Otis House

The Federal-style home of Harrison Gray Otis gave a young America a bold and impressive new look that suggested a strong and stable country.

Filed under: Design Style

Bullfinch's rigid Federal design also possessed a graceful air. It would become a symbol American spirit.

After the War for Independence, Boston launched an American Revolution in design. The Federal-style home of Harrison Gray Otis gave a young America a bold and impressive new look that suggested a strong and stable country.

From the classical ornamentation to the grand staircase and foyer (the size of most Bostonian homes), this home would become a symbol of wealth in the new democracy. It was built by an extraordinary new architect named Charles Bullfinch, who would leave an indelible mark on the city of Boston. Bullfinch's rigid Federal design also possessed a graceful air. It would become a symbol American spirit.

Surrounding the grand staircase are decorative moldings and scrolls that create undeniable drama.

Classical ornamentation would become one of the most important features of Federal architecture. Otis House is the only free-standing 18th century house left in Boston, a testament to a style that embodied freedom.