MetroWest Villages & Towns - Chestnut Hill
Located in the easternmost section of Newton, the village of Chestnut Hill was originally settled by the Hammond family in 1665. The initial Hammond property encompassed all of what is now the Newton portion of Chestnut Hill. The family remained in the area for generations, giving its name to Hammond Street, Hammond Woods and Hammond Pond.
Originally isolated and relatively inaccessible, the area remained sparsely settled well into the 1800s and long after development had begun in the rest of Newton. With the advent of railway access to Brookline and Boston via the Beacon Street extension in 1850 and the Charles River Railroad in 1852, the character of the area began to change. When Capt. Joseph Lee of Beverly purchased his farm from the Hammond family in 1822, he was one of only a handful of residents in the area.Upon his death in 1845, though, the property passed to his six nieces and nephews, several of whom moved to the old farm, built houses and laid out an ambitious development plan for a community of country estates called Chestnut Hill. As rail service improved, more of the Lee family, along with their associates from Essex County, moved to Chestnut Hill. These included members of such prominent North Shore families as the Lowells, the Cabots, the Lawrences, and the Saltonstalls. Thus the “Essex Colony” was established. (1)
Despite this early influx, the majority of Chestnut Hill was not developed until after 1880 when transportation to the area had improved. The ongoing evolution of transportation and the development of the interstate highway system created a convenient commuter opportunity for those working in the Boston area. As hospitals and medical facilities emerged, Chestnut Hill became home to many of the people working within them.
Today, in addition to its more than 800 households and 2,200 residents, Chestnut Hill is home to top notch private and public schools, a number of excellent restaurants and name brand shops. Chestnut Hill homes are among the most sought after real estate in New England as successful professionals flock to the area. Given the high value of these homes and the discerning buyers attracted to them, navigating the purchase and sales process requires considerable market experience. Whether you’re moving from far away or are just looking for a change, Chestnut Hill is certainly worth your consideration.
newtonma.gov
