John Bottume House facts for kids
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John Botume House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 4 Woodland Rd., Stoneham, Massachusetts |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1858 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| Part of | Middlesex Fells Reservoirs Historic District (ID89002249) |
| MPS | Stoneham MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 84002513 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 13, 1984 |
| Designated CP | January 18, 1990 |
The John Botume House is a historic stone house located at 4 Woodland Road in Stoneham, Massachusetts. It was built around 1849. This house was one of several built by a Boston businessman along the shore of Spot Pond. These homes were meant to be peaceful getaways. The John Botume House is the only one of these original homes that still stands today.
It is now owned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The house serves as the visitors center for the beautiful Middlesex Fells Reservation. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, recognizing its importance.
What the John Botume House Looks Like
The Botume House is found in southern Stoneham. It sits right on the eastern shore of Spot Pond. Spot Pond is the biggest body of water in the Middlesex Fells Reservation.
The house has a unique T-shape and is two-and-a-half stories tall. It is built from strong, rough-cut granite stones. These stones are not laid in even rows.
The house shows off features of the Italianate style of architecture. This style includes a roof line with decorative brackets. It also has rounded arch windows at the ends of its gables (the triangular parts of the roof).
The area around the house still has its original garden design. This includes two special entrance posts. There is also a granite wall that separates the house from Woodland Road.
The History of the Botume House
The John Botume House was built around 1859. It was built by John Botume, a businessman from Boston. He was one of several people who built summer homes along Spot Pond. They wanted to enjoy the beautiful lakeside setting.
The Botume House is the only one of these early summer homes that remains. Another house, called the Lang House, was torn down in 1986.
The property was bought in 1895 by the Metropolitan District Commission. This group was a previous version of today's Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. This department still owns the house.
When the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, the Metropolitan District Commission was using it. It served as a home for a supervisor. Since then, the house has been changed. It is now used as a helpful visitors center for the Middlesex Fells Reservation.
