5 Historic Carriage Houses and Modern Masterpieces in New England

From its elevated setting on Beacon Hill’s desirable South Slope, 21 Branch Street unfolds as a tastefully renovated single-family carriage house with the rare luxury of a private garage. Beaming sunlight and storybook views animate the interiors, from the gracious entry foyer with a marble floor to the formal living and dining areas that flow into an open-concept kitchen. Here, granite surfaces, notable appliances, eye-catching light fixtures and hardware, and an inviting island anchor daily life. Two fireplaces and eight windows bring warmth and rhythm to this level, with multiple exposures framing surrounding architecture and gardens. Outdoors, a charming private deck extends the living space. The primary suite claims the entire top floor, offering more sunlight, a luxurious closet, a spa-like bath, and a front-facing deck, while a suite-like second bedroom and bath with a fireplace feels quietly self-contained.

Steps from Cape Cod’s East Bay, this character-rich residence sits on East Bay Road in Osterville, repurposed from a large carriage house and imbued with classic Cape Cod charm. Entry begins in a generous living room, flowing into a kitchen with a bright sunroom just off to the right. To the left, an old horse stable has been thoughtfully transformed into an office, paired with an adjacent first-floor full bathroom. Upstairs, four bedrooms include two with ensuite bathrooms, while a finished basement adds flexible living space alongside a laundry room and an additional full bath. Outdoors, a detached two-car garage and a storage shed keep essentials neatly tucked away, and a fenced side yard sets the scene for summer games, gatherings, or quiet afternoons. An outdoor grilling and dining area plus an outdoor shower complete the easygoing rhythm of beach days nearby.

A study in contemporary design, this free-standing residence was built from the ground up by Boardman & Co, with soaring ceilings, tall windows, and custom millwork and stonework setting a refined tone. Past the mudroom, the living room is anchored by a striking staircase framed by a wall of glass, opening to a patio and fenced-in yard. A breezy dining area flows naturally into the gourmet kitchen, creating an easy rhythm for daily life and entertaining alike. Upstairs are three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a dedicated laundry room. The top-floor primary suite offers two walk-in closets and a 4-piece en-suite bath with a glass-enclosed wet room, rainfall showerhead, deep soaking tub, and double vanity. A creative space leads to the roof deck, while the finished lower level adds a family room with wet bar, guest bedroom, full bath, and storage. All just a short walk to Porter Square, restaurants and cafes, and Raymond Park.

On a residential street in Providence’s Wayland Square area, this reimagined Carriage House pairs superb craftsmanship with an easy, largely single-level flow. A soft, sophisticated color palette sets the tone at the front entrance, trimmed with wrought iron and copper accents, while light oak floors in a herringbone pattern carry throughout. The open plan centers on a custom kitchen where wood tones meet natural stone countertops and backsplash, anchored by a professional-grade range and wood-paneled, top-of-the-line appliances. Living and dining areas flex from lively gatherings to intimate dinners, with a wet bar and beverage center near a powder room that serves the secluded back terrace for alfresco entertaining. A split layout preserves privacy: the primary suite offers a custom walk-in closet and an ensuite with double vanity, glass-enclosed stone shower, and spa tub. A den with built-ins and a gas fireplace, plus additional bedroom suites, complete the experience—steps to parks, recreation, and Wayland Square.

Along the water’s edge on Commercial Street in Provincetown, the 1807 House—built in the late 18th century by Captain Stephen Nickerson—stands as one of the town’s most photographed landmarks. Now condominiumized after lives as a private residence and guest house, its largest condo pairs history with everyday comfort: wide pine floors, four bedrooms, and 3.5 baths. The main level flows through a dining room with a gas fireplace, an updated kitchen, a fireplaced living room, a half bath, and a flexible bedroom/lounge for quiet reading or hosting. Upstairs, three ensuite bedrooms open to bay-facing views. Outside, a private enclosed patio with an outdoor shower and a terraced stone porch set the scene for watching boats and the street life drift by. Two parking spaces are included.