Climb to New Heights
PROPERTY PROFILE Congdon & Coleman $2,550,000
The Stone Barn property in the Brant Point area of the island, close to Jetties and just below the Cliff, is a unique, historic, Nantucket landmark. The main structure was built in 1869 in the Tudor style. Its dramatic fieldstone face is an interesting change of pace for an island that has grown accustomed to cedar shingles and painted clapboard facades.

Completely renovated in 2006, Stone Barn unit 5D, within the main building, is in pristine condition, with a mixture of new, modern features, and many original historic details as well. Hand-carved woodwork, ceiling details and moldings provide clues as to the structure's heritage. High ceilings, winding stairways and interesting angles provide drama. Each room in this amazing condominium stirs interest and wonder.

Despite the fact that this is a condominium, there actually is ample living space for a family and includes over 2,000 square feet, two deeded parking spaces and a large, open-air brick patio space in back. Many free-standing homes currently listed do not offer as much, nor as wonderful a location - steps from Jetties Beach and very close to town.

Upon entering the condo, the sense of space is immediate. The high ceilings and woodwork, painted in cool shades of white and blue give the visitor a sense of airy freedom and openness. To your left, is a small study or space, in which one can see the remnants of the original barn's sliding door track. A few steps farther, and you enter the living room. Here, the focal point is a wonderful cobblestone fireplace with a simple, thick, heart-pine mantel and panel details which mimic the feeling of the building's stone façade. To either side, there are wellcrafted built-in cabinets and bookshelves which carry the design vocabulary of the hearth across the length of the wall. The tenfoot ceiling height is brought into scale by dramatic corner molding details and support beams. The back wall features two oversized 12-over-12 windows and a pair of French doors tied together by a large, over- head transom light. (The light in the late afternoon here is intoxicating.) Beyond these doors is a large and private brick patio, ideal for entertaining or relaxing.

The kitchen is a balance of brevity, opulence and functionality. This simple galley features top-of-theline stainless steel appliances, a mighty six-burner restaurant-grade gas range and a mammoth refrigerator. The sink is a large, modern stainless unit inset within the warm granite countertop. The floor is composed of oversized rustic terra cotta tiles which contrast with the modern appliances and cabinets. During renovation, part of the structure's stone wall was exposed and the owner decided to leave it so. This detail provides a wonderful organic element to this well-designed and structured kitchen space.

Climbing the perfectly square, winding stairway on which overly tall people must watch their head (one hallmark of an historic renovation,) one reaches the second floor. The master bedroom is large and offers two nooks where the buildings dramatic dormers are located. The master bath offers a large, walk-in, glassdoor shower. There's also a second story balcony in the suite which is quite possibly the best place on the island from which to view the Fourth of July fireworks. It overlooks conservation land, which means the lovely view will remain that way. Also on the second floor is a second full bath and a guest bedroom with a narrow, space-saving, spiral stairway to a large, bright loft - ideal for a play area, study or TV room.

There's still more to see. Back to the square main stairway again, one climbs to the third floor which occupies the top of Stone Barn's tower. This feature is visible from the front of the building and is one of the structure's most interesting design details. At the top of the stairs, through a wonderful little doorway, one finds a perfect, bright sitting room with sweeping views in three directions, including a panorama of the harbor. The room's robin's egg blue, horizontal beadboard and the sunflower motif woodwork are positively charming.

This dramatic, newly renovated two bedroom, two and one-half bath condominium, in one of the island's most coveted areas, is offered at

$2,550,000. I