A storied Back Bay location, 251 Commonwealth Avenue was designed by Shaw and Shaw, architects, and built in 1880 as a single family home for John and Mary (Smith) Bigelow where they raised their six children. John Bigelow was a banker, and investor in copper mines.

The home has only had a handful of owners since then, and much of the original interior architecture and design remain intact. At 28 feet wide, the building has a commanding presence along Commonwealth Avenue. Grand formal rooms are adorned with quarter sawn oak paneling, carved fireplaces (16 total), and period lighting fixtures forged in bronze, crystal and brass. There are embossed ceilings, built-ins crafted from cherry, and a museum quality central staircase connecting the floors.

The building measures 11,793 gross square feet*. Currently configured as four separate apartments, there is a brick and granite parking court for six vehicles in the rear. The parlor, second, and third floors are used as the current owner’s palatial private quarters. The other three apartments are single floor residences, and the penthouse includes a walk-out deck overlooking the spine of the Back Bay, and the mall. Located on the sunny side of Commonwealth Avenue, there is exceptional light and scenic views from all rooms.
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Gross Square Feet (as measured)*
• Ground Floor – Unit #1 2,057 gross square feet
• 1st Floor – Unit #2. 2,018 gross square feet
• 2nd Floor – Unit #2 2,042 gross square feet
• 3rd Floor – Unit #2 1,973 gross square feet
• 4th Floor – Unit #3 1,904 gross square feet
• 5th Floor – Unit #4 1,709 gross square feet