Chestnuts Could Be Roasting At Suburban Boston Homes This Christmas

MASSACHUSETTS — Winter is here, which, for residents of New England, means that more nights are spent at home with the sun gone by 4:30 p.m.

It also means that the holidays are here, which brings opportunities for family and friends to gather around the dinner table and fireplace.

It also likely means that your real estate searches are growing, specifically looking for homes that you picture as your future hosting quarters.

With our weekly home columns during the month of December, we'll look to a few notable markets in Massachusetts to help in that search — or maybe daydreaming.

For week two, here's a look at three homes in the Boston suburbs fit for hosting:

310 Wellesley St., Weston, Mass.

A sweeping stone-paver lined driveway leads up to this magnificent custom colonial home privately sited on more than two acres of manicured grounds enhanced with breathtaking gardens and specimen trees, according to a listing.

What's more? The home is abutting miles of conservation land and trails, and the five-bedroom home offers more than 7,500 square feet of living space.

The home features a two-story foyer with a grand bridal staircase and marble floors that open to the front-to-back living room ideal for entertaining. The dining room with intricate millwork offers glorious views of the rear gardens as well.

The classic gourmet kitchen features white cabinetry, a large center island and dining area adjacent to the expansive fire-placed family room, making it easy to transition between dining and relaxing with family.

97 Bogle St., Weston, Mass.

This one is definitely an investment in a future home, as you would be purchasing a home to be built with a building permit included.

The Bogle Street home provides an opportunity to live close to Boston but enjoy a best-in-class suburban location. This large six-bedroom home is sure to provide ample space for entertainment while also being rather secluded in the wooded Bogle Brook neighborhood.

26 Ardmore Rd., Needham, Mass.

The huge backyard at this Needham home may be the draw in the warmer months, but the unique dining room — and well-decked-out kitchen — are the draws for those with the holidays on the brain.

The kitchen has two sinks and two dishwashers. The breakfast nook has windows on three sides and a soaring wood ceiling.

Who said dishes had to be a problem?