PROPERTY PROFILE
Atlantic East Real Estate
$4,275,000 (27 Shell St.)
$3,275,000 (33 Shell St.)

Alittle over 75 years ago, Walter Beinecke Sr. had his eye on a nice flat piece of the 'Sconset Bluff that is now where The Wade Cottages now stand. But happily, Wade Greene's grandfather beat him to it and snatched up the beautiful property by the sea. That may be the last time anyone got the upper hand on a member of the Beinecke family. But today, there is an opportunity to repeat history and do what the senior Beinecke was unable to do: own a piece of this stunning property.

The innkeepers plan soon to convert their stately inn into a private residence for themselves and their family to enjoy. Part of their plan is offering two of the water-facing cottages for sale now.

Imagine owning your own piece of 'Sconset history, including part of the 'Sconset Bluff Walk and having direct access, via a set of stairs, to a beach owned and maintained by the Nantucket Land Bank. Imagine enjoying your forever unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean, thanks to a deed restriction on the expanse of open lawn between your dream home and the bluff's edge. Imagine being able to stroll into the center of 'Sconset for a newspaper, an ice cream or to have dinner, and then stroll back again. Imagine waking each warm and quiet summer morning to the smell of salt air and the rumble of not-too-distant waves on the sand.

An opportunity such as this may not arise again for another 75 years - or longer.

The first cottage, at 33 Shell St., is the smaller of the two. Built in 1929, like its neighbor, this home currently

contains three of the inn's guest rooms

with private baths in each on the first floor, and has a large and extremely sunny apartment on the second floor. The kitchen, living room and dining room of the apartment all share in the breathtaking view of the Atlantic. There is a common sitting room on the first floor which serves all of the units as well. Of course, the new owner may wish to reconfigure the living

arrangements a bit. Happily, virtually anything

is possible, although with a minimum of alteration, this cottage could easily convert to an upside-down, five-bedroom house.

Outside the home, the side yard will accommodate at least two parking spaces. The yard to the east will extend 19 feet from the home, giving the owner plenty of room for gardens or lawn chairs or a comfortable hammock.

The larger of the two cottages, 27 Shell Street, contains 21 rooms, which currently make up four separate apartments with an exceptional rental history. The purchaser will have the option of turning the entire structure into a single family home or dividing it into two attached units. There is a large amount of expansion space as well (but not so much that it could block the view from the other dwelling).

In addition to access to Shell Street, this cottage has legal frontage on Broadway, which would allow the owners to create off-street parking and perhaps turn part of the current structure into a garage.

The cottage features two decks facing the water and framed by thick climbing greenery. The first-story deck is the larger, jutting out toward the sea in an effort to maximize the sun during the day. The second story deck is covered and is reached by a wide, white stairway. It affords spectacular views of the ocean, as do the massive picture windows in both second story apartments. In addition to amazing vistas and authentic 1920s 'Sconset charm, the cottage offers several wonderful design points, such as a large brick fireplace surrounded by dark pine paneling and oversized living spaces. And, of course, there is plenty of peace and quiet.

These two unique and historic cottages with spectacular views and, highly unusual for 'Sconset, direct access to the beach and large spaces full of possibilities are offered at $4,275,000. (27 Shell Street) and at $3,275,000 (33 Shell Street.)