Cottage Farm

Cottage Farm is a distinctive and historic neighborhood. The area is known for its tree-lined residential streets and significant architectural heritage, characterized by a mix of Victorian, Colonial Revival, and other architectural styles that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The neighborhood's aesthetic is defined by well-preserved homes, well-manicured yards, mature trees, and a general ambiance that exudes a blend of elegance and tranquility.

Living in Cottage Farm offers residents a suburban feel with urban conveniences. The area is close in proximity to Coolidge Corner in Brookline, Boston’s Kenmore Square and Fenway Park, Boston University, and Commonwealth Avenue, making it quite convenient for people that work at BU. The neighborhood is also close to Cambridge’s Kendall Square (roughly 2-3 miles) and MIT, just a short distance over the BU Bridge to Memorial Drive. Cottage Farm affords people that work in Cambridge the opportunity to bike to work because of the short distance.

The architecture in Cottage Farm is one of its most notable features. The area is part of the Cottage Farm Historic District and some homes are protected to maintain their historic character. Homes here often feature intricate woodwork, gabled roofs, and spacious porches. These homes are not only beautiful but also highly valued and rarely does one become available to buy.

When it comes to restaurants, while Cottage Farm itself is primarily residential, the surrounding areas of Brookline, Boston, and Cambridge offer a plethora of options, ranging from casual to upscale dining experiences.

The schools in Brookline have a reputation for being among the best in the state, making the area that much more attractive to families with children. Brookline’s public schools are well-funded, and the education system is known for its high academic standards. Kids in Cottage Farm that attend public school attend either Lawrence School or Florida Ruffin Ridley School, both K-8 elementary schools, and Brookline High School.

From a recreational perspective, residents have access to Mason Square, a quiet, seldom-used, open grass field with beautiful trees that is the centerpiece of Cottage Farm, surrounded by multi-million dollar homes and the Ivy School. There’s also Amory Park, one of the larger Brookline parks featuring clay tennis courts, two baseball fields, and a vast amount of green space to throw a frisbee, sunbathe, picnic, or let your dog roam free during off leash hours (til 1 PM daily). In addition, Hall's Pond Sanctuary and Amory Woods backs up to Cottage Farm and offer nature lovers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. If that’s not enough, Knyvet Park along Amory Street, Thatcher St., and St. Paul Street is a nice park to visit.

Public transportation is convenient, with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) providing multiple subway and bus lines that connect Brookline to downtown Boston and other parts ofGreater Boston, Cambridge and Newton. The T makes it feasible for Cottage Farm residents to commute without the use of a car.

Cottage Farm’s borders extend from Amory Street to Carlton Street in one direction and from Beacon Street basically to Commonwealth Avenue in the other direction. This isn’t intended to be exact but more to provide a general sense of the area. The neighborhood is flanked by Coolidge Corner, Longwood, St. Mary’s and Boston.

In short, Cottage Farm is one of the most coveted neighborhoods in Brookline.

Map of Cottage Farm Area

Home Values

To give you a sense of home values in Cottage Farm, we calculated the assessed value for homes in the neighborhood on some of the area’s streets as of Fiscal Year 2025. It’s worth noting that there were only two homes sold on the streets below in 2024 emphasizing how rare it is for homes in Cottage Farm to go on sale. 

• Chilton St.: $4,147,857
• Churchill St.: $2,559,580
• Cottage Farm Rd.: $4,934,983
• Dummer St.: $2,600,700
• Essex St.: $3,808,750
• Ivy St.: $2,771,686
• Lenox St.: $2,972,733
• Mason St.: $6,346,937
• Prescott St.: $7,178,900
• Worthington Rd.: $6,085,222

*The above noted 2025 Assessed property values include a mixture of residential property types (condos, single family homes and multi-family properties).

Notable 2022-23 Cottage Farm Homes Sold

• 132 Carlton St.: $4,554,000
• 178 Ivy St.: $3,500,000
• 27 Chilton St.: $3,300,000
• 90 Ivy St.: $3,100,000
• 121 Carlton St.: $2,900,000
• 14 Dummer St.: $2,406,098

Public Transportation

Cottage Farm residents live close to the MBTA Green Line B & C branches as well as the MBTA 57 bus that stops along Commonwealth Avenue en route to Kenmore Square in one direction and Watertown Yard in the other.

The B-Line stops along Commonwealth Avenue and is popular among Boston University students while the C-Line chugs along Beacon Street and is used by people that live in Cleveland Circle, Washington Square, Coolidge Corner, Longwood and St. Mary’s. The two lines take people into Boston and actually converge at Kenmore Square.

Schools

• Lawrence School: A 3 or 4 section elementary school, Lawrence is adored by its students and families and located in the Longwood neighborhood.
• Florida Ruffin Ridley School: FRR, as it is commonly referred to, was rebuilt in 2018 and is the largest public elementary school by student enrollment with five sections per grade.
• Brookline High School: The town’s only public high school is one of the most highly-regarded high schools in the state.
• St. Mary of the Assumption School: Private Catholic school for children that starts in preK and goes through 8th grade on the Brookline-Boston border.
• Ivy Street School: Private school in the heart of Cottage Farm that aims to provide the skills and healing for neurodivergent youth to thrive.

Restaurants & Shops

• Bar 'Cino: Inspired by Italy, this happening hot-spot is filled nightly and serves delicious food from salads, shared-plates, pizza, piadine, pasta and more.
• Taberna de Haro: Long-standing Spanish tapas restaurant serving outstanding wine in a cozy atmosphere on the border of Brookline and Boston.
• Kyuramen: Opened in 2024 along Beacon Street, this comfortable restaurant offers private booths with curtains and serves up delicious ramen, gyoza and more!
• Cafe Landwer: Just over the Brookline border in Boston, on Beacon Street, this low key Mediterranean restaurant creates healthy & hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Make sure to try the hummus!
• Matsu-Nori: A wonderful newcomer to the local restaurant scene, this small and unassuming hand roll bar serves some of the freshest sushi in Boston with an innovative and tasty twist.

Coffee Shops

• Tatte A vibrant place to sit outside on a nice day and have a hot drink, pastry or hearty food located across the street from St. Mary’s T Stop.

Daycares

• Boston University Children's Center: Provides a high-quality early childhood educational experience for the children of Boston University faculty, staff, and graduate students.
• Bright Horizons: Conveniently located along Harvard Street, this clean and friendly daycare offers a secure play area for toddlers.
• Everbrook Academy: With two locations in Coolidge Corner less than half a mile apart on Harvard Street, this is a popular choice for families that live in Cottage Farm.
• St. Mary of the Assumption School: Catholic school for children in grades PreK-8th grade that borders Boston.

Supermarkets

• H Mart Offers imported packaged foods & housewares plus ready-to-serve meals.
• Stop & Shop Located in Coolidge Corner, this convenient place to shop for groceries, is close to Cottage Farm.
• Trader Joe's A bustling grocery store located in the middle of Coolidge Corner across the street from the Coolidge Corner T Stop.
• Star Market This Commonwealth Avenue location offers ample parking in the back, and it’s a huge grocery store.

Shopping and Other Staples

• Brookline Booksmith: Iconic bookstore in nearby Coolidge Corner that attracts a loyal following.
• Boston Veterinary Clinic: Opened in 2023, this is one of the closest vets to Cottage Farm.
• Small Door Veterinary: Bringing the telemedicine model to pet care and located in nearby Coolidge Corner.
• Coolidge Corner Public Library: A staple of Brookline, this small, recently renovated branch is a great place to study or find a good book to read.
• Coolidge Corner Theatre: The only movie theatre in Brookline is an iconic landmark in Coolidge Corner and has been entertaining audiences with classic films and live performances for over 90 years.
• Down Under Yoga: Popular spot for Yoga in a clean and convenient location. They have some excellent and innovative teachers.
• Wild Goose Chase: This boutique store features jewelry, art and more, and is a popular place to buy gifts.