Sprawling homes aren’t for everyone.
Indeed, over the past several years, there’s been a trend toward small — even tiny — homes as Americans seek to downsize and de-clutter their lives. If that’s your thing, has realtor Eric Shabshelowitz got a listing for you: The so-called Skinny House, a 1,166-square-foot residence in the North End.
Sunday, Shabshelowitz, an agent with Cabot & Company, will be showing the house on Hull Street, which was built in the 1880s and is barely 10 feet wide by 30 feet long. (The place has the “uncontested distinction of being the narrowest house in Boston,” according to “The Boston Society of Architects’ AIA Guide to Boston.”)
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If you’re wondering how many people can fit into such a slight space, we’re about to find out.
The abode’s backstory is kind of interesting. Legend has it that two brothers inherited some land from their father, and while one of the brothers was off doing battle in the Civil War, the other built a big home. When the Union soldier returned home, he was none too pleased with his sibling’s sizable spread so built the narrow house to spite his brother and block his view.
Updated over time, the Skinny House has hardwood floors, a full kitchen with farmhouse sink and stainless steel appliances, and a roof deck with excellent views of Boston Harbor and beyond.
“There’s been a lot of interest. There seems to be a mix — interest from people who want to live in it and interest from investors as well,” said Shabshelowitz. “It’s a pretty rare opportunity to own a piece of Boston history right on the Freedom Trail.”
The asking price? $895,000.