1 Ocean Avenue, Nantucket, MA

A legacy estate in the heart of ’Sconset, One Ocean Avenue is one of Nantucket’s most iconic offerings. Spanning three parcels and perched above the Atlantic, this storied coastal compound includes four dwellings — the grand main house, The Rec Cottage, The Stable, and The Chauffeur’s Cottage — each thoughtfully preserved to honor its early 20th-century origins.

Steeped in history, each structure tells a story of summers past and generations gathered. The additional guest cottages provide the rare luxury of privacy and independence, with kitchens and living spaces where family and friends can gather, relax, and entertain — all while enjoying the serenity of their own separate quarters.

A true legacy property, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of Nantucket’s most iconic landmark coastal estates. Set on 1.15 acres with sweeping ocean views and lush gardens, One Ocean Avenue offers a rare chance to carry forward a piece of the island’s enduring story.

First Floor: Enter through a gracious foyer, immediately drawn into the living room by the breathtaking water views. The living room features a large stone fireplace. To the left, a classic study evokes a bygone era with its quiet elegance. To the right, a formal dining room opens through French doors to a covered veranda overlooking the garden — a perfect setting for long summer lunches and evening gatherings, all with ocean views as the backdrop. A sunroom, bathed in natural light, leads seamlessly to a broad veranda. On the main level, a guest bedroom has a full bath.
Beyond the dining room, a thoughtfully designed service wing includes a charming pantry with windows and a coffee bar, a well-appointed kitchen, food pantry, and a sunny breakfast room. There is a powder room, spacious laundry room with dedicated hanging and folding areas, and a functional mudroom. Two original “cabanas” have been thoughtfully updated — nostalgic spaces once used for changing and rinsing off after the beach, still complete with showers. A dedicated storage room completes the floor.

Second Floor: An open staircase leads to a spacious landing where you're immediately drawn to the “morning room” — a serene sitting area offering a front-row seat to the endless horizon of the Atlantic. To the left, a private wing includes a guest bedroom with en suite bath and walk-in closet, and a second bedroom with its own bath and a charming dressing room — a space that could easily serve as a third guest bedroom or private retreat. To the right, the primary suite with water views features an expansive dressing room, and a full bath. Down a quiet hallway, two additional bedrooms — once quarters for household staff — have been lovingly transformed into storybook children’ s rooms. A full bath serves this area, which is also conveniently accessed by a separate back staircase.

Third Floor: The third floor is a sunlit blank slate, waiting to be transformed to suit your vision. With vaulted ceilings, sweeping water views, a full bath, and multiple storage areas, this expansive space offers endless potential. Thoughtful built-ins original to the house and cedar-lined closets add both charm and function. Whether imagined as additional bedrooms, home office, or whimsical playroom, this floor offers the flexibility to evolve with your needs.

Basement: On the lower level are a charming wine cellar, along with mechanicals and abundant storage.

Second Dwelling: The Recreation Cottage is accessed through an attached breezeway from the main house and offers a spacious great room with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace, wet bar, dishwasher, refrigerator, ice maker, and washer/dryer. French doors open from the bar and dining area to a welcoming porch with sea views, and a fire pit in the lawn area. A full bath completes the space, and makes for an easy conversion of this structure from an entertaining space, to an additional guest cottage. A roofwalk offers expansive views. The Stable is a converted barn which serves as a charming two-bedroom, two-bath guest house featuring an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area, a washer/dryer, and an additional sleeping loft with two built-in beds. The Chauffeur ’s Cottage is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom retreat with a cozy living room, full kitchen, and an attached two-car garage.

Parking: Ample

Listed by Maury People Sotheby's International Realty