James L. Elcock of Meredith & Grew tells GlobeSt.com that the 156 Prince St. property, known as the Virginia Simon Estate for a previous owner, brought in bids from three institutional users and six developers. He notes it was the quick closing terms from Hellenic College that won over the sellers.

"Because of the topography and the location on the Brookline line, there was activity from developers who wanted to do high-end townhomes," Elcock says. It was marketed to a number of institutional users, including medical and private schools and religious groups. But it was Hellenic College, whose campus abuts the property, that seemed the right fit.

"It just made sense for them to buy the property and I think it was a strategic move on their part," says Elcock, noting that the site offered expansion possibilities for the school, an Orthodox Christian institution which educates students in classics, Greek studies and specialized professional fields. Officials at the college say they have not yet decided what to do with the site.

The property, which sits on a wooded lot includes a free-standing, 5,000-sf house. Elcock and colleague Thomas J. Hynes Jr. represented the owners of the estate, the Barletta Family Trust.