Living in Spite: The Skinny House in Boston’s North End Lists For $1.2 Million

Back in 1862 (or in 1874 depending on who’s telling the story), two brothers in Boston were in a feud. The brothers had inherited land in Boston’s North End after the death of their father. But while one brother was away serving in the military, the other took it upon himself to build a house on the land they shared. Only the home that was built took far more than half of the land.

When the soldier returned, he found what his brother had done — he had built a rather large home, on the plot, relegating the other brother to just a fragment of the property. It was such a tiny lot that the first brother was sure that the soldier couldn’t build anything on what was left.

That’s basically a dare, right?

With his inheritance vastly diminished, the soldier decided to build what’s called a “spite house.” The wooden home, one of the few remaining wooden homes from the era, was constructed at 44 Hull St. with the purpose of blocking his brother’s sunlight and ruining the view.

“The Skinny House”

The home is an iconic landmark according to listing agent Carmela Laurella of CL Properties. It’s been a single-family residence, an Airbnb, and now it could be yours for just $1.2 million.

The home is just 10.4 feet wide at the front and narrows to 9.25 feet at the back. Somehow this home manages to pack in a basement, three floors, and a private rooftop deck all in just 1,165 square feet.

There’s a full-sized kitchen, hardwood floors, custom lighting, full-sized laundry, two bedrooms, and a full bath with custom tile and a shower/tub combo.

Come for the history, but stay for the views.

This property has unobstructed harbor and city views of Boston’s North End.

It’s “in the heart of the North End, next to the Waterfront, Faneuil Hall, Greenway, North Station, downtown Boston, and all major transportation points,” Laurella noted.

For more photos of Boston’s infamous “Skinny House,” click here.