The Scarab

Set on a quiet street near Wellesley Center, this distinctive shingle-style home brings together architectural character, modern livability, and a meaningful connection to the past.

Built by Katherine Lee Bates, author of America the Beautiful, the home includes a third-floor retreat she called Bohemia, where she wrote her iconic work. Set above the trees and filled with light, that space continues to shape the experience of the house.

The house unfolds as a series of connected yet distinct rooms, balancing openness with a sense of privacy. Sunlight moves through the interior over the course of the day, creating spaces for both gathering and quiet retreat.

An updated kitchen anchors daily life, while multiple living areas offer flexibility over time. Each room carries its own scale and character, allowing the house to feel both cohesive and adaptable.

Upstairs, four bedrooms include a second-floor primary suite. Above, the third floor rises into a vaulted, light-filled retreat with a private bath, well suited as a fifth bedroom, studio, or place apart. Known as Bohemia, it remains one of the most distinctive spaces in the home.

Outdoor spaces extend the experience. A screened porch and adjoining terrace create a gradual transition to the landscape.

Located within walking distance to Wellesley Center, the train, and local schools, the home offers both connection and retreat.

The Scarab reflects a balance of history, character, and everyday living.