Heather Hill
PROPERTYPROFILE Island Properties $15,495,000
If one dreams of a house on an island, high on a hill, overlooking the water, Heather Hill might well be the house of those dreams. Far longer than any of us remember, this home, tucked away at the end of Hinckley Lane, has stood high as a landmark visible from the ferry; the epitome of an idyllic summer retreat for family and friends.

Now, there has been a spectacular transformation. The change is not in the spirit of the house which still beckons as a wonderfully warm place to live and play. The house has just been brought into the 21st century; with the re-do, it is now to today what it must have been to the era when it was first built more than 100 years ago. The amenities are totally up-to-date; the materials and workmanship of the highest quality.

At the end of a long flagstone walkway, a grand porch leads to the front door. The entrance foyer only gives the visitor a clue of what lies beyond, but it is enough to whet your appetite. Acircular stairway leads grandly to the floor above and glimpses ahead and to the side give you a sense of the public spaces.

You go left into the living room and are greeted by the view, which extends across the Sound to Great Point and beyond. This dramatic area apparently was once two rooms which have been combined, with a wall of windows to bring in light and make the view an integral part of the room's ambiance. There are two separate gathering areas in the living room, each focused on its own fire place, as well as a solarium to one side which adds another element of space and light. The long, covered porch is an extension of the living room. While Nantucket affords many great views, none is as well utilized and integrated into a home as the one which this living area enjoys.

Passing through the dining room, which also sports a fireplace, you arrive in the kitchen. With its up-to-the minute appliances, white marble island and counters, two sinks and incredible storage space, it is the model of a kitchen for a large household. Behind the kitchen, there is a sitting room - which could also be a less formal dining space - with its own small office nook. There is also a full pantry and separate laundry room. And hidden away at the back of the house is a very private bedroom with a shower bath.

Returning to the front hall and climbing the circular staircase, you can imagine the laughter from youngsters sliding down the banister. The spacious master suite enjoys the same view as the living room and has a large private balcony overlooking the water. There is a gas fireplace to ward off any evening chills. The floor is a masterpiece of tromp l'oeil painting. There is yet another fireplace in the dressing room/closet. The master bath, which has its own small balcony - there are balconies and porches all over this house - has a huge glass enclosed shower with a waterfall showerhead, as well as a body shower and steam.

The three other bedrooms on the second floor are spacious and comfortable, each with its private shower bath - and balcony. The view across Eel Point to Tuckernuck from one closet window is spectacular.

The third floor has been set up for young people with two built-in day beds in one room, which would easily double as a playroom, and four bunks in the other, complemented by another full bath. Again, there is the view.

Returning to the ground floor - the term "basement" does not apply this house - you find a large media/recreation room. At one end is the entrance to the wine cellar and at the other is an exercise room and a fullytiled spa-like shower/steam room.

As you pass by the mechanical rooms, they are worth a peek just for the symmetry of the many systems in place to provide the occupants with the creature comforts. To the rear, you find another bedroom suite with full bath, another laundry with commercialsize machines, a wonderful storage/mud room and, finally, interior access to the two car garage.

Beach access is afforded by a private stairway.

Heather Hill, a grand and yet so-livable house, with seven bedrooms and lots of full and half baths and many brilliant features, is

offered for $15,495,000. I