Boston 'Spite House' for sale

BOSTON — One of the great features of Boston’s real estate market is all its diverse architecture. One example is a property in the North End that gives new meaning to the expression “Thin is in”.  It’s often referred to as Boston’s Skinny House.

Located at 44 Hull St, the home recently went on the market for $895,000.  It has 1,166 square feet of living space on four floors. At its widest point, it is 10 feet across, but in one area, it’s only a little over 6 feet wide.

Here’s one to think of it. While New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman could lie down without touching either wall, the same cannot be said for Quarterback Tom Brady.

Realtor Eric Shabshelowtiz of Cabot & Company listed the home.  He said the history of the home is what intrigued many prospective buyers.  It on Boston’s Freedom Trail.

During the property’s open house, more than 50 groups lined up outside waiting to get in.

“There are a lot of high rise buildings being built throughout the city.  No one is building a property like this, so it really is a unique property,” explained Shabshelowtiz.  “The brick and beam of the property is very unique.  From the roof deck and the top floors, you can see the Boston Harbor and you can also see the Boston skyline.”

And then there’s the story, reminiscent of the Hatfields and the McCoys, of how the house came to be.

Shabshelowitz explained, “Two brothers inherited the property from their father, and while one was away fighting in the Civil War, the other brother built a house on the piece of land.  When the soldier returned from fighting, he built this little, skinny house to block out his brother's light, and his brother's view, and that's why it’s called the spite house.”

It’s a story that’s uniquely Boston, and the same might be said for the house’s appeal, according to some out of town tourists.

James Middleton of Toronto said it would be hard to have a family in the house.

Cordell Conrad of Pittsburgh thought the house we be cramped.

Callum Morkill of London wondered how you could even get furniture in it.

Despite those sentiments, the house is now under agreement.

Cox Media Group