One of the most ingeniously symmetrical and academic facades on Beacon Street in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston can be found at the Peleg Chandler House. Built in 1860 for Peleg Whitman Chandler (1816-1889), the two-bay bow-front townhouse appears to have been designed by architect Charles Kirk Kirby, a relatively unknown architect of Boston in this time period. The brownstone home originally had a mansard roof, but it was removed and replaced with a flat roof with parapet during the Great Depression, possibly to reduce the property taxes. Peleg Chandler was an attorney and publisher of the Law Reporter, which he established in 1838. He served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1845 to 1847 and as Boston City Solicitor from 1846 to 1853. He was an early advocate of the Public Garden and led efforts in 1859 to prevent the construction of houses on the eastern side of Arlington Street. The house has been divided up inside and now five fortunate families get to call this stunning building home!
Buildings of New England 
Magnificent! “Peleg Chandler” is a name straight out of Melville. The off-center front door is interesting. I wonder if that was original, in view of the relentless symmetry of the rest of the design.
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I’d guess that it is originally as the side door would provide a more grand entrance to the spaces inside. the proportions inside would be off if the door was at the center.
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To be able to take in the grand entrance to the spaces inside must be “ever so wonderful”. To be able to enjoy the woodwork detailing. Ornate staircase(s)? Woodwork is probably of a darker nature. Would we see some interesting lighting?
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