Nantucket, an idyllic Atlantic Ocean island off Massachusetts’ coast, attracts those seeking a blend of historic elegance and modern peacefulness. Time seems to stop on this island with its cobblestone lanes, intact 18th- and 19th-century architecture, and breathtaking coastal views. Beyond the town’s core, the island is a natural wonder with beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and nature reserves. From the tranquility of Siasconset’s rose-covered homes to the dramatic coastline scenery, Nantucket invites residents to combine the past and modern. Consider working with a skilled real estate agent if you desire to call this charming town your home. Nantucket MA real estate agent Bernadette Meyer is a seasoned real estate expert with an in-depth knowledge of the island’s market to help you find the perfect Nantucket home.
Homes for sale in Nantucket
Nothing says Nantucket like old grey houses with white trim. Shingle-style residences are popular on beachfront sites in Long Island, Cape Cod, coastal Maine, Newport, Rhode Island, and Nantucket. They appeared in New England after the 1876 Centennial celebration, when Americans were nostalgic for Colonial-style buildings and architects were pleased to rebel against Victorian fussiness. Shingle homes merge into the environment gently. Its soft grey exterior, basic siding, minimal adornment, welcome porch, and rambling form are all notable. Thinly cut, unpainted cedar Victorian shingles deteriorated to grey from seaside exposure. Most were luxury holiday homes despite their simplicity.
Nantucket’s Quaker population shaped its culture and architecture. The shingle-style house was popular in the 19th century due to its simplicity and minimal adornment, and the island’s many ancient residences have set the benchmark for modern homes. The Nantucket Historic District Commission regulates landowners’ building and restoration plans, limiting height, shingles, and pitched roofs to preserve the island’s historic character. These homes are generally surrounded by old-fashioned gardens full of hollyhocks, peonies, foxgloves, and larkspur and bordered by trellises covered with falling pink roses, giving the island its beauty and charm.
Living in Nantucket
Nantucket has numerous neighborhoods, each with a unique charm:
Town
Downtown Nantucket is unique in its beauty and history. Charming grey-shingled homes border pocket gardens with hydrangea and climbing roses, looking like a magazine. Cobbled streets offer a choose-your-own journey with surprising discoveries around every corner. Families visit nostalgic spots for ice cream, t-shirts, and souvenirs in summer or stroll to town beaches for sun and waves.
Brant Point
This area is best known for its lighthouse, which greets travelers entering and leaving Nantucket Harbor, but it also has calm neighborhoods with flat, green lawns and beach line facing the lovely, sailboat-dotted Nantucket Sound. Fishermen love these beaches, and kids and families love the tiny waves. Town restaurants and stores are a short walk or bike ride away.
Cliff
The Cliff area is named for its location on the high cliffs overlooking Nantucket Sound. This area has calm, desirable communities with tree-lined streets and stunning views of the ferry entering and leaving the harbor. This neighborhood is perfect for summer living due to its calm beaches and town accessibility.
Dionis
This Linda Loring Foundation property has approximately 104 acres of beautiful conservation habitat with Osprey, songbirds, and wildflowers. The beach offers simple swimming and stunning sunsets across Tuckernuck Island to the west. Dionis is a spectacular region of Nantucket in August because phosphorescence, a type of algae, shines when touched in the moonlight.
Town Edge
Safe, tranquil neighborhoods abound, yet bike trails and downtown bring you to the island’s pulse. The outside of town is far enough from the excitement to see Nantucket’s untouched night sky but close enough to avoid parking issues if you want to go into town. The soft hills and ancient parks give this place a historic vibe.