About 23 Columbia Street, Watertown
Learn More About This Exceptional Property
Exceptional Watertown Victorian - a Perfect Pairing of Modern & Historic
A special opportunity for the design enthusiast and history buff, here is a turnkey Victorian with preserved character, expertly designed updates, and premium location.
Set in Watertown’s most desirable neighborhood, this 4 bed/3 bath Stick Style home was built for the Russell family in 1887 and has enjoyed only three owners. Through extensive restoration and updates, key original details were preserved - slate roof, millwork, windows, an intact butler’s pantry - while Sellers have enriched the home with modern kitchen and bathrooms, custom built-ins, designer window treatments and lighting, lending a distinct European vibe to this American classic.
Over 3000 sf of quiet elegance that honors both formal and comfortable lifestyles. Function flows easily from the work zone - kitchen/mudroom/pantry - to rooms for entertaining, with French doors, tiled fireplace, 9’ ceilings, anchored by a beautiful central stair. Upstairs, generously sized corner bedrooms enjoy wonderful light. A private 3rd floor suite with open flex space, dedicated WFH area, fourth bedroom and full bath, is ideal for primary suite, guest quarters, and/or creative retreat. A fully reimagined lower level provides additional 1000+sf of media room, fitness areas, wine cellar and workspace.
Curated outdoor living with an elegant herringbone brick dining patio, sleek Ipe deck with integrated planting beds, and professionally landscaped, fenced grounds with mature trees and perennial-rich garden beds. Restored detached garage no longer used for cars, provides abundant storage, and driveway is equipped with Tesla charging.
Neighboring the newly built, net-zero Watertown High School, with easy MBTA bus access to Harvard Square, this exceptional home is a rare find in Watertown's iconic Oakley CC neighborhood. Price Upon Request.
Property Details
Interior
Size: 3,135 sq. ft. + 1,098 sq. ft. in lower level, measured
Room: 10
Bedroom: 4
Bathroom: 3 full
Laundry: 2nd floor
Basement: media room (AV equipment included), gym (treadmill, boxing equipment & TV included), wine cellar, workspace, mechanical room, storage
Fireplaces: 1 wbfp, restored mantel & tile surround
Exterior
Lot size: 10,501 sq. ft.
Garden/Patio: Ipe deck w/planting beds, mature trees, perennial beds, brick patio, detached shed/garage for storage
Irrigation: metered separately
Siding: painted clapboard and shingles, some Azek trim
Windows:
-1st floor: original windows, new storms
-2nd floor: restored original windows, new storms
-3rd floor: windows have been replaced
Roof: slate (main roof), asphalt shingle (lower areas, garage), wood gutters
Garage/shed: new doors, storage
Systems
HVAC: 2 zones of systems, FHA & AC gas, radiant heat in primary bath
Hot Water: 2024 tank, gas
Electric: circuit breakers, 200 amp
Appliances: Sub Zero refrigerator, Miele dishwasher (2025), Miele cooktop, Miele oven, Zephyr vent hood, Electrolux washer & dryer, disposal
Other
Year Built: 1887 (per public record)
FY 2026 Taxes: $14,146 (with residential exemption of $3,961)
Disclosures
Sellers have carefully maintained this property during their 20+ years of ownership. Here are a few unfixed items or recent issues:
WhisperKOOL in wine cellar not functioning properly
one bedroom window has a detached chain on one side
some 1st fl windows may need repairs, basement window has crack
recent ice dams caused minor leaks
A Preview of This Beautiful Home
Property Video
View this home through this video tour.
Laura Segal
Exceptional Service Regardless of Price Point
Laura Segal is a highly respected Realtor in the Cambridge office of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty. Laura’s strong knowledge of local communities, broad experience with both Buyers and Sellers, and seasoned design expertise, combine to create a rich, personalized journey for her clients.
A licensed architect, Laura blends her knowledge of the structure and style of houses, with her practiced eye, advising on the best use of interior and exterior spaces. Her skills serve Sellers with property preparation and staging, as well as Buyers, for whom Laura highlights design potential and delivers quick property assessments, critical in this fast-paced market. And for those who are new to the area, Laura acts as a guide to New England vernacular architecture.
A graduate of Skidmore College and Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, Laura has practiced architecture in the Northeast and Midwest. Also an accomplished artist, Laura’s paintings are included in private and corporate collections throughout the United States. Beyond her aesthetic strengths and rigorous work ethic, clients are drawn to Laura’s warmth, authenticity and perceptive nature, as she helps navigate the buying/selling process.
Laura resides in the diverse and vibrant community of Watertown, where she is an active member of the arts community. In true New England form, Laura and her husband can often be found cheering on their kids at the ice rink or soccer field, or walking their dog along the Charles River.
Inquire on this Exceptional Property
Reach Out to Learn More
617.823.4287
laura.segal@sothebysrealty.com
laurasegalrealestate.com
1008 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA
About Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
Connecting Extraordinary Homes with Extraordinary Lives
In 1962, Betty Gibson, a woman with a pioneering spirit and great vision, founded our company in Boston’s South End. Betty took great pride in championing not only the South End but the growth of Boston as a whole. Today we are Boston’s largest independently owned and operated real estate firm made up by eight offices and a team of approximately 170 dedicated sales professionals.
Our agents bring a wealth of life experiences to real estate. We’ve been teachers, marketers, art historians, musicians, actors, world travelers – and chefs. This diverse and knowledgeable group has one thing in common, years of experience both living and working in the Greater Boston area and are guaranteed to provide white glove services that are second to none.
Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty is set apart by an in-house Marketing Department. Led by a Marketing Director, our marketing team consists of a Photographer, Graphic Designer, Online Media Associate, and Copywriter. Each are dedicated in assisting our agents with creating the highest quality materials for each home.
Whether you are looking at home or abroad, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty is the finest choice for buying, selling or renting a home. With numerous accreditations and languages spoken we invite you to contact any one of our highly skilled agents to show you the Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty difference.