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Property Profile December 6, 2006
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PROPERTY PROFILE Coffin Real Estate $2,575,000
Amazing Antique on Pleasant
Pleasant Street is one of the most aptly named thoroughfares on the island. Too narrow in spots to become a loud and busy speedway. Tree-lined. Calm. With rows of historic homes and picturesque gardens. Number 12 Pleasant Street, which was built in 1830, is a lovely example of the neighborhood's architecture with its dual chimneys, two-sided front steps, window boxes and matching left and right dormers. It has held up well over the years, with many of its interior and exterior details surviving.

You can tell a lot about an old Nantucket home by its floors, and 12 Pleasant Street's floors are, for the most part, original. They tell an interesting story and give clues as to how the home once looked before it was renovated sometime in the last 120 years. Several of the floors have been painted in the tradition of many island homes, but others have been left natural and show the patina of age. There are areas where some repairs and changes have been made and these patches are expertly done, providing small clues as to the way in which previous occupants lived.

The first floor features a welcoming foyer and, like many homes of this era, two front parlors separated by a central hallway and staircase. The parlor on the right is accented by a Federal-style mantel. Both front rooms feature hand-made, raisedpanel shutters that appear to be original to the building, or at the very least, exceptionally old.

There is one major change that has occurred in this structure. At some point in its history, the original fireplaces in the home were covered. Future owners may wish to restore the four fireplaces (the mantels of some are still visible) that once graced the home, as nothing takes away the chill and warms the heart like a roaring fire.

Down the wide central hallway, one enters the dining area. This wide and open room is clearly the central meeting place for the home. It offers space for a long farm table and a small seating area. On the left, off the back corner of the space is a utility and laundry room which offers the convenience of a low-set tub (ideal for washing a smelly dog or a sandy kid), a washer/dryer and lots of storage and counter space. Adjacent to the dining room, the kitchen has a dark and rich color scheme, professional-grade stove, tile counters and plenty of light.

The tour continues via the back stairway which is accessible to the rear of the kitchen, through a small coatroom area. Unlike the front stairway with its wide treads, decorative balusters and curved oak banister, the back stairs are narrow, unadorned and utilitarian, providing easy access between the kitchen, laundry and the upper bedrooms and bathrooms.

Upstairs, there are three bedrooms. Two share a large bathroom with a claw-footed tub and a handy walk-in linen closet. One of these two bedrooms is a cute and quaint space that's perfectly sized for a child, or it can double as a large dressing room for the larger, adjoining front bedroom.

The master bedroom features its own dressing area as well as a large and sunny master bath with a tiled shower.

In line with the rear hallway on the second floor you'll find a narrow door with an old lock and latch revealing another steep stairway to the third floor which opens up to a very large and open space with unique angles and plenty of light thanks to its two larger dormers and two skylights. This dramatic bedroom features bead-board paneling, painted brick and its own tiled, full bath.

The back and side yards of this home offer a surprising amount of open outdoor space for the Old Historic District. The back yard includes a wonderful brick patio with separate grilling area, an outdoor shower and a double garage that could be converted to additional living space. There is more than ample off-street parking. The house also has a full, unfinished basement. with interior access from the kitchen area.

This large and well maintained four-bedroom, four-bath historic home, with lots of possibilities, in one of Nantucket's most sought-after neighborhoods is offered at $2,575,000.

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