Just picture it. You’re walking through the Back Bay and Beacon Hill neighborhoods, passing by these big, beautiful brick-clad row houses surrounded by blooming flowers. When people think of living in Boston, this is what might come to mind.

Brownstone is now a more generalized term that’s used to describe a townhouse or row house. The difference is that these are made of brick + have that iconic brown facade. Think: multiple housing units with shared walls and dark red-brown exteriors.

This style of home became popular in the mid-nineteenth century during the “Romantic Era” when a preference for dark material for buildings increased. Brownstones earned the reputation as being chic + stylish.

But what is a brownstone, really?

Let’s get back to the basics. Brownstone is a soft sandstone. It can also be referred to as freestone for its ability to be cut in any direction, making it a very adaptable material.

The rocks contain iron oxides, which accounts for the signature reddish brown color. The material was less expensive than limestone, marble, and granite. It quickly became the construction stone of choice especially in larger cities like Brooklyn and Boston.

Show me the properties.

167 Commonwealth Ave. | Photo by Jack Vatcher Photography via Gibson Sotheby’s Realty

167 Commonwealth Ave., 5, Back Bay

2BR/2BA | $1,350,000 | Listed by George Ballantyne, this property is located in the heart of Back Bay and is just a few blocks from the Public Garden, with a mirror topped fireplace and a perfect pied-a-terre.

402 Marlborough St. | Image via Hammond Real Estate

402 Marlborough St., 3, Back Bay

2BD/2BA | $1,825,000 | This second floor condo is located in a five unit building and has two parking spaces at the back door. It was renovated in 2020 and features granite countertops, 10 foot ceilings, and heated bathrooms floors.

135 Commonwealth Ave., 4 | Photo by Jack Vatcher Photography via Gibson Sotheby’s Realty

135 Commonwealth Ave., 4, Back Bay

1BD/1.5BA | $2,275,000 | Listed by Beth Dickerson, this open floor layout features 12-foot ceilings and expansive windows overlooking the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The property includes one deeded parking space and a total interior renovation with custom millwork.