The house is still standing today. The initial version of the house was built in 1806 by Nathaniel Ingersoll, one of several wealthy international-trade merchants who had houses in the immediate area. John Lowell Gardner purchased the house in 1842 and a number of additions were made over the years.

In April 1860, Gardner’s son, John Lowell Gardner II, married the now well-known Isabella Stewart Gardner and they immediately moved into the house. This is one of two photos of family members that appear to have been taken at about the same time. The other photo featured two adult children, their spouses, and the elder Gardner parents. This photo features women and children. The only person with a probable identification is Catherine Peabody Gardner, the family matriarch, seated on the left.

Image Courtesy the Brookline Preservation Department