One of Nantucket’s ‘Last Remaining 1940s Waterfront Beach Houses’ Is Listed for $5 Million as the Coast Continues to Disappear

A rare waterfront retreat that has been hailed as one of Nantucket's "last remaining" 1940s coastal beach houses has hit the market for $4.99 million—offering a unique opportunity to take up residence mere feet from the Atlantic Ocean.

Unlike many other dwellings along the Massachusetts coastline, which face increasing risk of being swallowed completely by the water, this property provides not only proximity to the ocean, but also several safeguards against coastal erosion.

In nearby Madaket, for example, homeowners have had to shave millions off the price of their luxury homes because of rising sea levels. While coastal erosion is still a consideration for any homebuyer looking for a dwelling on the ocean's edge, this property—which has been set as far back from the ocean as possible—is not facing quite such an imminent threat.

Listing agent Bernadette Meyer, of Maury People Sotheby's International Realty, notes that, while coastal erosion can't be ignored, this area is arguably much more desirable than Madaket, not least because of the sizable lots.

"The home sits way far back from the water's edge," Meyer explains. "The lots are much larger here than in Madaket, and you feel like you are a million miles away."

Built in 1949, the three-bedroom residence has been used as a legacy summer home, remaining in the same family for decades.

However, a new owner would have an opportunity to breathe new life into the parcel, with Meyer noting that there is ample space on the lot to a build a new, much bigger home, provided they can secure planning permission.

"It has been owned by the same family for three generations, who have kept it the way it was," Meyer says.

"They always loved it the way it is, but the next buyer could build a more modern primary residence and keep this home as a guesthouse. There are no deed restrictions, but everything would have to go through the Historic District Commission."

Should a buyer wish to use the existing property as their main dwelling instead, they may want to carry out some updates to get the most out of the home.

The three-season, seaside structure is not insulated, and heating comes only from the wood-burning stove in the living room—so residing in the abode during winter is not a comfortable experience.

However, during the three seasons that the home can currently be used, it offers an experience like no other.

"It's a storybook classic Nantucket cottage with exposed woods, and when you sit out on the deck, you feel like you are stepping back in time," Meyer notes.

The 1,164-square-foot open floor plan boasts a great room with a vaulted ceiling and exposed beams, an ocean-facing dining nook, a galley kitchen offering beach views, and a primary bedroom with a private terrace that would be an ideal spot for morning coffee.

Remarkably, while the parcel occupies more than 3 acres, it was actually much larger when the current owners bought it. Earlier this year, they sold a portion of their land to a neighbor who wanted to secure the area against future development.

"Over the summer, a neighbor approached the family asking to carve off a piece of the land before they sold it," Meyer says. "They sold 1.5 acres for $1.5 million to the neighbor who was concerned about future development on this property."

While Meyer says there is "expansion potential," buyers will have to do their due diligence and work directly with the Nantucket Historic District to explore prospects.

The spacious lot also has other outbuildings, including a "shed-type garage with a bed" and a storage shed.

"The possibilities are endless, but the structures are protected from being demolished," she says. "The land value, waterfront location, and size of parcel are what makes this property stand out."