December 2025 - East Boston Residence
An Urban Family Home Embraces Achromatic Elegance in South Boston
Some homes wear their history like a badge. This one does it while stepping confidently into a new chapter. Set inside the dense streets of South Boston, this 1860s home needed a full reinvention to make city living work for a young family that wanted space, comfort, and a little breathing room. Not always easy when you can barely squeeze a delivery truck past the parked cars.
Pitman and Wardley Architects led the charge with a design that respected the bones of the house while giving the family everything the original layout could not. Their plan brought in a full gut renovation plus a sizable addition that opened the door to a real primary suite, a family room that spills out to a terrace, and even garage parking. In Southie, that is a luxury on the level of finding a quiet neighbor.
Foley Custom Builders took that vision and handled the construction with the kind of precision you need in a neighborhood where material staging is basically a game of Tetris. Narrow streets. Limited parking. Zero extra space for storage. They navigated deliveries, managed trades, kept the schedule moving, and still protected the historic elements that give the house its soul. The original staircase and front doors stayed right where they belonged.
Inside, the main living level brings together cooking, dining, and lounging in a way that feels connected but not chaotic. The marble heavy kitchen anchors the floor plan with bright cabinetry and warm herringbone floors. The dining space stays grounded with dark woods and sculptural lighting. The front living room leans into comfort with soft neutrals and a fireplace that makes even a quick Tuesday night feel like something special.
Upstairs, the fun kicks in. The kids rooms are lively and full of personality. Patterned wallpaper, built in storage, and touches that make each space feel custom. The primary suite takes a quieter path. Clean. Serene. Tailored. A vaulted ceiling and a fireplace finish the room with just enough drama.
The bathrooms continue the achromatic theme with stone, glass, and subtle details doing most of the work. The laundry spaces are packed with storage that keeps the family clutter out of sight. Downstairs, the office brings a bold moment with patterned walls and custom built ins.
From the first sketch to the last coat of paint, the project was a true team effort. Pitman and Wardley shaped a design that balanced history and modern living. Foley Custom Builders delivered the craftsmanship and careful coordination that a tight South Boston street demands. The result is a home that feels polished but lived in, modern but grounded, and ready for a family building their own story inside it.
📸 Photography by Born Imagery
