Historic Landmark Near Harvard: Asa Gray Home Is Listed for $10.8M

The swoon-worthy Asa Gray House at 88 Garden Street in Cambridge, MA, checks all the boxes—history, charm, and walking proximity to Harvard Square.

The place was recently listed for $10,800,000.

Although always privately owned, the home has been a National Historic Landmark since 1965.

The five-bedroom, 6.5-bath dwelling is named after the famous Harvard botanist and passionate Darwinian, who lived in it for more than 40 years. But his isn’t the only notable name tied to the 7,588-square-foot residence.

“The property was designed by famous architect Ithiel Town and was constructed in 1810, within the Harvard Botanic Garden,” says listing agent Gail Roberts. “The purpose of the home was to be a residence for zoologist William Dandridge Peck.”

After Peck, occupants included botanist Thomas Nuttall and former Harvard presidents James Walker and Jared Sparks.

Gray moved into the house after being appointed Harvard’s Massachusetts Professor of Natural History. He lived there until he died in 1888.

But one of the most interesting aspects of the home is that it hasn’t always occupied this particular lot on Garden Street.

“In 1910, the house was moved further down the street to its current location after it was purchased by Allen H. Cox, an MIT-trained architect,” Roberts says.

Besides its long and storied history, the house has much to offer modern-day residents.

From the richly preserved, custom millwork and stonework to the many fireplaces and high-end appliances, the Asa Gray House is the product of good taste—past and present.

“The entire home was meticulously renovated in 2022 and 2023 by highly skilled architects, interior designers, carpenters, stoneworkers, and landscape architects,” Roberts says. “The gorgeous eat-in chef’s kitchen was completely custom made and will please the toughest critics.”

That expansive kitchen leads outside, through sets of glass doors, to a massive Brazilian-wood deck.

Each of the home’s bedrooms has its own spa-inspired, en suite bathroom with radiant heat.

And the first-floor studio—which has a wet bar, skylights, and a bath—could be used as a gym, guest room, or workspace.

The lower level contains a large media room, guest room, and bath. Other areas include formal living and dining rooms and an office.

The home’s design beckons to the verdant, third-acre property, thanks to its seamless indoor-outdoor spaces.

And if you decide to venture beyond your historic palace, you’re just a short walk from the best city amenities Cambridge has to offer.

“The home is within a mile radius of Cambridge’s Harvard Square, Porter Square, and many
great parks,” Roberts says. “Living here allows easy access to Harvard University, Lesley University, MIT, plus renowned public and private schools.”

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