Mon Sep 16 16:17:56 UTC 2024: ## Boston’s “Skinny House” Mystery Solved: No Spiteful Sibling Rivalry, Just Property Division

For decades, the incredibly narrow “Skinny House” at 44 Hull Street in Boston’s North End was believed to be the result of a bitter feud between brothers, with one building the tiny home to block sunlight from the other. However, new research suggests that the story is a fabrication, and the house’s unusual dimensions are simply due to property division.

Originally, the land was owned by Thomas Caswell and maps show the property was divided sometime between 1875 and 1888, creating the space for the “Skinny House.” A photograph from around 1875 even depicts the slender house being built alongside neighboring properties, suggesting it was not an act of spite but rather a result of the changing landscape of the area.

This debunks the popular myth that the house was built out of revenge by a Civil War soldier against his brother who claimed a larger portion of their shared land. The initial “Spite House” story was likely based on a misunderstanding of the land ownership history, and the historical context of the American Revolution was wrongly applied to the Civil War era.

The Skinny House, now listed for sale for $1.25 million, stands four stories tall, is just 10 feet wide at its widest point, and features oversized windows, a basement, gardens, and a private roof deck with views of the city and harbor. While its story may not be as dramatic as the “Spite House” tale, the Skinny House remains a unique and intriguing piece of Boston history, captivating visitors with its narrow design and compelling backstory.

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