South End open houses: 10 brownstone options for under $1 million

See what lies behind the brick

By Brenda Phan Oct 27, 2017, 10:45am EDT

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By Brenda Phan Oct 27, 2017, 10:45am EDT

This week's open house tour heads to the South End, pre-construction boom, when the neighborhood was known architecturally mostly for either single-family or converted brownstones.

Expect the modern-day versions to have clean designs and subdued color palettes, but to not be short on extras such as designer kitchens, expansive windows, and tons of extra upgrades.

10 Lawrence Street, #1

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Open house: Friday, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Price: $989,000

Size: 2-BR, 1-BA

Square footage: 917

The pitch: “Quintessential parlor/garden duplex home with private patio also features a spacious living area with custom built-in office, wood fireplace, and a large oversized kitchen.”

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10 Lawrence St, Boston, MA 02116

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209 W Springfield Street, #1

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Open house: Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Sunday, 12-1:30 p.m.

Price: $869,000

Size: 1-BR, 1-BA

Square footage: 722

The pitch: “Newly converted in 2010, this garden oasis offers patio access through double doors and is complete with a wall of exposed brick and built in shelving.”

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209 W Springfield St, Boston, MA 02118

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455 Massachusetts Avenue, #3

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Open house: Saturday, 12-1:30 p.m.

Price: $810,000

Size: 2-BR, 1-BA

Square footage: 763

The pitch: “Pristine and newly renovated, this outstanding home has custom details throughout.No expense spared. Italian designed chef's kitchen with sleek contemporary imported cabinetry, gas cooking, integrated top of the line appliances, and wine fridge.”

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455 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02118

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435 Shawmut Avenue, #3

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Open house: Saturday, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Price: $949,000

Size: 1-BR, 1-BA

Square footage: 922

The pitch: “Sun-drenched, extra-large, floor-through one bedroom home overlooks lovely Blackstone Square Park with corner exposure allowing for windows on three sides which flood the unit with natural light.”

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435 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

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536 Massachusetts Avenue, #1

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Open house: Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Price: $489,000

Size: 1-BR, 1-BA

Square footage: 850

The pitch: “Sunny front -facing home on street level opens into an inviting living room featuring tall ceilings, bow windows, original carved marble fireplace, and hardwood floors.”

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536 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02118

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80 West Concord Street, #5

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Open house: Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Price: $824,999

Size: 1-BR, 1-BA

Square footage: 920

The pitch: “Bright penthouse duplex with three exposures and a perfect setup for entertaining with the kitchen and living space on the main floor and a bedroom oasis located on the upper level.”

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80 W Concord St, Boston, MA 02118

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578 Massachusetts Avenue, #2

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Open house: Saturday, 12-1 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Price: $959,000

Size: 2-BR, 2-BA

Square footage: 1,169

The pitch: “One of the grandest turn-of-the-century parlors in the South End, this home features original detail including massive crown molding and window casings, hardwood floors, fireplace with marble mantel and high ceilings.”

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578 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02118

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21 Father Francis Gilday Street

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Open house: Sunday, 1:30-3 p.m.

Price: $979,000

Size: 2-BR, 2-BA

Square footage: 1,186

The pitch: “This Parisian-style corner penthouse combines classic architectural warmth and modern designer finishes.”

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21 Father Francis Gilday St, Boston, MA 02118

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30-34 E Concord Street, #2

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Open house: Saturday, 12-2 p.m.; Sunday, 12-2 p.m.

Price: $699,000

Size: 2-BR, 1-BA

Square footage: 878

The pitch: “This garden duplex is located on a tree-lined street and features ten foot ceilings and four enormous west-facing windows offering beautiful natural light.