PROPERTY PROFILE Denby Real Estate $1,550,000
West Chester Charming
Forty West Chester is certainly not one of the oldest homes on

Nantucket, but, at the same time, there aren't many people left who can remember when it was not there, at the corner of North Liberty and West Chester, anchoring the neighborhood.

The home was built in the 1920s and updated in the 1950s. The exterior presents a solid and square face to the world. Its covered front porch with lattice work and mature, lush landscaping is friendly and inviting - built in an era when people would sit in rocking chairs, on the front porch and say hello to neighbors out for an evening stroll.

Our tour begins at the front door, past the thriving hostas and hydrangeas and under the sun-stopping shade provided by a large, full maple, growing from the northwest corner of the lot. Inside, one finds oneself in the living room (probably called "the parlor" or "the sitting room" back before homes had living rooms). The floors of this room and the adjacent dining room are made of narrow fir flooring that shows off the patina of the years proudly. A doorway in the corner leads to the second floor stairs which are lit by an oldfashioned tilt-in transom window, held in place by a brass chain.

The formal dining room has seen countless Thanksgiving feasts, no doubt, and is large enough to host a table and eight chairs, at least. There's a built-in, glass-front, corner china cabinet made of oak and finished in a deep, dark oil-based stain. (With a little attention, much of the splendid woodwork throughout the home can shine again as it obviously has in days gone by.)

The kitchen is the true time capsule of this home and the new owner may wish to update some items here and restore others. The old-time Glennwood combination gas and wood stove from the 40s is a wonderful conversation piece and the massive threebay soapstone sink is held up by original bead-board cabinets that sport black, chunky wrought iron hardware. Previous owners of the home have placed a slab of butcher block across two of the sink's bays to allow for extra counter space, but this particular piece calls out for refinishing and restoration - it would be a shame to replace a fixture with such character and charm. Another classic feature of this kitchen is the walk-in pantry - a small shelved room with space for dishes and dry goods. It features a small window which lets in the light to play off the dishes and glassware stored there.

Next to the kitchen is another room used currently as a bedroom. The home was previously a rooming house and a bed and breakfast, so every space that could serve as a room-to-let has been utilized. This space enjoys wonderful morning sun and has plenty of storage space. The doorway to the full, unfinished basement, illuminated by another tilt-in transom window, is here as well.

The second floor features four bedrooms that each share a single bath with sunny yellow tile and a funky, step-in, free-standing shower/tub. Each room is different. Some feature antique, ornate Victorian wallpaper. Others are more plain. The second floor could be converted to two larger rooms each with its own bath, if one desired.

Also on the property is a free-standing and wonderful, little studio with cathedral ceilings, a full bath. The interior is finished in dark knotty pine. The cottage spills out onto a lovely, landscaped, open-air patio with a small seating area - the ideal place to relax, enjoy a meal or read.

This classic five-bedroom, three-bath 1920s home, with many charming original details, nestled in the Old Historic District, is offered at $1,550,000.

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