
<PAGE>
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the inclusion in this Report on Form 8-K of Boston Properties, 
Inc. dated November 25, 1997 of our report dated October 17, 1997 on our audit 
of the Statement of Revenue Over Certain Operating Expenses of 280 Park Avenue 
for the year ended December 31, 1996.


Boston, Massachusetts                               /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
November 25, 1997


