Many would call it Melville's, the upscale restaurant depicted in the TV show which is located directly upstairs from the famous bar. Others would say it is a mansion, the luxurious home of a wealthy Boston Brahmin. Many assume it is a high-class hotel, catering to an exclusive clientele. Others yet venture to ask.....Cheers is BELOW something?
Located directly above Cheers is the Hampshire House, a private event facility which has been named the "center of social activity on Beacon Hill." This turn-of-the-century mansion is located on historic Beacon Hill, where generations of Bostonians and their guests have wined, dined, and danced the night away.
The Hampshire House is convenient to many of Boston's finest hotels, shopping boutiques and attractions. Each private meeting space offers sweeping views of the Boston Public Gardens and an elegance and charm that speaks to Boston's finest traditions. With working fireplaces on every level, hand crafted oaken bars and brass chandeliers, the Hampshire House offers an unparalleled warmth and intimacy for unforgettable events.
The Hampshire House specializes in various private events with world famous luxurious and efficient hospitality. This facility regularly plays host to Wedding receptions, Corporate business events, Strategic planning, corporate, & executive retreats, Non-profit and political fundraisers, Employee recognition events, Holiday parties, and Alumni events.
But how did this all start?
The Hampshire House was designed and built in 1910 by the society architect, Ogden Codman, for fellow Brahmins Bayard and Ruth Thayer. The five story Georgian revival townhouse was lavished with Italian marble, carved oak paneling, crystal chandeliers and tall Palladian windows.
Those windows not only looked out onto the Victorian elegance of the Boston Public Garden, but they also looked into the social world of Boston’s elite, as 84 Beacon Street became one of the most fashionable salons in the city. Gentlemen in top hats and tails and ladies in silk and satin ascended the grand staircase to the heart of the house for gala evenings in the Ballroom and Library.
The Hampshire House acquired its name during World War II when the Thayer family sold the building. It was then leased as a small private luxury hotel to the owners of the Lincolnshire Hotel on Charles Street. They dubbed the mansion the Hampshire House (Lincolnshire and Hampshire were both English counties).
Thomas A. Kershaw has been the owner of the Hampshire House since 1969. Since then, the Hampshire House has been the ideal choice for special occasions. Its interior decor gives an aura of those grand days when the Thayers entertained in their magnificent mansion on Beacon Hill.
Past, present, and future Boston Brahmins have called the Hampshire House home, even if only for one night. Countless unforgettable memories have been made inside those walls by our guests, who always look to 84 Beacon Street with fond memories and a sigh of romance. Tourists exploring Cheers can't help but marvel when they happen upon the Grand Staircase in the lobby.
While Private Events are the speciality of this Brahmin mansion, every so often the doors are open to the Public as we offer a taste of our world class fine dining. Brunches are held in the Library almost every Sunday, September - June. Special Holiday Brunches and Dinners are held on the second and third floors, celebrating Christmas Eve, New Years Day, Valentine's Day, Easter, and Mother's Day (to name a few).
Want to find out more? Don't hesitate to contact us at (617) 227-9600 to find out how you can make the Hampshire House part of your own story.
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