Real Estate Ph: (617) 247-1933 806 Tremont Street, Boston MA 02118

Back Bay Condos for Sale & Rent

Boston's Back Bay epitomizes Boston culture with its stunning array of historic buildings, brownstones, public parks, restaurants with cuisine from every continent, elegant condominiums and apartments and a thriving business center. Living in this historic area of Boston places you in a modern town center that has represented the commercial and residential hub of America for almost 200 years. The Back Bay area is one of the most desirable places to live in Boston. When Back Bay condos come on the market, they sell quickly.

The area now defined as the Back Bay was a tidal bay between Boston and Cambridge, with the Charles River flowing into an expanse of marshy flats. In 1814, an attempt by Boston and Roxbury Mill Corporation to create a milldam and toll road connecting Boston to Watertown was not successful. In 1857 the area was filled to create a landmass, one of the largest reclamation projects in the country. The project that defines the Back Bay area today was completed in 1882, but reclamation continued into Kenmore Square, completed in 1890, and the Fens, completed in 1900.

The development of Back Bay into a residential and commercial center was based on town planning principles from Europe using a grid plan with wide, tree-lined boulevards and smaller intersecting cross streets. Commonwealth Avenue forms the spine of this system, with Beacon, Boylston, Marlborough and Newbury as parallel streets. Major cross streets were named for English nobility: Arlington, Berkeley, Clarendon, Dartmouth, Exeter, Fairfield, Gloucester and Hereford. Massachusetts Avenue and Charlesgate East define the western edge. The area incorporated parks and public areas, with Copley Square at Boylston Street interrupting the grid. The Boston Public Library, Trinity Church, Old South Church and the Copley Plaza Hotel roughly defined the sides of the square. Boston Public Gardens lie at the northeastern end of Commonwealth Avenue and the Boston Fens define the southwestern end.

The area is noted for the harmony of its residential buildings, exemplary Victorian-era architecture, complementary construction materials that unify the styles, deep setbacks from the street and attention to scale and street appeal. Although a number of architectural styles are present in the district, there is a cohesiveness in appearance and scale of the row houses and private residences that gives a unique character to the area.

The Back Bay area was designated a National Historic District in 1973, important for its outstanding architecture and the establishment of Boston as one of the important scientific, artistic and cultural centers in the world in the 1800s. The residential portion of the area was designated as an architectural conservation district in 1966 based on the scale and integrity of the buildings, types of architecture and street layout, with parks and open spaces contributing to the ambience. A number of important public buildings contribute to the overall character of the area and to the historic significance of the district. Several are not only included in the historic district but are National Historic Landmarks including:

Others have separate designations as National Historic Sites including:

Other important buildings include the Vendome Hotel, built at the corner of Dartmouth Street and Commonwealth Avenue in the French Second Empire style. It was converted to apartments in the 1970s and today is an upscale luxury condominium in the heart of Back Bay.

The Berkeley Building at 420 Boylston Street is one of the most well-known landmarks of the area, topped by a weather beacon that flashes differently colored lights to mark the weather.

Number 12 Arlington Street, the John Bates House, was built in 1860 in the Franco-Italian style, one of the first houses built in Back Bay. Made of sandstone, the five-story structure was joined with 1 Commonwealth by the Sears family in 1893. The complex is now known as One Commonwealth with nine condominiums.

325-328 Dartmouth Street, built in 1872, combined with 163 Marlborough, presents a cohesive street façade although the properties were built as three different residences. The pressed brick walls, sandstone window and door frames and mansard roofs give the appearance of a block of related structures. The three buildings have been converted to condominiums.

During the period between World War I and the 1960s, many residential buildings were converted to businesses, offices, apartments and boarding houses. Luckily, most of these conversions respected the architectural dignity of the facades and did not alter the street appeal. Today, the area is a highly sought-after district for residential and business use.

Back Bay Today

The high quality of construction, variety of architectural styles and good planning created a stunning district that remains mostly intact today. Most of the side streets have retained their residential character, although many of the large single-family houses have been converted to apartments, condominiums or offices. Boylston Street has lost many of its original residential buildings but remains an important commercial center for the district.

The popularity of the neighborhood and the limited availability of property means that when Back Bay condos are listed for sale on the market, they sell very quickly. Many properties are upscale, deluxe condominiums with attractive amenities either in historic buildings like the former Vendome and Somerset hotels or those in new buildings like the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and the Belvedere, which is attached to the Prudential Center. Luxury comes with higher prices that average more than $1,500 per square foot. Former estates like the Hooper Mansion on Beacon Street are being converted to luxury condos. Refurbished apartments and newly developed units in converted historic single-family homes are also desirable Back Bay condo properties.

Luxury Back Bay Condos

There are several upscale luxury condominiums that suit a discriminating buyer who wants to be located in this charming area of Boston.

Mandarin Oriental, 776 Boylston Street. The five-star, 14-story hotel completed in 1998 features 148 hotel rooms, 50 condo units and 35 apartments, 25 of which are to be converted to condos. Amenities include 24-hour concierge, expansive spa and fitness center, pool, maid service, room service, in-house restaurants, catering and at least one valet service parking space. The hotel has a grand view of the Charles River and the Back Bay area, with easy access to Newbury and Boylston streets. The customized units, located on the upper floors, also include washer-dryer and laundry room, expansive walk-in closets, private resident's elevator and 10-foot ceilings. Marble, stone and high quality wood were used for cabinetry, counters, windows and doors, with hardwood floors throughout.

The Belvedere, 100 Belvedere Street. Built in 2001, this one story, gracefully curved building dedicates eight floors and 61 units to luxurious Back Bay residences. It is connected to the Prudential Center, with easy access to shops, art galleries, theatres and restaurants in the heart of Back Bay. The Belvedere offers full amenities including 24-hour concierge and doorman service, valet or self-parking, room service, catering for private parties, a landscaped courtyard and an elegant library where morning coffee and afternoon tea are served. Kitchens feature state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinetry and granite counter tops. Hardwood floors, large windows overlooking scenic Back Bay and exquisite marble master baths with spa tubs and extra-large walk-in closets are just a few of the features. The roof garden offers spectacular views in all directions.

285 Columbus Lofts, 285 Columbus Avenue. Overlooking both the Back Bay and the South End, Columbus Lofts offer residents luxury amenities in a convenient setting. The Classic Revival style former office building was constructed in 1924 as the Red Cross headquarters and converted in 2008 to luxury condominium lofts. Large windows let in ample natural light. High ceilings and open floor plans give an airy, open feel to the 63 loft residences of the complex. Floor plans vary for the one and two bedroom lofts with in-unit amenities including hardwood floors, custom kitchen cabinetry, granite countertops, gourmet-style appliances, laundry facilities, parking and 24-hour concierge. The master baths are luxuriously fitted with marble accents. The property is within walking distance to Copley Square, the Back Bay T station, shopping and a vibrant night life. The garden rooftop offers views in all directions.

360 Newbury Lofts, 360 Newbury Street. Located on the corner of Newbury Street and Massachusetts Avenue, this 54-unit Back Bay condo, in what was formerly known as the Tower Records Building built in 1918, commands views in all directions from the large windows that define the exterior façade of the building. The exterior renovation, undertaken by world-famous architect Frank Gehry, sports a cantilevered canopy over the building that gives it a distinctively sophisticated look. The lofts feature 12-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, gourmet kitchens with superior equipment, granite countertops and custom cabinetry. The living areas are bathed in light from the oversized windows. Residents can relax in a well-fitted spa bathroom with soaking tub and marble accents. The property also includes a 24-hour doorman and concierge. Units range from 800 square feet to a spacious 3,000 square feet.

Heritage on the Garden, 300 Boylston Street. A stunning multistory building that spans almost an entire block, the Heritage sits at the corner of Boylston and Arlington opposite Boston Public Gardens. Built in 1988, the building features the attention to architectural detail and excellence that typify the Back Bay area. The ground floor is dedicated to fine retail shops, while residents enjoy 24-hour doorman services, underground parking, an elegant library with mahogany and cherry wood detailing and a number of floor plans ranging from one to three bedrooms. Hardwood floors, custom kitchens, basement storage, fireplaces and in-unit washer/dryer units are just a few of the facilities built into each of these Back Bay condo units. Large windows allow enjoyable natural light and views of the park and the Boston skyline.

One Charles, 1 Charles Street South. With pristine views of Boston Commons and Boston Public Garden, the 231-unit One Charles luxury condos are accessible to both the financial district and vibrant Back Bay. Built in 2004 by the same developers who designed the Taj-group Ritz Carleton residences, the modern design offers several floor plans with a selection of bedrooms ranging from studios to three bedrooms. Many units have floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies that provide vistas in all directions. Amenities befitting a luxury Back Bay condo complex include 24-hour concierge and doorman service, in-unit washer and dryer, custom kitchen with top-of-the-line professional series appliances, high quality bathroom fittings, marble vanities and detailing, cherry wood floors, valet parking, underground garage parking, fitness center and sauna. The complex also offers in-home dining and catering services, housekeeping, open lounges and private club room, a function room for private parties or special events and a library and board room for a place to read or have a quiet moment.

The Clarendon, 131 Clarendon Street and 400 Stuart Street. The newly constructed Clarendon, located in the heart of Back Bay, was designed to complement the historic atmosphere of the district while reflecting the modernity of newer nearby structures and a modern cityscape. It is one of just a few buildings in Boston to earn the LEED Silver Certification from the Green Building Council for water and energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. The limestone and brick façade rises 33 stories high, with the more than 100 residences beginning on the 15th floor for views of the city in all directions. Amenities of this luxury Back Bay condo include 24-hour concierge service, fitness center, valet parking and the Post 390 Restaurant that provides in-home catering. Gourmet kitchens are equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, granite countertops and custom cabinetry. The luxurious bathrooms feature high quality fittings and marble detailing. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in natural light that gleams on the white oak hardwood floors. The rooftop terrace is suitable for entertaining or finding a quiet space outdoors. Floor plans vary, with one to four bedrooms and up to five baths. Residents can also custom-design interiors.

The Vendome, 160 Commonwealth Avenue. Built in 1871 and designed by architect William Preston in the French Second Empire style, the Vendome Hotel was the most fashionable hotel in Boston for many years. Faced with Italian marble and crowned by a mansard roof, it was the first commercial building in Boston to be fitted with electric lights and only one of three hotels in the entire United States to have electricity at that time. Several additions enlarged the hotel, and the main entrance was shifted from Dartmouth Street to Commonwealth Avenue. Today, the refurbished historic in the heart of Back Bay is home to 100 luxurious condo residences. Amenities include 24-hour concierge and doorman services, a spacious lobby and full-time security. Units reflect the spaciousness of buildings from that time, many with 11-foot ceilings, 8-foot solid wood doors, hardwood floors, fireplaces, built-in book shelves, detailed molding, bay windows, French doors, columns and large windows. Renovations included high-end professional modern appliances, granite countertops and beautifully appointed luxury bathrooms. Several floor plans are available with studios, one, two and three bedrooms with up to three baths.

The Somerset, 416 Commonwealth Ave. Designed by Arthur Bowditch in 1897, the Somerset Hotel stands at the corner of Commonwealth and Charlesgate East, an elegant blend of Neo-Classic and Italianate styles. The six-floor building with 250 rooms was the premiere hotel in the Charlesgate area of Back Bay in the early twentieth century. One of just a few buildings to be fitted with electricity at the time, the hotel exemplified European elegance with corridors patterned after the Palace of Versailles, a grand staircase of gold and marble, a stately library and a formal dining room. Today the property offers some of the finest amenities of modern Boston life set in the elegance of this old-world style building. The complex features a private pool, gymnasium, 24-hour concierge, garage parking for selected units, basement storage and a charming courtyard. Large windows bathe the interior in natural light.

Trinity Place, 1 Huntington Avenue. Built in 1999 and situated in Copley Square, Trinity Place lies just steps away from the Boston Public Library and the John Hancock Tower. This 18-story, multi-use luxury property offers 97 condominium units with 24-hour concierge and doorman service, valet and garage parking, room service and fitness center. Units feature hardwood floors, customization of features selected by owners, in-unit washer and dryer, marble detailing, granite counter tops and fully equipped kitchens. Residents enjoy views of downtown, the Charles River, the Back Bay district and South End.

In the fall of 2014, several luxury Back Bay condos new to the market were under renovation. The 20,000 square-foot Hooper Mansion at 448 Beacon Street, built in 1889 in the Romanesque style with turrets, large windows and spacious rooms, is being renovated as six spacious units with several floorplans ranging from a one bedroom, one and a half bath unit of 1,247 square feet to the elegantly appointed penthouse with four bedrooms, six full baths and two half baths at 6,252 square feet. Using the historic interior decorative detailing, the units are being updated with modern appliances, gourmet kitchens, marble baths and even a workout room in one of the turrets.

Click Here
to Search

sales

Click Here
to Search

rentals