Summer Estate

Aptly named Dune, this magnificent estate rests atop the undulating bluff on Nantucket’s north shore on a stretch of land known as Eel Point.  Just steps away from its own private beach, this property is a summertime mecca, ­beckoning the owner and their friends from near and far to enjoy the many amenities offered by this ­spectacular new build.  The property features a 10,000-square foot main house and 4,000 square foot guest house, plus pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, three indoor kitchens, nine guest suites, a bunk room, home office, gym with private steam shower, home theatre, wine cellar, tennis, paddle and basketball courts, ball fields, and a host of other luxuries and modern conveniences. Dune is, at its heart, a place to gather, and with “recreation” as its middle name, this estate was built to withstand serious entertaining.  It was designed to capture the allure of the island’s seaside environment; a place this young couple and their children could call home during the glorious days of summer to enjoy the many ­recreations of an ­extended Nantucket holiday.  Think summer.  This house embodies every attribute the season conjures. 

It possesses a warm and carefree comfort without sacrificing hip sophistication and easy elegance.  The moment you step into the two-story vaulted entry with its graceful winding staircase, you are welcomed into an airy and pleasing space that exudes cool personality.  With a nod to the nautical community in which it is located, the interior is filled with ­reminders of the natural world: specimen shells are featured as decorative objects and serve as long-lasting centerpieces; grasscloth and natural fibers grace many of the walls; natural woven raffia blinds serve as window ­treatments; and rattan furniture and jute rugs lend texture to many of the rooms.  To ensure low-maintenance upkeep, the furniture, fabrics, wall and floor coverings were all designed to withstand the inevitable sand and salt that are unwelcome intrusions in life on the island. Nantucket is a town that became wealthy in the mid-nineteenth century during the booming heyday of voyages to the Pacific in search of whale oil. Most of the existing inventory of historic homes was constructed in the ­center of the village during this time.  The interior finishes of this house incorporate elements that honor the historic ­architecture of this old whaling community.  Traditional beadboard and v-groove paneling was applied with updated twists in size and design to many of the walls and ceilings.  For example, the entryway features twelve-inch beadboard hung ­horizontally for a more modern take on the standard two-inch vertical panel that is typical of Nantucket-style cottages, and a wall in the living room is faced with a square grid of Shaker-style paneling reminiscent of traditional raised paneling seen in so many of the island’s antique homes.