Whimsical Victorian Fair Isle on Fair Street
PROPERTY PROFILE Windwalker Real Estate $4,750,000
any historic homes on Nantucket have a rich story

to tell, and the home at 26

Fair Street, known as “Fair Isle,” is no exception. This home was built in 1850 by Charles Robinson who, at the time, was Nantucket’s premier builder of Victorian homes.

Robinson built 26 Fair Street as his personal residence, with all of the exquisite details for which the Victorian style is known. His workshop stood on the very same spot where the cottage now stands.

The exterior of both structures at 26 Fair Street feature a whimsical mixture of roof styles — in the front, a curved gambrel roof, in the hip-on-gable style that is reminiscent of a Victorian mansard roof.

To the side, a curved gambrel with dramatic overhangs and stylish double corbels features a dramatic curved-roof dormer with twin arch-topped windows. And just above the entryway, the squared-off Victorian spire reaches for the sky and adds a dramatic touch.

The exterior of the main house is

clad in sunny yellow clapboards set off by trim and scalloped cedar shingles in M while the cottage features both straight and scalloped natural cedar shingles and clean white trim.

On a street known for its unique homes, Fair Isle stands alone as a shining example of mid-19th century Victorian architecture on Nantucket.

Yet, despite being expertly renovated in 1991, and meticulously maintained, this stately house is not a museum, but a very comfortable and inviting home. Inside Fair Isle (named by the previous owner, who was, in fact, the creator of the Fair Isle sweater), you’ll find dozens of examples of interesting architectural details. Step into the foyer, and your first view is of original floral frosted glass set in dramatic cathedral double front doors with curved molding.

As you move into the front hallway with its dramatic stairway, complete with detailed woodwork, you will note that Fair Isle features lofty high ceilings and plenty of natural light. To your right is a master bedroom suite with a large closet/ dressing area and a full bath that features both a whirlpool bath and a sizeable glass shower. To your left, a formal Victorian parlor complete with period wallpaper and ornate carvings set into clean white wood trim — all original.

PROPERTY LOCATION

As you walk toward the back of the first floor, you will see that this home is a wonderful place to be with family or to entertain guests. The living room flows effortlessly into a sunny, warm dining area that overlooks the backyard gardens. This, in turn, ushers you into a bright and well-equipped kitchen. This cook’s paradise features a four-burner gas range and oven, a generous double sink, dozens of linear feet of work space and a large pantry area off of the back door.

Upstairs, you’ll find two baths, four inviting period bedrooms, a handy central laundry area, and a cozy study with ample light, situated just beneath the home’s towering spire. A back stairway leads to the kitchen for easy trips to the fridge in case a midnight snack is desired. Next door is the cottage, built in 2004-2005 by Norton Preservation Trust to match the style of the main home. This separate dwelling is exquisite both inside and out. On the first floor, the front room and the kitchen— with its comfortable, light and airy dining area — are joined by a wide, inviting archway. The kitchen features speckled granite countertops and modern stainless steel appliances. Upstairs are two very large bedrooms that show off the distinct curves of the building’s roof lines, and a full bath. Downstairs is a laundry with half bath and a finished room that is ideal for a third bedroom, a home office, or playroom.

It’s the charming details, both inside and out, that help to make this Fair Street home so unique.

This unique and historic real estate opportunity, complete with oversized lot and ample offstreet parking, expansion possibilities and ideal location is offered for $4,750,000.

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