Thanks to reader Beth, who spotted this wonderful 1956 split level time capsule house for sale in Newton, Mass. (listing now gone) and posted the tip over on our Retro Renovation Facebook page.
The listing agent Eric Glassoff confirms that indeed, this house has been with just one owner, for whom it was custom built. Looking at the interior design, I think that there was some redecoration in the late 1960s or early 1970s — all that lovely chinoiserie and meta
llic wallpaper. I could be wrong, though — this could just be a very fashion forward 1956 house. Thanks to agent Eric Glassoff for permission to showcase this listing and to photographer David Ward of the The Creative Ward for permission to feature his photos here.
A split level house is considered a variation on the ranch house. I tend to associate split level houses with the 1960s and 1970s. But, yes, they were around in 1956 — this one proves it.
This is a very handsome house — great curb appeal. I love all the stone retaining walls and the mature shrubbery.
Let’s head into the living room — simply stunning.
The sofa is amazing, and the fireplace wall is spectacular… I love how the chunky pendant lights accentuate the fireplace…
…and my goodness, what is the espaliered tree thingie? Woah. In a good way.
This lamp is terrific. Golly, so many adjectives that all basically say, “Wow!” Much of furniture design, I’d call chinoiserie — a style I associate with the 1960s. Furniture like this — with its original lacquer finish — is pretty collectible, I’d say. Chinoiserie is also a style I’d call “timeless,” because you see it used in so many eras.
The wallpaper mural also speaks to the Orient. *Adore*.
A very pretty chandelier. Toleware, I’d say… almost a “birdcage chandelier,” but not quite.
Hold on to your eyeballs, here’s the kitchen. The cabinets look to be laminate veneer. All the appliances — they must be original, though, don’t you think? This photo makes me think — original kitchen. Patrick, can you date the appliances??
Foil wallpaper to coordinate. Yum. Yum. Yum.
I zoomed in to try and capture the pink foil wallpaper loveliness.
More pink. This color scheme makes me think this room’s decor is original to 1956 — which was right at the height of pink-love.
The upholstered … headboard, I guess we need to call it… is amazing!
Above: Pink and black bathroom — with metallic wallpaper on the walls — and ceiling above. I also spy with my little eye, wallpaper on the base cabinet doors. Wicked crazy awesome!
In the way downstairs of the split level (behind the garage part), the party is ready to start.
The fireplace is very peppy. Those wall clocks made to look like wristwatches are wonderful.
Above: This is a cool idea, a glass block bar, note how it’s set on two courses of bricks.
The back of the bar is mirrored — look closely, and you will see the mirror is three pieces. The pieces are set between Knape & Vogt (or KV style) modular shelving standards. This makes it easy to add glass shelves for the booze. What a terrific idea.
What do you think readers:
Is the entire a house a time capsule?
Or was some of it (at least) redecorated in the 1960s?
Want to buy this 1956 time capsule house?
- The listing agent is Eric Glassoff — his cell phone is 617) 233-6210, and his email is eglassoff@comcast.net
- Eric’s website is: BostonRealEstateExperts.com
- The listing was here, but now gone.
Slide show of the house photos, even larger:
Tips to using the slide show: Click on any thumbnail to enlarge it… Use the arrows below each enlarged image to move forward or back… you can start the slide show from any thumbnail:
Keep those time capsule tips coming readers! xoxo
Julie says
LOVE the bedroom. Can envision is updated with some of today’s popular neutral colors to complement the pink.
Chutti says
Wowser! This is completely stunning.
I personally am too cluttery to live with Chinoiserie, but have always loved the look. When I was young I referred to it as “Carmel old lady style” but couldn’t really say why. I realize it is unique to a certain income bracket to be this exotic.
And yes, there was something indefinably “Jeannie” about this one.
That kitchen gives me spasms. LOVE it.
Here’s another fervent wish that someone who can afford this will appreciate it in it’s full glory rather than do a tear down/remuddle.
Glorious!
Sandra says
Split-levels are popular on non-level building sites. I don’t think it has anything to do with time period, unless, about the time they started building them on California hillsides (there are only so many flat farmlands we can build over) they hit the magazines and movies. At any rate, I can’t imagine anyone creating a slope just so they can split the level.
Also, as a rule, we don’t build basements in California, so the lower level can fulfill some of the same functions.
SusieQT says
Our house is built that way- a split level with a basement (that means 4 different floors) in 1960. The builder added a hill around the upper level (presumably the fill from the basement) but the property and the surrounding area is completely flat.
wendy in st louis says
Oh that BEDROOM!!! SWOOOOOOON!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dan says
I appreciate how the living room rug seems worn in front of what looks like the bar. My kind of people 😉
Charlotte says
Hey, I didn’t know Jayne Mansfield had a house in Newton, Mass.! 😉 Lotsa pink – I love it!
modernT says
This house is simply amazing. I love the asian themed living room, the wallpaper in the dining room, and the tree decor on the fireplace. I couldn’t begin to know how to decorate like this–it took a talented eye to create it. It’s not even my taste but I appreciate it so very much.
Rick Hamilton says
Amazing! I own a similarly styled house about 15 years old 30 minutes west of this one in a very nice town. My house was recently appraised at $289,000. This is typical Newton. Save these photos, because someone is going to bulldoze this wonderful home & put up a McMansion! I have no doubt. Those that appreciate it, can’t afford it & those that can afford it, don’t appreciate it. SIGH!
lynda says
Love looking at the house. I could not live in it! I think the house looks 50’s. Maybe the lower rec room was furnished in 60’s. I assume the mid to late 50’s could look 60’s for those decorating with the latest looks. Same could be said now about homes. Some people decorate with what is in now and some are decorating with the next trend in mind. They would have been the trendsetters in the 50’s.
J D Log says
Beautiful house, did anyone notice under the picture on the beadhead wall it looks like a built in cabinet of some kind or am I becoming pink blind