Hilt-Rayner Houses // 1844

This is your reminder to get lost and explore your city or town. Tucked off Boylston Street sits Boylston Place, a short, dead-end way that is passed by thousands every day, many not knowing about the little enclave of surviving 19th century buildings there. At the end of the street, the Hilt-Rayner Double House remains in great condition and a reminder as to the residential character of the area in the first half of the 19th century. The houses were built by Henry Hilt, a housewright who owned one unit after completion. The other unit was owned by Thomas L. Rayner, who appears to have rented the unit out. The late example of the Greek Revival style in the rowhouse form is well preserved through nearly 200 years of use. Beginning in the 1920s, the two homes were acquired by the Tavern Club, a private social club established in 1884 in the house next door. It remains owned by the Tavern Club today.

2 thoughts on “Hilt-Rayner Houses // 1844

  1. Heli Meltsner's avatar Heli Meltsner February 13, 2025 / 6:05 pm

    Do you think the bay windows are from 1844? I’m guessing that they were added later, not easy to guess when. But if they are from the original design, that would be interesting.

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    • Buildings of New England's avatar Buildings of New England February 18, 2025 / 8:29 pm

      I’d guess they date to the late 19th or (more likely) the early 20th century when owned by the Tavern Club.

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