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Listing broker remarks

Get ready to fall head over heels for a Victorian that refuses to be boring. The James McDonald House is a magnificent 1890 Queen Anne showstopper with serious curb appeal, zero stuffiness, and completely solid bones. Spanning over 3,000 square feet, this place flexes some major architectural muscle, starting with an incredible, sprawling mahogany porch made for lazy afternoons, sunset drinks, and waving at friendly neighbors. Add in sweeping bay windows, Tuscan columns, and a classic Palladian window, and you have an exterior that always dresses to impress.Inside, the vibes just keep getting better. You are greeted by a jaw-dropping foyer, a swoon-worthy staircase, and a stained-glass window that looks like it belongs in a royal estate. Soaring ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors, and historic character give you all the grandeur without any of the stuffy museum rules. While it retains its timeless 19th-century charm, this home has been aggressively brought into the modern era with updated electrical, a new roof, and updated heating system. The kitchen features sleek, durable quartz countertops that make meal prep look effortless, flowing perfectly into a classic butler's pantry—giving you the ultimate staging area for dinner parties or just a premium spot to stash your espresso machine.With up to 7 versatile bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, there is plenty of room for guests, hobbies, or an expanding wardrobe. The entire third floor acts as your ultimate private hideaway, complete with a walk-in closet and a bonus nook that makes an incredible home office. Step outside and discover a hidden secret garden right in the middle of the city that feels like your own private wonderland. Complete with winding paths, a romantic rose temple, and plenty of leafy nooks to escape your to-do list, it is a total outdoor oasis. Perched high enough to catch great southwest views overlooking the historic Walker building lawns, this home proves you really can have historic majesty, modern quartz luxury, and a whole lot of fun at the same time. Conviently located near routes 20,85,90,290 and 495!— 29 Realty Group, Inc.

Open Houses

Key details

  • 3,250 sq ft
  • 11,049 lot sq ft
  • 7 beds
  • 2.5 baths
  • 1890 built
  • $276 / sq ft
  • $7,021 2025 taxes
MLS #
7⁠3⁠5⁠8⁠1⁠5⁠2⁠2⁠
Last updated
Address
23 Prospect St
Town
Marlborough, MA
ZIP
01752
Deed (Bk/Pg)
72576 / 274

Historic designations

National Register
Campbell, Dr. James House · includes MRB.98, MRB.183, MRB.AU
MACRIS Inventory
Middle Village

What this means for buyers →

Map

Neighborhood: Marlborough

National Historic Landmark

Federally designated as nationally significant — the highest U.S. historic recognition. Section 106 review applies to federal undertakings affecting the property.

National Register

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Owners may qualify for the 20% federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit on certified rehabilitation work.

State Register

Listed on the Massachusetts State Register of Historic Places.

Local Historic District

Inside a Local Historic District. Exterior changes visible from a public way require approval from the local historic district commission.

Local Landmark

Individually designated by the town as a local landmark. Exterior alterations require commission approval.

MACRIS Inventory

Documented in MACRIS, the state historic inventory. Informational only — no regulatory constraints.

Article 85 (Boston)

Subject to Boston Article 85 demolition-delay review, which can pause demolition of buildings 50+ years old for up to 90 days.

Ch. 91 Waterways License

An active MassDEP permit for a dock, pier, seawall, or other structure on or over a Massachusetts waterway. Many older licenses are not digitized; this record is provided for reference only.

Massachusetts Great Pond

A Great Pond under M.G.L. Ch. 91 — the Commonwealth retains public rights to fish and navigate these state-designated waters. Private docks and other waterfront structures require a Waterways License from MassDEP.

Likely Great Pond

The MLS listing describes this property as being on a Great Pond, which would be a state-designated water body under M.G.L. Ch. 91. GIS data did not independently confirm the pond name — verification needed.