooms, over 8500 sqft of living space on three levels, and a finished lower level. This home is designed to maximize views and access to the beautiful outdoor spaces with large plantation windows and French doors leading out to entertaining areas from all sides of the house. The house offers a flexible, open floor plan for easy entertaining and family living, including a dramatic two-story Great Room. There are also thoughtful options for home office space, 10-foot ceilings, and fine millwork throughout. Nestled in the heart of Wellesley Hills with easy access to all major routes, Wellesley Hills Train, and shops.

  • Lot Price $1,350,000 - Lot includes water, sewer, and underground utilities brought to the house location and driveway roughed-In
  • 35,469 sq.ft Lot

 

20 Oakland St. is a new address and will have a private drive up to the enclave with a walkway, which is included in the price of the lot along with all the infrastructure listed below. An Earthen berm with landscaping and fence will make these homes feel private and insulated as you drive up into Kelso Hill Farm, and the infrastructure will be completed by 8/30.

The lots will all include: 

  • All utilities stubbed to lot/driveway roughed-in
  • Design plans for a custom house for the two lots - homes are in keeping with the existing historic house. We are flexible on the final design as long as it does not detract from other lots  
  • Design plans for restoration and expansion of Historic Home
  • Earthen berm with landscaping and fence along Carriage Lane
  • Perimeter fence around the entire property  
  • Retain existing mature trees at the perimeter  
  • Lots will be cleared of trees and ready for building  
  • New Access Road, “Abby Lane,” to be built with lighting and walkway coming in from Oakland Street

~In regards to the privacy from the carriage lane, the land as well as the homes sit up and away from the road and the orientation as well as site lines from the homes will be of the surrounding land, which is quite special once you are up there. Lot three will have very little impact from the road as it is tucked in the back on an over 35,000 sqft lot. We will also be adding a 4’ Berm with an 8’ wooden fence, stained to blend in, and it will run along the Carriage lane and around the corner down Oakland St., it will be landscaped with tall evergreens, shrubs, and flowering trees to create a new site line ~ and feel quite private. Fencing around entire perimeter and privacy fencing between lot two & three at their driveways and the back of lot one to separate lot one & three will also be included.

~Driveway coming in “Abby Lane” will be 20 ‘wide so traffic can pass going up and down and there will be a sidewalk down to Oakland St ~ there will be no more than a 10% grade so a nice sweeping drive in - Most of the retaining walls along driveway will be 4-6’.

~Water, Sewer and power lines will be brought in from Oakland and gas from the carriage lane.

For more information, contact:
Irene Kerzner, Senior Sales Associate  |  ikerzner@HammondRE.com  |  617-413-3598
Wendy Matthews, Senior Broker Associate  |  wmatthews@HammondRE.com  |  617-275-3233
Hammond Residential Real Estate  |  Brookline/Newton Office
For more information, contact:
Irene Kerzner, Senior Sales Associate
ikerzner@HammondRE.com
617-413-3598
Wendy Matthews, Senior Broker Associate
wmatthews@HammondRE.com  
617-275-3233
Hammond Residential Real Estate
Brookline/Newton Office