Historic Newton’s 2025 Newton House Tour took place on May 18, showcasing seven residences that were open to the public. Now in its 42nd year, the event welcomes visitors inside their neighbors’ storied homes and explores the homes’ varied histories.
Here are short profiles of four of the residences: Walnut Street in Newtonville, Suffolk Road in Chestnut Hill, Park Street in Newton Corner, and Washington Street in Newton Corner.
Walnut Street in Newtonville
Even though they have more than 2,000 next-door neighbors, Alan Mayer and Scott Buquor have a warm oasis in their Colonial Revival home on busy Walnut Street in Newtonville.
The residence, which was built in 1895, sits right next to Newton North High School.
“The kids are great,” said Mayer, an architect, who greeted visitors and answered questions about the house during the tour. Since buying the property 20 years ago, he and Buquor oversaw a major renovation, including converting the basement into a light-filled apartment for a family member.
Painted a cheery yellow on the outside, the home was built by William Claflin, the state’s 27th governor, according to Historic Newton.
The interior is accented by the couple’s eclectic design choices, including a magenta butler’s pantry; a large hat and hat-box collection; model trains that once belonged to Mayer’s father and uncle; and even a “bouquet” of negative Covid tests that Mayer jokingly called an “art installation.”
“It was so mind-opening,” said first-time tour attendee Yilin Ye about the couple’s home and décor choices.
“We’d live there,” said visitor Sandy Golden, who noted how quiet it was inside, despite the proximity to the school.
Suffolk Road in Chestnut Hill
Walking through the First Period/Georgian home on Suffolk Road in Chestnut Hill, several visitors commented that they felt they were visiting Colonial Williamsburg.
“It’s always fascinating to see how people meld the historical with a contemporary lifestyle and make it work,” said tour attendee Ruth Landsman.
The residence, owned by longtime City Councilor R. Lisle Baker and his wife Sally Baker, was built circa 1700, is likely the oldest intact house in the city, and is on the National Register of Historic Places, according to Historic Newton.
Like other First Period homes, the Suffolk Road house has lower ceilings than a contemporary residence, which the 6-foot, 1-inch-tall City Councilor said can be a challenge.
However, the cozy wallpapered interiors lend the house a homey, comfortable feel, said Sally Baker.
Other notable elements include the beehive oven and fireplace in the kitchen, a lack of hallways between rooms, and Sally Baker’s whimsical hippo collection.
After leaving through the backyard, which featured Adirondack chairs, a picnic table, and hammock, tourgoer Anne Tansantisuk said, “We really appreciate the people that open their homes.”
Park Street in Newton Corner
An Italianate/Victorian Gothic home on Park Street in Newton Corner that was built circa 1871 includes quite a surprise inside: light, modern, and inviting rooms that were recently renovated, including the kitchen, bathrooms, and sunroom.
While the owners kept several original elements, such as the double front doors, wood flooring, the grand staircase banister, and more, they have added many personal touches throughout.
“The décor is a mix of both European and Indian styles, featuring antiques with intricate carvings and detailed inlays combined with more modern pieces,” according to Historic Newton.
Natasha Thamburaj, who owns the home with her husband Deborshi Dutt, said the extensive renovations took 18 months and that the family has been living there for only 10 months.
Since the house is brimming with international décor and furniture that Thamburaj said she has collected over the years, she did not have to buy many new items.
Visitor Bonnie Duval, who came from Newbury to go on the tour, admired the natural light streaming into the various rooms. She said that years ago, when she lived on Plum Island, her home was part of a house tour there. Duval said she recalled how people loved getting a chance to see the renovated interior.
Standing in a second-floor study decorated with various artworks, Duval said house tours can inspire visitors to try something new in their own homes.
Washington Street in Newton Corner
Entering a grand Colonial Revival home along Washington Street in Newton Corner, visitors could imagine themselves attending an elegant soiree in the large music room. In fact, a Historic Newton volunteer said an elderly tourgoer recalled her own debutante ball there decades ago.
The residence was built in 1892 for a wealthy Boston businessman, according to Historic Newton. Visitors enter the first-floor music room through a set of pocket doors and are greeted by “neoclassical architectural elements,” including Corinthian pilasters, an ornate cornice, and sparkling crystal chandeliers. The current residents still hold recitals and parties in the impressive space.
Another eye-catching area is the dual library/rec room on the second floor, which is painted a vivid red. It included game tables and a movie screening area.
On his way outside to view the backyard, visitor Victor Chin said he enjoyed hearing the story about the music/ballroom and learning more about all the homes he was able to see on the tour.
“The tour is a window into the different types of styles in Newton,” he said. “It’s interesting to see how people lived in the past.”
Other homes on the tour included:
- a Queen Anne / Shingle / Tudor Revival built in 1894 on Walnut Street in Newtonville;
- a Craftsman / Colonial Revival built in 1912 on Kenmore Street in Newton Centre; and
- a Second Empire built circa 1868 on Park Street in Newton Corner.
