OLD SALT
Country Village Real Estate
$3,495,000
Twenty-three Commercial Wharf is a magical place. There is truly something to be said about waking up in the morning with the sun just peaking over the horizon and the smell of salt air wafting across your bed, and with the soothing sounds of a breeze whistling through the rigging of a nearby ketch. Here, your alarm clock is the ferry whistle. Your neighbors are yachtsmen and fishermen. Your home theater is the wide harbor itself, stretching out before your back deck as you take your morning coffee. And your backyard is, quite literally, all of downtown Nantucket.

The structure at 23 Commercial Wharf was built, as far as anyone can tell, sometime around 1910 as a simple fishing shack. At the time, Commercial Wharf was true to its name, and Nantucket had a vibrant working waterfront that relied upon the ocean for its livelihood. In 1950, the fishing shack was converted to a summer cottage, and in 1983, the dwelling was renovated again.

One of the things that makes this property unique as a wharf cottage, is that it actually has a grassy yard with a large beech tree growing in it. The beech tree, like the cottage beside it, has its roots deep in the sea, and is thriving still. Of course, with all of the space on this lot, expansion is an option. But one would hope every effort would be taken to maintain the tree, as it adds wonderful, cool shade to the property and is a healthy specimen.

Our tour of the cottage at 23 Commercial Wharf is a short one, as it is an intimately-scaled structure, yet featuring many details, so there is much to talk about.

Approaching the property from the grassy side yard, you find yourself on the wide outdoor deck that literally hangs over the harbor. There's room here to tie up a small skiff, as the current owner does. Or something slightly larger (Our visit was close to low tide and it appeared that a larger craft could tie up there as well). The deck itself is wide and weathered, and from here, you'll take in south-facing views of the harbor, town pier and the Creeks beyond. The sun shines on this deck most of the day, but tucks itself behind the neighboring homes in the late afternoon to provide some much appreciated shade.

From the deck, we enter the cottage via an inverted foyer which provides shelter from the elements on less than perfect days (and as you know, Nantucket has its share). As you enter the home, you'll immediately see that this house perfectly captures the feeling of Nantucket as many know her. The walls of this cottage are built of horizontal beadboard, painted white from waist-level up and painted in an ecru hue from that point down, to simulate wainscoting. The windows are small (They need not be large to fill this cottage with sunshine.) three-over-three single hanging pocket sashes which disappear into a recess in the walls when opened, and are held up by simple, wonderful, old gradated sticks. Above each window is a small shelf to hold books and collectibles, which proves the notion that in a small home, one can find space for nearly anything if one tries. The high ceilings of this cottage are also clad in beadboard. A single window up in the far gable end provides light and ventilation.

Next to the door is a simple, sturdy ladder which leads to a small sleeping loft that can also double as much-valued storage space. Additional sleeping space can be found in the living room area, tucked around the corner and flanked by two windows which allow gentle ocean breezes to permeate one's dreams.

The kitchen is a simple, utilitarian galley with a single window onto the harbor. The cabinets provide enough room for anything one might need (just as on a boat, where space is at a premium, clever storage solutions abound). There is a gas range here as well as a full-sized refrigerator. Opposite the kitchen is a full bath. And between these rooms is the back door with easy access to the cobblestone way which services Commercial Wharf.

This wonderful "true Nantucket" property with spectacular views, right on the harbor, and just a short walk from downtown shopping and restaurants

is offered at $3,495,000. I