I
A Sense of Place
Beach or town?
When we first decided to look for a home on Nantucket, we found ourselves debating one of the island’s classic dilemmas: would we rather be close to the beach or close to town?
After much discussion, we realized that we would probably always drive to the beach. With chairs, coolers, umbrellas, beach toys, and everything else a family seems to need for a day by the water, having the car nearby just made sense. Town, however, was a different story. Parking can be nearly impossible, especially in the summer, and we knew that being able to walk or bike into town would make our time on the island so much more enjoyable.
II
Made with Memory
Newly built, with an old island soul.
Then we found this extraordinary piece of property. Tucked away in the middle of downtown, the house is surrounded by open space and sits inside the 7-acre Lily Pond, a quiet and little-known corner of Nantucket. A picturesque trail winds over boardwalks and through the greenery, leading directly to the heart of town.
We loved the setting so much that we decided to build our own home here. Inspired by an old Shaker setting, its hand-hewn barnwood beams, old soft pine floors, and antique wainscoting give it the warmth of a house that has been here far longer.
“The feeling of being away from it all while actually being just steps from town.”
III
Together, With Room Apart
The summers when our children were growing up.
For years, this was where we spent our summers while our children were growing up. Some of our favorite memories are wonderfully simple: setting up lawn games, watching the children play, lingering over dinner in the garden, or simply sitting outside as the day winds down.
Now that they are grown and busy with lives of their own, we tend to enjoy Nantucket during the quieter shoulder seasons. We are delighted to open our home to guests during the summer months. It is not a rental property, but a much-loved family home shared by private arrangement.
IV
The Rhythm of an Island Day
Near enough to wander. Quiet enough to return to.
During the day, you might see a neighbor strolling along the Lily Pond with a dog, or an occasional group of children playing a game. But in the early morning and late afternoon, the space becomes wonderfully quiet. With the open landscape, birdsong, and changing light, it can feel like countryside rather than a few minutes from town.
We especially love the front lawn in the evening, looking west as the sky begins to change colors. If the sunset looks particularly promising, we often jump on our bikes and race over to Steps Beach to catch the final few minutes from the water.
