Sensational on Sankaty
or the vast majority of potential Nantucket homebuyers, a tour

of 40 Sankaty Road begins by

approaching the covered front porch surrounded by hydrangeas, roses and other mature perennials, and stepping through the formal entry way.

But for the devoted gardener, the tour should instead begin with a stroll along the pristine shell driveway, flanked by a tall, thick privacy hedge, to the back of the lot where a structure the size of a small cottage sits. Stepping inside this single-car garage — a newer structure than the main home — it is clear to see that the driving passion of the current homeowner is working the soil and making things grow.

Inside: a spacious gardener’s workshop with a large potting bench and a pegboard to keep gardener’s implements at the ready. In addition, this second structure affords enough space for nearly any storage need, plus protection for the family SUV, bicycles and beach gear.

From the back of the large and private lot, one quickly realizes that the bounds of the potential homeowner’s zeal for flowers, growth and beauty is virtually unlimited. Raised perennial gardens stretch around this large outbuilding and meander throughout the grounds, letting anyone who visits instantly know that the people who live here F have thumbs as green as the well-manicured lawns.

The meticulously maintained outdoor spaces are broken up by strategic stands of cypress and mature shrubs, which lend a sense of intimacy and privacy to the out-ofdoors and allow for the planting of shade-loving varieties as well as vegetation that thrives in the summer Nantucket sun like day lilies, ornamental grasses and irises.

As you approach the back of the home from the rear, a grouping of Adirondack chairs and pewterpatina teak furniture marks a casual outdoor living space delineated by simple slate pavers set into lush, healthy turf. This is a place where entertaining and enjoying the company of friends is as natural as breathing. The outdoors are as much a part of this home as the indoors.

To the left, near the kitchen

door, is an outdoor shower where one can wash off the sand from trips to . the nearby beach, access to which is a short walk away via the Baxter Road bluff.

Stepping into the sunny dining area, through the raised bow-front patio doorway, the subtle garden theme continues. The home, offered furnished, is decorated in a sunny, floral cottage style that is quintessentially ’Sconset.

To the left, enter what has to be the most used room in the house — a large front-to-back kitchen and family room complete with a comfortable seating area. Solid-surface slate-gray colored counters and breakfast bar plus classic, clean, white beadboard cabinetry complement the open airy feeling of this very inviting room. The large, white porcelain farmhouse sink and plentiful work surfaces (including a cool marble slab— ideal for working with pastry) are clearly designed for both entertaining and every-day living.

The focal point of the kitchen/family room is a large, brick fireplace — a prized asset on a cold, misty ’Sconset fall morning. The kitchen/family room’s wrap-around floral window seats with colorful throw pillows is the ideal place to stretch out and read the Sunday papers after your easy morning walk to the ’Sconset Market and back.

Stepping through to the first floor hallway leads to an equally comfortable living room complete with an additional fireplace and over-stuffed loveseats that are perhaps so comfortable, visitors will be tempted to stay the night.

Upstairs, are three ample, brightly appointed, furnished bedrooms with high ceilings and a shared fully tiled bath, plus a large vaulted-ceiling master suite and its private bathroom that includes a tub and separate shower.

This very special, fully furnished, four bedroom, two and a half bath property is offered at $2,845,000.

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