Chadwick's Find

Over a century ago, a man named Chadwick had an idea: to create a storybook retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world. To build, at the ends of the earth, or as close to it as humanly practical, a paradise; a stately manor and a large, imposing carriage house in Squam where the well-to-do and fortunate could come to luxuriate; to decompress and recharge. Unfortunately, due to a series of circumstances too Byzantine to be recounted here, Mr. Chadwick never realized his dream. His manor, known as Chadwick's Folly, fell into disrepair from years of neglect and, eventually, everything but 0ne-third of the carriage house was razed.

What remained was cut up, patched and re-configured to become what it is today: a perfect, modest beach house, made more perfect by its ocean views and access to one of the most serene and beautiful beaches on Nantucket. You get there via a 15-foot-wide, winding path lined by wild grapes and native cedars to a narrow wooden stairway that leads down to the water. It is a place where generations have felt the calm and peace and wonder of this very secluded part of the island.

This, an almost forgotten, historic landmark on the island's eastern shore, retains many of the original features of the carriage house which once graced the property.) In the sitting rooms facing the sea there are rough barn boards and still-workable barn doors, suspended by steel tracks and wheels. There is also a pair of massive and ornately hand-carved corbels here, reportedly from the original dwelling nearby. The living room offers towering high ceilings and plenty of drama.

The kitchen features a painted floor and a single slab of two-inch thick mahogany counter with an inset sink. There is a small room off the kitchen with a simple picture window overlooking the sea.

The second floor features five bedrooms, each sharing a single bath. The accommodations are, admittedly, simple and rustic; ideal for a weathered summer retreat.

A trip to the attic reveals wonderful hand-hewn timbers with decades-proven mortise and tenon construction. (Imagine the weather this proud property has faced, sitting exposed to the wind and the rain and the snow in its 120+ years.)

PLANS BY BOTTICELLI AND POHL For those whose tastes are more refined, this property offers another intriguing opportunity: renovation and restoration. Conceptual plans for a Botticelli and Pohldesigned home have already passed the initial rounds of HDC approvals; all that remains for the prospective buyer to do is to set the plans in motion and create a grand estate, the likes of which Mr. Chadwick may never have imagined.

The plan is to maintain and preserve the overall shape of the existing structure as well as many of the wonderful, historic architectural details, but in the process, open up the floor plan, bring in the light, create additions to the north and south, and take full advantage of the magical views of the Atlantic.

An addition to the south would contain a new mudroom/laundry room as well as a new sunny kitchen - the focal point of which is a massive prep island that seats four. Just off the kitchen is the existing dining room with its quirky, fun, white brick fireplace. And beyond, a huge, high ceilinged living room with a new fireplace. Also a large guest bedroom suite would be added on the first floor, with its own covered deck, and an enlarged bathroom.

The second floor features a new, completely redesigned floor plan. The new design, which highlights the spectacular ocean views, creates three new bedrooms, each with its own bath. Facing north, the master suite features a private deck and drinks in the panoramic ocean views guaranteed by a height restriction on neighboring cottage and a no-build zone to the east written into the deed of the property. The other two bedrooms share a deck.

Or, you can give your own imagination free rein in designing the house of your dreams.

This historic structure, in one of the most peaceful and serene areas of the island, with approved plans for expansion and access to a truly magical beach, is

offered at $3,995,000. I