The Midcentury Modern Stunner From “Knives Out” Lists for $1.4M
Designed by midcentury architect Walter Pierce, the Hill House is located in Brown's Wood, an enclave of 23 modernist homes in Lincoln, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. The design of each home was approved by a cooperative of neighbors, each of whom commissioned a different architect—creating an ensemble that included Pierce, as well as Arthur H. Brooks, Stanley Myers, and Dan Compton, among others.
The Hill House was built in 1957 by Walter Pierce, who is best known for his role developing the Peacock Farm neighborhood in Lexington, Massachusetts. Subsequent owners added a wing onto the original cube-shaped structure.
A scene from the movie Knives Out shows the Hill House staged as the fictional home of Chris Evan's character, Ransom Drysdale. Additional filming locations were staged in the the adjacent towns of Berlin and Maynard, as well as other areas around Boston.
Pierce's idea was to create a "cube in the woods," although the current structure includes a bedroom wing that branches off of one side. The current owners, who have lived in the home since 1996, also worked with another team of architects to relocate the kitchen and living room. Even with these changes, the home retains a decidedly modernist feel that is true to the Brown's Wood neighborhood intention.
Inside, a sunny living area opens to the kitchen and features floor-to-ceiling glass block along one wall. Chris Evan's character can be seen sitting in front of this wall in several scenes.
An opposite view of the living room showing a fireplace surrounded by walls of glass windows and sliding doors. The large space opens up to a dining area behind a dividing wall.
Today, the home spans 3,190 square feet, with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. A remodeled kitchen features updated appliances and cabinetry, as do the bathrooms. In addition to the main floor living area, a basement in the new addition provides an additional family room. Keep scrolling to see more of the home, which currently listed for $1,400,000.
The current owners worked with Chan/Krieger Architects (now NBB) to relocate and remodel the kitchen. Cabinetry stretches along the rear wall, providing storage while forgoing upper cabinetry in order to not block large windows Pierce designed along one side of the home.
Another view of the kitchen from a small dining area shows additional cabinetry along the back wall, as well as open shelving and a central island.
A formal dining area sits on the opposite side of the living room and is encased in walls of glass. This section is part of the new wing added onto the home.
An open staircase leads to the master bedroom, which now occupies the entire second floor of the cube-shaped structure.
A private seating area is located in the master bedroom, along with a wall of windows. A door provides access to a balcony overlooking the rear yard.
The bedroom, which is open to the living room below, also features an extension of the brick fireplace. The sleeping area is positioned in a large nook at the back.
The master bathroom offers updated fixtures, as well as a large shower.
A look at one two bedrooms located in the separate wing, which replicates the large expanses of glass found in the original section.
The current owners also worked with landscape designer Diana Thomas to update several areas of the backyard. All-new decking and patio areas were added in recent years.
A stacked-stone retaining wall encloses a smaller patio off the dining room. Located at the top of the cul-de-sac, the one-acre lot provides a quiet refuge for new owners.
The Hill House, located at 37 Laurel Drive in Lincoln, MA, is currently listed for $1,400,000 by Bill Janovitz and John Tse of Compass.
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