159 Brattle Street Cambridge — Photo 1 of 29
$5,800,000
Investment Analysis — 159 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138 — West Cambridge
Based on HUD Small Area Fair Market Rent for Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, a 10-bedroom in 02138 carries an estimated $5,600/mo in gross rent — about a 0.07% cap rate and $4,212/yr in estimated NOI at the $5,800,000 list price. Adjust every assumption in the calculator below.
Beds
10
Baths
2.5
SqFt
6,449
Style
Single Family
Built
1685
The iconic Hooper-Lee-Nichols House, built c.1685 and recognized as the second-oldest home in Cambridge, now seeks its next chapter. The three-story Georgian structure is distinguished by its central chimney and balanced proportions. Set on an expansive 18,012± sq. ft parcel, the house is sited well back from the street with a detached carriage house/garage accessed from Kennedy Road. Today it stands as the headquarters of History Cambridge and though it is currently configured for office use, future owners will have the opportunity to reimagine the interiors as a grand private home. The property is protected by historic preservation measures ensuring its integrity for generations to come. An easement held by the Massachusetts Historical Commission safeguards important interior features, while its location within the Old Cambridge Historic District safeguards the exterior. The Hooper-Lee-Nichols House is an invitation to stewardship—an opportunity to carry forward a 340-year legacy.
ADU Potential
Massachusetts allows one accessory dwelling unit by right in single-family zoning districts statewide (M.G.L. c. 40A §3; 760 CMR 71.00, effective Feb 2025). Estimated maximum ADU size for this property: 900 sq ft (the lesser of 900 sq ft or half the 6,449 sq ft principal dwelling). Lot size: 18,012 sq ft.
Based on listing data, which indicates the property type — not the zoning district. Local dimensional, septic (Title 5), and historic-district requirements still apply. Not legal advice — verify with the municipality.
Estimates — not financial advice
These figures are illustrative estimates for informational purposes only — not an appraisal, valuation, or guarantee of rent, income, or returns, and not financial, tax, or investment advice. Rent is either the figure reported on the MLS listing — in-place rent that may differ from market and is not verified against the actual leases — or, where the listing reports none, an estimate from HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents, a government benchmark that may differ from actual market rent. Each figure is labelled with its source. Cap rate, NOI, and returns depend on the assumptions shown, which you can change. MLS and other third-party data may be inaccurate or out of date. Verify all figures independently and consult your own financial, tax, and legal advisors before making any investment decision.
Property Details
Financials
Parking
Interior Specifications
Climate & Utilities
Building & Exterior
Property & Lot
Geography
Listing Agent: Monahan Barker Team
Listing Office: LandVest, Inc., Ipswich
MLS® Number: 73490272
