439 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02118

A rare South End carriage house with considerably more going on than meets the eye. Tucked quietly behind its own private entrance, this distinctive triplex has the sort of presence that is increasingly difficult to find in the South End—and nearly impossible to recreate. A tremendous sense of light moves throughout the home, while tall ceilings, beautiful hardwood floors, warm finishes, and two fireplaces give the interiors an easy, understated elegance. The clever part is how generously the home lives. Its three-level layout creates an unexpected sense of volume and separation, making this a residence that feels substantially larger than its footprint suggests. Then, of course, there is the parking—which in the South End is always worth mentioning, particularly when it is your own full private drive-in space. Outside, a charming Victorian garden unfolds around brick paths and a private patio, adding a wonderfully secluded, almost tucked-away quality to the property. It is an unusually complete package: architecture, light, privacy, garden, and parking.