Putterham provides a small, quiet neighborhood in the more suburban area of Brookline.  Unlike many of the neighborhoods in Brookline that center primarily around shopping and dining, Putterham has a calmer atmosphere. Putterham shows a different side of Brookline, with a dozen-plus shops in a single strip mall set amongst single family homes.

Location: Putterham is located between South Brookline and Chestnut Hill, at the intersection of Grove Street and West Roxbury Parkway. The intersection of the two streets creates a small rotary, marking the Putterham neighborhood.

Description: Putterham marks its place in history with the Putterham School, a single-room school house that dates back to over 200 years ago. The school house was built on Grove Street in 1768 and provided children a place for education throughout many years of history. Recognized as an historic site, in 1966 the Putterham School was moved to Larz Anderson Park, where it still remains today.

Today, Putterham is known for its two golf courses, the public Robert T. Lynch at Putterham Meadows and a very exclusive private course, The Country Club. The Country Club hosts many world famous golf tournaments, including the 2013 US Amateur, the 1995 Women’s US Amateur, and the 1988 US Open. The golf course at Putterham Meadows is a beautiful 18-hole public course. In addition, be sure to stop by The Vine Ripe Grille, a lovely restaurant overlooking the course.

The Putterham neighborhood has a very serene environment, located far enough away from the commotion in the center of Brookline, yet still easily accessible. The small neighborhood has a single strip mall, The Shops at Putterham, located in the center of residential homes. The Shops at Putterham and many of the surrounding homes are constructed of red brick, with accents of white siding. The landscaping outside The Shops at Putterham is gorgeous. The bright green grass is contrasted with vibrantly colored flowers and planted shrubbery. A row of small trees lines the front side of the building, matching the nature surrounding the small shopping center and blending into the quiet atmosphere.

Temple Emeth is located across from The Shops at Putterham. The temple builds off of the beauty and simplicity found at Putterham, with green vines weaving and growing up the side of the building. Also near Putterham is the Walnut Hills Cemetery, Brookline’s second oldest burial grounds.

Also, nearby Putterham is the Baker School, one of Brookline’s K-grade 8 public elementary schools. The school also provides Baker Park, a beautiful location to bring children to play, including a large open field with a baseball diamond and soccer field.

How to get there: The West Roxbury Parkway and Grove Street connect to many main roads in Brookline, allowing direct and easy routes to Putterham via car.

Bus 51 (Cleveland Circle – Forest Hills Stations via Hancock Street) also provides easy access to Putterham, making stops at Grove Street at South Street, as well as nearby station 145 Grove Street opp. Bellingham Road.

Although there is no T station directly in the Putterham neighborhood, Putterham is accessible by taking the Green Line “C” branch to Cleveland Circle then taking Bus 51 from the Cleveland Circle Station to Grove Street.

Parking: The parking lot located at The Shops at Putterham provides a great deal of easy parking to accommodate anyone visiting the shops and restaurants.

Places to live: Putterham is mainly a residential neighborhood. Beautiful single-family homes line the multiple small streets throughout Putterham, creating perfect neighborhoods for families.

Shops and restaurants: The Shops at Putterham provide the Putterham neighborhood with several independently owned shops and restaurants as well as national chains, such as Starbucks. Many of the small restaurants have established themselves as favorites for the locals. The Mandarin Gourmet serves delicious Chinese food while the Putterham Grille specializes in American and Greek cuisine. In addition, Cheryl Ann’s Bakery offers everything you could ask for from a bakery, including breads, cookies, and cupcakes.

There are also a number of services and shops available at Putterham. The Shops at Putterham include a florists, dry cleaners, nail and hair salon, custom framing, stationary store, and bank. The Grove Street Market also provides any necessary groceries, as well as a selection of beers and wines.