Located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, the Commonwealth Sisters are two stately limestone mansions that offer a striking departure from the area’s traditional red-brick townhouses. One of these mansions, owned by venture capital investor Kevin Starr, has recently been listed for sale at an asking price of $29.9 million, making it Boston’s priciest home on the market at the moment. Originally constructed in the late 1800s, the mansion has undergone a significant transformation under Starr’s ownership, reflecting his unique aesthetic preferences and bold personality. The current asking price is more than double what Starr paid for the property just nine years ago.
Starr, who is a co-founder of Third Rock Ventures, a biotech-focused fund, purchased the mansion in 2015 for $11.6 million and embarked on a multimillion-dollar renovation project with designer Eric Roseff. The result is a 10,600-square-foot residence spanning five floors, featuring six bedrooms, five fireplaces, an elevator, and a rooftop deck. While the exterior of the mansion exudes classic elegance, the interior design is a bold departure with vibrant colors, lush textures, and a recurring motif of skulls that hold personal significance for Starr as symbols of the circle of life. The design reflects Starr’s distinctive taste, with a boutique hotel vibe, Miami and Vegas influences, and eclectic decor choices.
Visitors entering the mansion are greeted by checked quartz floors and dramatic black lacquered wood paneling in the foyer, setting the tone for the rest of the house. The living room, adorned in shades of blue and illuminated by arched windows, exudes a retro-chic ambiance reminiscent of a 1970s lounge. The primary suite, occupying an entire floor, offers luxury amenities such as a soaking tub, a shower with music and lighting systems, and a view into Starr’s extensive sneaker collection. The mansion seamlessly blends original details with modern upgrades, preserving its historic charm while catering to contemporary tastes. It also offers practical amenities like a 2,200-bottle wine room and six parking spaces, a rare find in the bustling Back Bay neighborhood.
The interior design of the mansion is a testament to Starr’s bold and unique aesthetic preferences, featuring bold colors, lush textures, and a variety of eclectic decor choices. From the vivid cobalt and orange carpeting to the skull-shaped mosaic in the primary bathroom, every detail speaks to Starr’s distinctive taste and personality. Designer Eric Roseff describes the vibe of the house as a mix of a boutique hotel with influences from Miami and Vegas, creating an inviting and intoxicating atmosphere throughout the residence. Despite its opulent features, the mansion also offers practical amenities and modern upgrades while preserving its historic charm and character.
Although Starr and his family primarily reside in the suburbs, the Commonwealth Sisters mansion continues to serve as a pied-à-terre for them, reflecting their enduring connection to the vibrant city of Boston. The property is listed with William Montero of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, offering an opportunity for potential buyers to own a piece of Boston’s history and luxury living in the prestigious Back Bay neighborhood. With its unique design, luxurious amenities, and prime location, the Commonwealth Sisters mansion represents a rare and exceptional real estate opportunity in the Boston market.
