Worry-FreeOnTheWest End
PROPERTY PROFILE Coldwell Banket ~ Nantucket $479,000
As you drive out of town on the Madaket Road, the road curves gently. And then it turns the other way and then back again. You slow slightly as you enter these curves and instinctively speed up as you finish them. Further along, past the head of Long Pond and the road to Warren's Landing, the road curves again. This time its radius is tighter. And then it reverses upon itself suddenly and you are forced to apply the brake. As if the road itself as saying, "Slow down. You're almost to Madaket. There's no need for speed here."

And so you take the road's advice. You throttle back. The pace of your existence begins to slow and you realize

that this is what Madaket is all about. Taking it easy. Savoring the moment. Going slowly.

You reach South Cambridge Street and take a left across from the boatyard sign. A little further down, past where the road turns to graded dirt, you turn right and come to a quiet cul de sac. Here there is a row of townhouses, one of which is number 33. A place that has "relaxed" written all over it.

As you enter the space, it becomes clear that this home is an upside down house with the kitchen and living room on the second floor and sleeping quarters on the first floor. There is a front guest bedroom here. Also, a full bath. A washer and dryer. Storage spaces and utilities. Toward the rear of the unit you enter a huge bedroom. And beyond, through a pair of sliding, divided-light doors, you find yourself on the first floor deck. This area provides some privacy and access to the unit's outdoor shower - a feature that is part luxury and part necessity for anyone who spends any amount of time at the nearby beach.

Next, you climb the stairs and discover a wideopen space which includes the kitchen, a sizeable living room space and the second story deck through another set of sliders. The kitchen features an open floor plan and plenty of room for one or two cooks. It is separated from the living room space by a threeseat breakfast bar. The living room is the largest room in the townhouse with ample light from the west and the east. In the warmer months, the sliding glass doors will be thrown open to increase the home's living space out onto the second story deck. Here you can get a glimpse of the water views. It's also an excellent place to entertain or merely relax. At dawn or dusk, it is not uncommon to see deer in small herds making their way across the property to seek food and fresh water.

Just when you think the tour is over, you realize there is more to this laid-back townhouse. A second flight of stairs leads you to the master bedroom suite. From here, the views are even better. The bedroom itself is large and inviting. Its ceilings, like everywhere else in the house are open dark-stained pine, but here in the master bedroom there is a cathedral ceiling, interrupted only by sturdy collar ties. The master bath and ample walk-in closet complete the third floor.

While it is true that this townhouse could use some updating and new furnishings, there is no doubt about its value, given the price of other similar homes on the island. What makes this townhouse exceptional and very desirable is its proximity to exceptional surfing beaches (including Tristram's Landing's own ocean beach), fishing, boating and all the features of Madaket Harbor. That, and the easygoing atmosphere that is quintessentially Madaket.

Precious few vacation/rental properties on Nantucket remain this affordable. This three-bedroom, two-bath townhouse in one of the island's most relaxed neighborhoods, is offered at just

$479,000. I