31 HOMER Road
LIVE MODERN, ROOTED.
A landmark private estate reborn as a design-forward family home, garden sanctuary and neighborhood cultural hub. Cedar and glass, oak and stone — two minutes from Belmont Center, twelve from Cambridge.
Not just a house.
A living archive.
Built in 1928 as a classic New England Colonial at 31 Homer Road, Belmont, MA, the house was quietly radical from the start — oversized south-facing windows, a deep porch for summer concerts, and a half-acre that was always orchard more than lawn.
In 2022–2024 the estate underwent a full architectural reimagining: the historic street facade was preserved, while the rear was opened with a two-story glass volume, cedar slats and a sculptural steel stair. The result is warm minimalism — oak floors, lime plaster, skylights, and a ground-source heat pump hidden beneath the wildflower meadow.
- ✔ Preserved 1928 facade — original brick, restored double-hung windows
- ✔ 2024 rear extension — 780 sq ft glass pavilion by local studio
- ✔ Net-zero ready — 9.6 kW solar, battery, triple glazing
- ✔ Garden by seasons — orchard, rain garden, pollinator meadow
Fig. 01 — Street view & warm oak interiors, 2024 renovation
Warm minimalism you can touch
Four bedrooms, studio, sunken lounge, chef’s kitchen and a glass pavilion that dissolves into the garden. Every material was chosen to age beautifully.
Glass Pavilion Living
Double-height south glass with automated cedar screens. Winter sun heats the slab; summer shade keeps it cool. 28 ft of uninterrupted garden view.
Chef’s Oak Kitchen
White oak, honed basalt, Lacanche range and 12-ft island. Pantry wall hides coffee bar, fermentation fridge and garden harvest station.
Primary Suite Retreat
Skylit bath in tadelakt plaster, cedar soaking tub, private balcony over meadow. Blackout linen drapes, silent radiant floors.
Studio & Library
Original 1928 library preserved + new garden studio for work, music and guests. Acoustic cork walls, north light, Murphy bed.
Systems Invisible
Geothermal, ERV fresh air, 9.6 kW solar + 27 kWh battery, rainwater for garden. Utility bills near zero, air always fresh.
Outdoor Rooms
Cedar deck, fire circle, outdoor shower, orchard hammocks and greenhouse. 0.42 acre zoned as orchard / meadow / woodland edge.
Light, through seasons
Belmont center in slippers
Homer Road sits in the historic Payson Park pocket — tree-lined, quiet, yet absurdly connected. Walk to coffee, train to Cambridge in 12 minutes, bike the Minuteman in 5.
☕ 3 min — Center
Bakeries, library, farmers’ market Thursdays, indie bookstore.
🚲 5 min — Trails
Minuteman Bikeway, Rock Meadow, Habitat sanctuary loops.
🚇 7 min — Transit
Belmont Center commuter rail → Porter / North Station.
🎓 12 min — Campus
Harvard, MIT, vibrant lectures and music seasons.
What neighbors say
“The open garden days changed our street — kids, dogs, jazz on the porch. 31 is a gift.”
— Maya R., Payson Rd“Impeccable restoration. They kept the soul of 1928 and added California light.”
— D. Whitaker, Architect“Stayed in the studio for a month. Silent, warm, birds at dawn. Best sleep in years.”
— Jonas K., Residency Artist“Harvest dinner under string lights — unforgettable. This house brings people together.”
— Priya S., NeighborIs the house for sale or rent?
31 Homer Road is a private residence with limited artist stays and monthly public open days. Long-term rental of the garden studio is occasionally available — ask via Contact.
Are tours really open to public?
Yes. First Saturday each month 10:00–14:00, plus architecture evenings quarterly. RSVP helps us manage groups.
Is it kid and pet friendly?
Very. Meadow lawn for play, fenced orchard, mudroom with dog shower, high chair and toys on request.
Stories from the house
Renovation diaries, garden seasons, how-tos on retrofit, event recaps and Belmont guides — fresh from the porch notebook.
Journal launching soon
Stories about architecture, garden and community are being prepared. Check back for open-day announcements.
Open Garden Saturdays
Every first Saturday 10:00–14:00 — meadow walk, greenhouse tea, kids scavenger hunt.
RSVP →Retrofit Guide 2024
How we cut energy 78%: geothermal, solar, airtightness and triple glazing explained.
About retrofit →Come see the light
Open Garden: first Saturday monthly. Architecture tours: quarterly evenings. Private viewings by request. 31 Homer Road, Belmont, MA 02478.
Address
31 Homer RoadBelmont, MA 02478
Hours
Sat 10–14 OpenBy appointment
Walk from Belmont Center 7 min • Bike racks • EV charger