Nantucket Home Magazine, Vol. 18, Issue 1, Spring 2026

nantucket HOME

Welcome...

On behalf of the Execu琀ve Board of NAREB, welcome to Nantucket!

There are many sources of informa琀on about real estate on Nantucket and we are pleased to offer this consolidated guide that addresses the most common ques琀ons asked by buyers.

About the Nantucket Associa琀on of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)

NAREB was founded in the mid 1980’s by the few principal brokers opera琀ng on Nantucket at that 琀me. They felt that the island community would be be琀er served by having an organiza琀on of real estate professionals who worked in a coopera琀ve manner, had consistent standards and shared informa琀on.

Founding members included local real estate legends Grace Coffin, Marjorie Colley, Hammie Heard, Ann Killen and H. Flint Ranney. In the early years, before the advent of computers and the internet, the organiza琀on had fewer than a dozen members and no mul琀ple lis琀ng service. Mee琀ngs were held in the back room at the historic Jared Coffin House and lis琀ngs were simply adver琀sed in the local newspapers. Today, there are more than 50 NAREB member firms comprised of brokers, sales associates and associate appraisers.

In addi琀on to engaging LINK Nantucket, our own mul琀ple lis琀ng service, NAREB produces a high­quality color publica琀on called Nantucket Home Magazine, oversees professional standards and offers con琀nuing educa琀on for our members, volunteers in the community and supports many of Nantucket’s non­profit organiza琀ons. The majority of NAREB members live and work on Nantucket year­round and serve the community in many ways, including giving of their 琀me to commi琀ee and volunteer work. Our members are professional, informed and are the consummate resource for informa琀on on everything related to Nantucket. We encourage all to respect our local tradi琀ons and rules and regula琀ons. A昀er all, we truly are in the same boat here!

We hope that you are as happy as we are to be on Nantucket. One of the quali琀es that makes our island unique is the apprecia琀on we have for the natural and historic environment, as well as our keen sense of community. As NAREB members, we pride ourselves on our experience, local knowledge and ability to navigate smoothly in this very special market. Please reach out to a NAREB member office and take the first step towards a great real estate experience!

Debbie Dilworth, NAREB President 2026

NAREB 2026 Execu琀ve Board

President

Vice­President

Treasurer

Secretary

Past President

At­Large Member

At­Large Member

Debbie Dilworth

Brian Sullivan

Susan Shepherd

Kate Sayle

Penny Dey

Robert Sarkisian

Lisa Winn

To contact NAREB: editor@nareb­online.com www.nareb­online.com

ACK Dis琀nc琀ve Proper琀es

Fernando Colon­Osorio 508­325­4432 PO Box 254

Nantucket, MA 02554 ackdp.com

Atlan琀c East Nantucket Real Estate

Penny Dey

508­228­7707 82 Easton St Nantucket, MA 02554 nantucketrealestate.com

Bamber Real Estate

Ronnie Bamber 508­228­1416

Nantucket, MA 02554 bamberrealestate.com

Berkshire Hathaway/ Island Proper琀es

Michael O'Mara

Robert Sarkisian

508­228­6999 35A Old South Rd Nantucket, MA 02554 islandproper琀esre.com

Boyce Realty

David and Dana Boyce 508­257­6962 PO Box 453

Siasconset, MA 02564

The Carroll Company

Cliff Carroll 508­771­2000 135 Minton Lane W Barnstable, MA 02668 cliffcarrollhomes.com

Chris琀e’s/Atlan琀c Brokerage

Doug Gra琀an 508­228­6000 7 Bayberry Court

Nantucket, MA 02554 cireab.com

Coastal Point Proper琀es

Sofia Noom

508­901­3257

100 Independence Dr Hyannis, MA 02554 coastalpointproper琀es.com

Coldwell Banker Realty

Pauline Benne琀 617­378­2217 826 Boylston St Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 coldwellbankerhomes.com

Compass Real Estate of MA

Meg Andrews 617­206­3333

126 Newbury St, 2nd Floor Boston, MA 02116 compass.com

Congdon & Coleman

Stephen Maury

508­325­5000 57 Main St, Second Floor Nantucket, MA 02554 congdonandcoleman.com

Craigville Realty

Mar琀n Traywick

508­775­3174

648 Craigville Beach Rd W Hyannisport, MA 02672 craigvillerealty.com

Denby Real Estate

Kate Ranney Sayle

508­228­2522 PO Box 1032 Nantucket, MA 02554 denby.com

Dilworth Real Estate

Debbie Dilworth

508­221­2956 PO Box 2163 Nantucket, MA 02564 dilworthrealestatenantucket.com

Douglas Elliman of MA

Lisa Rainis

617­267­3500

12 Oak St, Suite B Nantucket, MA 02554 elliman.com

Engel & Volkers

Valerie Post 46 Gloucester St Boston, MA 02115 evrealestate.com

EXP Realty, LLC

Jane Stefanini

888­398­7062 2219 Rimland Dr, Ste 301 Bellingham, WA 98226 exprealty.com

Fisher Real Estate

Brian Sullivan

508­228­4407

21 Main Street Nantucket, MA 02554 fishernantucket.com

Great Point Proper琀es

Bill Liddle

Greg McKechnie

508­228­2266 1 North Beach St Nantucket, MA 02554 greatpointproper琀es.com

Grey Lady Proper琀es

James Cooper

508­228­8284 PO Box 2668 Nantucket, MA 02584 jimcooperack@gmail.com

The Hanley Garre琀e

Group LLC

Jay Hanley

508­228­5543 12 Amelia Dr Nantucket, MA 02554 hanleydevelopment.com

J. Pepper Frazier Co

J. Pepper Frazier, II

Dalton T. Frazier

508­228­3202

19 Centre Street

Nantucket, MA 02554 jpfco.com

JD Advisors, Inc.

Jennifer Frizzell

781­608­5887

1 Marina Park Dr, Ste. 1410 Boston, MA 02210

Lee Real Estate

Jeff Lee

508­325­5800 10 S Beach St Nantucket, MA 02554 leerealestate.com

Maury People/Sothebys

Gary Winn

Lisa Winn

508­228­1881

37 Main Street Nantucket, MA 02554 maurypeople.com

Minshall Real Estate

Diana Minshall 240­401­7474 31 Dukes Road Nantucket, MA 02554

Nantucket Rentals & Sales

Niki Picinich 917­414­4979

31 Autopscot Circle Nantucket, MA 02554

Osprey Real Estate

Brian Schereschewsky 31 Quaise Rd Nantucket, MA 02554

Re/Max Signature

Proper琀es

Marilyn Green

508­509­4775

205 Turnpike Rd Southborough, MA 01772 remax.com

Shepherd Real Estate

Susan Shepherd

508­228­5668 28 Easy Street Nantucket, MA 02554 nantucket­re.com

Territory Real Estate

Terry Sanford 617­216­3870 867 Boylston St, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02116

Vaughan Machado

Real Estate

Vaughan Machado

508­228­5062 5 Sesapana Rd Nantucket, MA 02554

Welch & Associates Inc.

Stephen Welch

7 Nashaquisset Ln Nantucket, MA 02554 welch­associates.com

Westbrook Real Estate

Robert & Daryl Westbrook

508­257­6206 PO Box 262 Siasconset, MA 02564 westbrookrealestate.com

William Raveis Real Estate

Chris Raveis 508­228­9117 17 Main St Nantucket, MA 02554 raveis.com

Sales: Corinne Giffin nantucketrealestatebook@gmail.com 508.228.9165

Editorial: Suzanne Daub nantucketrealestatebook@gmail.com

Design: Sarah Morneau

Cover photo by Suzanne Daub

Nantucket Home Real Estate News & Property Listings is a publication of the Nantucket Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), published four times a year. The print version is distributed free on Nantucket & elsewhere; the digital version is available at NantucketRealEstateBook.com. All contents of this magazine, including without limitations the design, advertisements, photos, & editorial content, are copyrighted 2026 by Coastal Internet Access (CIA). No portion of this magazine may be copied, reprinted, or reproduced in any form without express written permission of CIA.

nantucket HOME

For inquiries about our publishing schedule and details on advertising, email Corinne at nantucketrealestatebook@gmail.com. To tell us what you might like to see in Nantucket Home, please email to Suzanne Daub at nantucketrealestatebook@gmail.com.

• Fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages

• Jumbo loans including interest-only

• Second home and investment property loans

• Construction-to-Permanent 昀nancing, including renovation loans

• Wealth relationship pricing with top tier discounts

At Citizens, we know that finding an ideal home on Nantucket can be a challenge. Backed by our financial strength and more than 15 years of local experience, we’re here to make your search for the right 昀nancing easier with a variety of loans including: Catherine Long

Mortgage Loan Of昀cer NMLS ID # 513965

508-789-9599

catherine.long@citizensbank.com

Start your path to the perfect Nantucket home — scan to speak with Catherine today.

Real Estate by the Numbers

Numbers calculated from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. The best month for number of sales was October 2025 with a total dollar amount of $369,290,000. States that buyers hailed from during the past 6 months: CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TX, VA. Sta琀s琀cs provided by Nantucket Comparable Sales Service.

Number of proper琀es sold during the past 6 months:

193

(includes commercial, lots, 琀meshares, foreclosures, etc.)

Proper琀es sold at an average of 90% of the list price.

Of that,162 were houses, and 24 were lots (“houses” doesn’t always include condos or co­ops, and that number does not include foreclosures)

Average purchase price (rounded): $5,454,000 Houses $1,775,000 Lots

Average 琀me on the market:

7months

Highest dollar sale in the past 6 months: $37,730,000 House $3,840,000 Lot

Lowest dollar sale in the past 6 months: $875,000 House $588,000 Lot

A Force for Good on Nantucket

How a visionary group of island residents created a philanthropic organization that has transformed life on Nantucket

by Suzanne Daub

In 2005, a small group of dedicated Nantucket residents looked at our rapidly growing island community and identified a gap — there was no central organization devoted to coordinating charitable giving and strategically addressing the island's most pressing social needs. For more than a century across the USA, public charities called community foundations had been giving back to their towns by facilitating and pooling donations to address community needs and support local nonprofits. More than 900 are in operation today, including the Community Foundation for Nantucket.

Nantucket has had no shortage of generous donors and passionate nonprofits, but it lacked a group to bring them together effectively when Peggy Gifford, Wade Greene, Reggie Levine, Eileen McGrath, John Miller, Nancy Nelson, Richard Oman, Les Ottinger, and Clarissa Porter gathered to bring a community foundation to our island. They started by establishing an endowment that would be always available to Nantucket. With no angel donor, they raised the money themselves to start the Nantucket FundTM. Two decades later, this endowment still exists, along with dozens of other philanthropic funds managed by CFN.

The Community Foundation for Nantucket (CFN) has a simple but ambitious mission: “to strengthen Nantucket now and for future generations through thoughtful philanthropy and community leadership.”

To address critical issues and support the social, physical, cultural, economic, and environmental conditions essential for island residents to flourish here today, CFN plays several roles. The foundation operates as a grantmaker: strategically awarding grants through the Nantucket FundTM and donor­directed funds to critical island nonprofits. It serves as a charitable resource: providing education, discussion forums, resources, and managerial support to donors, nonpro fits, and the broader community. It acts as a steward: creating and managing funds to ensure a lasting legacy for charitable solutions on the island. And it func tions as a convener: bringing together community leaders to develop collaborative solutions for Nantucket's most critical needs.

This four­part approach reflects an in­depth, sophisticated understanding of how community foundations work best: not just as pass­through funding vehicles, but as civic institutions embedded in the fabric of the communities they serve. All four staff members at the Community Foundation for Nantucket “live on­island and live with our community, so they are informed about what goes on here,” explained CFN’s Executive Director Sunny Daily. Half their large Board of Directors are year­round residents and half are seasonal residents, a combination that adds different perspectives. “We all have differ­

Gardening during Times of Drought

By Greyson Keller President of The Garden Group, Inc. & Landscape Designer at Studio Viburnum

Uisce Beatha

A dram of life, As love in one’s chest, The burn of envy To best the rest.

Dry is the land, Devoid of whiskey, Depths of brown, Death came briskly. Swollen clouds

On the breast of a gale, Cries of relief

As snow turned hail. Snowdrops return, Soil in repose, Spring shall come, The gardener knows.

Uisce Beatha, “water of life,” is the name the Irish once gave to whiskey. I’ve always been drawn to phrases like that, the kind that carry the weight of poetry inside them. The literal translation never quite captures the depth of what the words are really trying to say. After all, whiskey isn’t actually water, though it does add a bit of life to a moment, and “life” itself is far too small a word to contain everything we mean when we say it. Yet somehow the phrase works. It gives a certain music and meaning to something that would otherwise sound mundane.

The more I think about that phrase, the more I realize how much it has to do with the garden. Water itself is easy to over­

look because it is everywhere. It falls from the sky, disappears into the soil, moves quietly through roots and stems. We call it simply “water,” which feels like a strangely dull name for something that creates theater by animating every living thing around us.

In the garden especially, water is not just water. It’s growth. It’s resilience. It’s recovery. And sometimes, it’s survival.

Over the past few years, that reality has become impossible to ignore here on Nantucket. We’ve all watched our landscapes move through long stretches of drought. Gardens turning dusty. Lawns growing brittle. Gardeners quietly scanning the sky for rain like sailors looking for wind.

Last September, during one of those dry stretches, I wrote to a group of clients about the drought and how we might need to let some lawns rest rather than push them through another dry season. One client wrote back with something that stuck with me: “Autumn is full of colors,” she said, “and brown is one of them.” It was a simple reminder that dormancy isn’t failure. Sometimes it’s just the landscape doing what it has always done, pausing, conserving, waiting for rain.

On April 8, the state declared Nantucket in a Level 1 drought, down from months at Level 2 (significant drought). A snowy winter and several heavy rains have brought some relief. Ponds have filled again. Rain gardens have briefly disappeared beneath standing water. Lawns have softened underfoot. Even when the ground becomes a little too wet, it feels like a gift.

Still, many of us suspect these dry stretches may become more common. And when you spend enough time gardening, you eventually realize the real question isn’t how to fight drought. It’s how to garden with it.

A Force for Good

continued from page 9

ent lived experiences here, but at CFN we can come together to work together to keep Nantucket the special place it is,” Daily continued.

Since its founding in 2005, the Community Foundation for Nantucket has grown its assets under management to $31 million. It has established more than 100 philanthropic funds, including Donor­Advised, Designated, Scholarship, and Field of Interest Funds. And it has awarded more than $42 million in grants to nonprofit organizations through all funds held at the foundation.

At the center of CFN's grantmaking work is the Nantucket FundTM, the foundation's signature unrestricted grant resource and the engine that drives much of its community impact: all monies from this fund are spent here on Nantucket Island. It was designed from the beginning to be responsive—to go where the need is greatest, whether that means food security, childcare, mental health, affordable housing, elder services, or transportation. Rather than restricting the fund to a single cause, the founders designed it to be flexible.

The fund's grantmaking process is also distinctive. Every year, the CFN convenes an Advisory Committee comprised of more than 40 community leaders. This committee meets to identify the island's critical needs, and their assessments directly shape which organizations receive grants. It's a model that ensures the foundation stays firmly connected to the realities of island life rather than operating from a distance.

Over the past two decades, the Nantucket FundTM has proven its worth in times of stability and crisis. In 2025, the Nantucket FundTM reached a milestone: it awarded a record $1,000,000 in grants. “What people forget is that anything dealing with problems on Nantucket has a huge price tag,” commented Executive Director Daily. When CFN is asked to address an island challenge, “the first thing we often need to do is stop the hemorrhage, then we look at solutions: what resources are needed... how the issue can be fixed.”

The Community Foundation for Nantucket has earned credibility as a trusted intermediary that can get money to nonprofits without bureaucratic delay, and the island's residents benefits from this reputation. During COVID­19, CFN secured $1.85 million in federal funding to address food insecurity—funds the government gave to CFN specifically because of the foundation's demonstrated ability to direct money quickly and efficiently to those who need it most. In addition to that government funding, CFN distributed more than $2 million in emergency aid to organizations on the front lines of the island's response. For example, by paying some restaurants that had to close during COVID to make and to give out food, CFN kept restaurants working and Nantucket residents fed. All while The Nantucket FundTM continued to grow as a permanent endowment. That dual achievement — serving urgent immediate needs while simultaneously building longterm capacity — is a hallmark of a well­run community foundation.

Last year marked a high point for CFN's grantmaking activity. The Nantucket FundTM awarded grants to 38 nonprofit

BUILDERS

Nantucket Spring Event Highlights

Here are some regularly scheduled autumn events plus a few favorites of the spring season. For a calendar of events updated daily, visit The Insider’s Guide to Nantucket: Nantucket.net.

Spring Festival Fun

April 24 at 10 am to 3 pm ­ Daffodil Festival Bazaar

A collection of items for sale, from professional photography to handcrafted jewelry & other items. Held in Dreamland Theatre Harborview Room. A Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce event

April 24 from 6 to 8 pm ­ Flower Power Party

Celebrate Spring with at this festive event with live music by Billy Voss, dancing, hors d’oeurves, and a first peek at the Nantucket Historical Association’s new 2026 exhibits. Prizes for the “best bloomin’” outfits. Tickets at nha.org or call 508­228­1894 for tickets or to be put on the wait list for this frequently sold­out event.

April 25 ­ 50th Annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival

Everyone is going daffy on Nantucket the last weekend of April for this popular event. The annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival, organized by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce includes an Antique Car Parade (staging begins at 9:30am on Main Street), Daffy Hat Pageant at 10 am & Children’s Bike Parade at 10:30 am (both at Children’s Beach), a NiSHA Daffy Dog Parade (starting around 12:30 pm at Children’s Beach), and a Tailgate Picnic in Siasconset (from 12 noon to 2pm). For more festival details, photos, and events visit DaffodilFestival.com

April 25 & 26 ­ 50th Annual Nantucket Daffodil Show

You won’t believe how many different varieties of daffodils you’ll see at this cornerstone event for Daffy Fest Weekend. Open to the public on Saturday from 2 pm to 5 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm, this fragrant, fun, and flower­filled free show is held this year in the Nantucket Inn, 1 Miller Lane. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted for the Nantucket Island Garden Club’s Island Daffodil Planting Fund. Free shuttle to the show from 10 Washington Street will be offered Saturday, April 25 starting at 2pm. This show is an official show of the American Daffodil Society.

May 27 to 31 ­ Nantucket Wine & Food Festival

With the help of island purveyors, restaurants, and retailers, founder Denis Toner created what would become the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival. When the first vintners arrived to the island and bottles were uncorked, a magical tradition was launched featuring dinners, seminars, tastings, and more. The festival now draws thousands to the island for several days of events with a growing family of vintners, wineries, renowned chefs and restaurants. NWF Luminaries are honored to visit, many return and every year new talent arrives to partake.

NantucketWineFestival.com

June 11­14 ­ Nantucket Book Festival

An annual celebration of the literary arts that brings together authors, book lovers, and storytellers. For one exciting weekend each June, the island of Nantucket transforms into a book lover's paradise, featuring a captivating lineup of author readings, panel discussions, writing workshops, and book signings.

NantucketBookFestival.org

S F

Live Music

Almost Every Day at Cisco...

Nantucket’s famous winery­brewery­distillery is also one of the island’s favorite spots for live music year­round. Every day of the week they feature live bands, some local, some regional, all offering great music for dancing or for listening while you relax with friends. Check out ciscobrewers.com for times and who is playing.

Live Music at The Nantucket Hotel & Resort on Daffodil Festival Weekend

Saturday, April 25 from 5 to 6:30 pm: vocals and Jepthe at the piano on the Front Porch; and 6:30 to 8:30: Jepthe at the piano during Breeze dining.

Sunday, April 26 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm: Guitarist Michaela Mofsen on the Front Porch during Brunch

Live Music at The Brotherhood of Thieves

Live music on Friday and Saturday evenings from 8 pm in the Cisco Surf Bar

Live Music at The Rose & Crown

Live music scheduled throughout the season: theroseandcrown.com

Nantucket Community Music Center Programs...

Youth & Adult Choirs, Community Jazz Band, Drop­In Beginner Ukulele on Monday evenings, Celtic Slow Sessions on Wednesdays, Rock Band after School, plus classes and workshops and programs. See the schedule at NantucketMusic.org.

May 2 at 4 pm: Dreamland Concert Series Creeque Alley: Folk Rock of the 1960s

This acoustic duo featuring New England musicians Sean Fullerton and Dan Kirouac pay tribute to traditional American Folk and Flower Power Folk Rock hits from the 60s. Performance will include an array of folk­rock classics from a golden era that will include the timeless music of Bob Dylan, the Byrds, Woody Guthrie, the Mamas and the Papas, Youngbloods, Barry Mcguire, & more. Tickets $23; $10 Dreamland members at nantucketdreamland.org.

May 3 at 4 pm: Power to the People:

John & Yoko Plastic Ono Band

Originally filmed by multi­camera director Steve Gebhardt in 1972, this 2026 version of the concert film includes John’s New York City, Instant Karma!, Imagine, and Mother, plus Yoko’s Don’t Worry Kyoko and Open Your Box, plus rousing renditions of Come Together & Hound Dog and encore Give Peace a Chance with special guests Stevie Wonder, Melanie, and many others. Tickets at nantucketdreamland.org.

May 10 at 2 pm: Metropolitan Opera: Eugene Onegin

Following her acclaimed 2024 company debut in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, soprano Asmik Grigorian returns to the Met as Tatiana, the lovestruck young heroine in this ardent operatic adaptation of Pushkin. Tickets at nantucketdreamland.org.

on page 13

Live Theatre, Comedy, & Film

April 22 at 6:30 pm: Dreamland Film for Thought: Cresta Alta

An Earth Day presentation of Film for Thought with the Risan Project, featuring the documentary film CRESTA ALTA, a director meetand­greet from 6:30­7pm (with a cash bar), a welcome from director Todd Anders Johnson, the film, and a panel discussion with experts, along with an audience Q&A.

Tickets at NantucketDreamland.org.

April 23 at 7 pm: Thursday Open Mic Nights in The Dreamland

Bring your varied talents to The Dreamland’s Harborview Room on Thursday evenings to perform in a supportive and fun environment! These weekly gatherings are a great place to work out new stand­up material, sing a song you’ve been waiting to share, or tell a heartfelt story. Refreshments at the concessions counter.

Admission is free but reserve a ticket as space is limited.

Tickets at nantucketdreamland.org.

Again on April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28, and June 4

April 25 at 10:30 am: Cinema for the Very Young in The Dreamland

Bring your little ones to The Dreamland for a sensory­friendly Rated G or All Ages screening of a film/series (titles will not be announced in advance). Tickets are free & available online or at the box office. All children in attendance must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver throughout the 90­minute program. Lights will be left on at medium strength and the volume of the screening turned down to a moderate level to accommodate & encourage socialization. Tickets at nantucketdreamland.org

Again on April 28, May 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30, and June 2, 6, and 9

May 9 at 6 pm: Special Screening:

2026 International Fly­Fishing Film Festival

A welcome reception in the Harborview Room (cash bar & lite bites) at 6 pm before the third annual presentation in the Main Theatre of the world’s most stunning fly­fishing short films in the 2026 International Fly­Fishing Film Festival. The International FlyFishing Film festival consists of films by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe and showcases the passion, lifestyle, and culture of fly fishing. It is the gathering place of the fly­fishing community and a celebration of friendship, fly­fishing stories and stoke. Tickets at nantucketdreamland.org

May 17 at 9:30 am: NCTV Filmmaking Workshop

NCTV is hosting a free workshop upstairs at the Dreamland Studio Theater. Community members will come together to learn fundamentals, workshop ideas, and network with one another. Participants MUST reserve a free ticket for entry.

May 23: NEW Moon Fest

An evening gathering from 5 to 10 pm in the ‘Sconset Casino, 10 New Street, Siasconset, that features inspiring short films that illuminate the voices of women storytellers, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, + a silent auction to benefit Nantucket Community Television's mission to foster quality programming that educates, informs, & inspires the people of Nantucket.

Tickets $150 at NewMoonFest.org

June 5 to 20: Eureka Day by Theatre Workshop of Nantucket

At the progressive “Eureka Day School” in Berkeley, California, a mumps outbreak forces the members of the school’s parent/administrator executive committee to confront a crisis they never imagined. Priding themselves consensus based decisions, the committee grapples with a vaccine­health­policy issue that splinters their community. What begins as polite negotiation rapidly descends into raw ideological conflict. Marked by biting humor,

rapid­fire dialogue and serious stakes, the play is both a farce and a mirror: it skewers extreme viewpoints, but also holds tenderness for parents trying to do right by their kids. It asks: is there still room for doubt in a world where everyone demands certainty? And: what happens when the tools of inclusion become barriers to action? This dark comedy won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. Tickets at theatrenantucket.org.

Enjoy Island Art...

June 22 from 5­7 pm ­ AAN’s Environmental Artist in Residence Reception & Talk

Join the Artists Association of Nantucket at their Champion Gallery, 24 Amelia Drive, for a special Earth Day celebration & reception for AAN’s Environmental Artist in Residence, Aurora Goodland. Explore work Goodland has created during her residency, alongside collaborative pieces developed with community members. Aurora will share insights into her process and experience, followed by a conversation focused on the environmental challenges facing Nantucket in a changing climate. Light bites & refreshments will be served. Details at NantucketArts.org

Artists Association of Nantucket Events: NantucketArts.org

April 23 to May 12: Spring Forward in Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery

April 24 from 5­7 pm: Spring Forward Opening Reception, 8 Federal Street

May 23 & 24: Environmental Artist in Residence: Jenny Hersh in the VAC, Amelia Drive

May 12 to June 5: Spring II Adult Class Session

May 14 to June 2: Sea Sky Earth Wind in Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery

May 24 to June 6: Artist in Residence: Jaimee Todd in the VAC, Amelia Drive

June 4 to June 23: Chasing Light in Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery

June 7­20: Artist in Residence: Tim Horn in the VAC, Amelia Drive

April, May, & June ­ Decorative Arts Classes, Workshops, Gams The Nantucket Historical Association’s Decorative Arts programs are dedicated to celebrating and reviving Nantucket’s rich tradition of early American decorative arts. Classes include Sailors’ Valentines, textiles, needlework, scrimshaw, calligraphy, penwork, metalsmithing, decorative papers, carving, and more, plus DropIn Craft Gams. Registration for classes & more details at nha.org.

June 12 to 18 ­ Plein Air Nantucket Festival 2026

The Artists Association of Nantucket welcomes all our community and visitors to set up their easels anywhere on Nantucket and then exhibit their fresh works in AAN’s Big Gallery, upstairs at 12 Straight Wharf. Details at NantucketArts.org

...and Island History

Nantucket Whaling Museum Open

Through May 22, the world­class Nantucket Whaling Museum at 13 Broad Street is open Mon.­Sat. from 10 am to 4 pm + the Sunday of Daffodil Festival, April 26. The museum has permanent and rotating exhibitions in 9 premium galleries & more than a thousand works of art, artifacts, and treasures that tell our island’s stories across four centuries. Daily programs, spotlight tours, films, and a spectacular view from Tucker’s Roofwalk. Starting May 23, museum hours change to 10 am to 5 pm daily, with occasional closures for special events. Details and tickets at nha.org.

on page 51

Unique Homes, Uniquely for You

6 Fargo Way | Wauwinet

$9,995,000

5 BR | 4 BA

4 Red Mill Lane | Town $6,795,000 5

59 LEPPS[IPP PERI Å (6604440444 [exivjvsrx wixxmrk sr xli Gpmjj {mxl w{iitmrk zmi{w sj xli levfsv2 Fsewxmrk tvmzexi wxemvw xs xli fiegl0 xlmw mw e vevi glergi xs s{r e tmigi sj RerxygoixŸw gsewxpmri2

5 RSVXL FIEGL WXVIIX RERXYGOIX0 QE 46998

94<266<266:: : QEMR WXVIIX WMEWGSRWIX0 QE 469:8 94<269;2:779

= TPIEWERX WXVIIX Å (540==90444 Jypp} viwxsvih erxmuyi lsqi mr xli lievx sj Xs{r jiexyvmrk jmzi fihvssqw egvsww jsyv jpssvw sj pmzmrk wtegi2 Xlmw sri1sj1e1omrh wxexip} erh lmwxsvmg sjjivmrk epps{w jsv tpirx} sj i|terwmsr2

69: TSPTMW VSEH Å (7704440444 I|gitxmsrep :2861egvi iwxexi {mxl e kyiwx lsywi0 fsex lsywi0 erh hmvigx {exiv eggiww xs Tsptmw Levfsv2 Qewxivjypp} gsqtpixih xir1fihvssq lsqi f} Fsxxmgippm erh Tslp Evglmxigxw2

Jmrh ]syv Rerxygoix2

25 NORTH PASTURE LANE

25 North Pasture Lane is a newly built estate set on one of Nantucket’s highest elevations, offering sweeping views over Middle Moors conservation land. Located in the coveted North Pasture enclave near the Polpis Bike Path and just minutes to Town, the property blends privacy with modern design.

The home features over 6,000 sq ft across three levels, with four ensuite bedrooms, multiple living areas, and custom finishes throughout. An infinity-edge pool, spa, and cabana complete this exceptional, turn-key offering. Bruce

Beni

A Force for Good

continued from page 11

organizations providing critical services across the island. The breadth of recipients reflects the full spectrum of community need — from mental health and addiction services to arts programs, youth development, elder care, housing, environmental education, and emergency services.

Among the 2025 Nantucket FundTM grant recipients are organizations including A Safe Place (Trauma Therapy Program), Addiction Solutions Nantucket, the Artists Association of Nantucket, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape & Islands, Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation, Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, Fairwinds, Habitat for Humanity, Health Imperatives, Housing Nantucket, Mass Audubon Nantucket Sanctuaries, Montessori Children's House of Nantucket, the Nantucket Center for Elder Affairs, Nantucket Community Music Center, Nantucket Community School, Nantucket Dreamland Foundation, Nantucket Interfaith Council, Nantucket Pride, Nantucket S.T.A.R., New England LifeFlight, Our House, PASCON, Rising Tide Preschool, Small Friends on Nantucket, St. Paul's Church, The Maria Mitchell Association, The Nantucket Book Foundation, The Warming Place, and more.

In addition to the annual grant cycle, CFN's board voted in 2025 to award three special Community Investment Grants from The Nantucket FundTM to address urgent needs identified by its Advisory Committee and nonprofit partners. These grants targeted three of the island's pressing challenges: expanding access to preschool for Nantucket children, strength­

ening the sustainability of the island's primary counseling center, and helping secure a more permanent location for the island's food pantry.

CFN also oversees more than 100 philanthropic funds of different types. Donor­Advised Funds allow individual donors to make charitable contributions, receive an immediate tax benefit, and then recommend grants to nonprofits over time. These Donor Advisory Funds are passively managed: “We work with Greater Horizons—they specialize in community foundations,” explained Daily. “If you set up a Donor Advisory Fund... you choose an investment strategy and Greater Horizons follows that.”

Designated Funds direct money to specific organizations or causes chosen by the donor. Field of Interest Funds support a broad cause — such as the arts, education, healthcare, or environmental conservation—giving the foundation flexibility to direct money where it is needed most within that category. Scholarship Funds provide support for Nantucket students.

In addition to the Nantucket FundTM, Initiative Funds, Donor Advised Funds, Scholarship Funds, CFN also handles the Remain Fund, and the Community Wind Fund. “Sometimes our funds can be confusing,” commented Daily, “the OffShore Wind Community Fund for example: just because we hold the fund does not mean we support the effort, it does mean that the money stays on Nantucket.”

One of CFN's most personal forms of impact is its community scholarship program. The foundation awards 18 scholarships each year totaling more than $90,000, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. The 2026 CFN schol­

continued on page 52

No detail has been overlooked in the stunning renovation of this historic house, ideally located in the heart of Nantucket Town. With thoughtful design and the highest standards of construction, this property is poised to endure for the next century and beyond. Spanning over 5,000 square feet across three beautifully finished levels, it boasts multiple living areas, six ensuite bedrooms, exquisite custom cabinetry, paneling, and newly built fireplaces throughout. The top floor features a fully contained suite complete with a living room, a bedroom with a full bath, five ship’s bunks, and second full bath. Enjoy easy access to the roof walk, where you can take in panoramic views of Nantucket Harbor and Coatue. Interior design by Nantucket Looms, this remarkable residence is now ready for occupancy, offered fully furnished. Adjacent vacant lot is also available for purchase.

$10,995,000 | Penny Dey

SURFSIDE

Hear the ocean from this very high-end home that lives large on one acre in Surfside. House is like new and was built to the highest standards of construction and finishes. Total of 13 rooms includes 3 spacious bedrooms, 4+ high-end bathrooms and with a 6-bedroom septic system. Expansion potential and pool possible.

$4,350,000 | Penny Dey

HEART OF TOWN

$4,500,000 | Penny Dey

This property is situated in the middle of the Town’s historic district, offering a unique opportunity for buyers or investors. It is comprised of three distinct structures, each with its own character and potential uses. The centerpiece is the Priest Barn, built in 1870, a historic building relocated from an Ohio Farm in 2024. This barn features original timber framing and preserved antique details, showcasing craftsmanship from its era. Adjacent to the barn is a charming one-story cottage with a deck, providing comfortable living or guest accommodations. Nearby, there is a secondary dwelling unit that includes a garage on the first floor and a studio apartment on the second floor, offering versatile options for rental income, guest or employee housing, or additional living space. The property’s layout and historic features present numerous possibilities for development or adaptive reuse. It could serve as a private residence with guest facilities, a boutique event venue, or a combination of both. Its location within the historic district enhances its appeal, providing proximity to local amenities, cultural sites, and scenic surroundings. Overall, this property offers a rare blend of historic charm and functional versatility, making it a valuable asset for a variety of purposes.

MINUTES FROM MAIN STREET

Ideally located just minutes from Main Street, this distinguished circa-1800 residence presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of history with modern sophistication. The beautifully landscaped grounds, complete with mature plantings and three off-street parking spaces, set the stage. Inside, grand ceilings, five working fireplaces, and bespoke designer finishes define the interiors. Carefully executed upgrades preserve the home’s architectural integrity while elevating everyday living.

$4,295,000 | Linda Bellevue

COASTAL COTTAGE

Discover this charming single-story cottage offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and direct beach access. Designed for comfortable and effortless living, featuring spacious living areas with soaring vaulted ceilings that enhance the sense of space and light. Large doors open onto an expansive deck, providing an ideal setting for relaxing and entertaining while overlooking the pristine beach. Two bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Wake up to the sounds of the waves and enjoy stunning sunsets and sunrises from the comfort of this home.

$2,995,000 | Penny Dey

SEA STREET LAND

Rare and conforming flat lot located in the Residential Old Historic District with plans by Normand Residential Design for a 5 bedroom, 5+ bath home. Potential harbor views from the second floor. Excellent central location in the heart of Nantucket Town.

$2,950,000 | Penny Dey

BITTERSWEET LANE - VACANT LAND

Pastoral privacy on this vacant lot of over 20,000 square feet located a short hop from downtown. The lot has Town water and sewer and can have a primary and secondary dwelling. Rare offering.

$1,475,000 | Penny Dey

UNLOCK YOUR ISLAND INVESTMENT

Five Miacomet offers a rare opportunity to own a multi-use building with a strong history as an antique store and auction house. Built in 1983, the structure features large warehouse space and a second floor two-bedroom apartment. Located in R5 Zoning which allows for a main house, cottage and accessory dwelling unit, this oversized lot of 20,000 square feet allows for potential sub-division with multiple income producing configurations.

$2,750,000 | Peter DuPont

Penny Dey, Principal Broker, GRI, ABRM

Linda Bellevue, GRI, CBR

Heidi Drew, ABR, RSPS, SRS

Peter DuPont

Angel Conrad Frazier

Mary D. Malavase, GRI, ABR, SRS, RSPS

Meg Ruley, ABR, RSPS

Lisa Sherburne, ABR, RSPS

Melinda Vallett

Geri Walker, RSPS, SFR

Mary O’Donnell, Office Manager

Erikka Perkins, Admin: Bus. Operations

Yesenia Valer, Office Manager

Events

continued from page 13

Nantucket Historical Association Historic Sites

The Hadwen House on upper Main Street opens May 23. This Greek Revival mansion was built in 1846 by whaling merchant and silver retailer William Hadwen at the peak of Nantucket’s prosperity as the whaling capital of the world. The home is one of the most elaborate examples of Greek revival architecture on the island and the only publicly accessible mansion of its age in the area. The NHA’s Friends Meeting House, Research Library, Oldest House, Greater Light, and other sites will open for the 2026 season in June. Details and tickets at nha.org.

Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum Open Opening for 2026 on May 25, the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum, an affiliate of Egan Maritime Institute, is dedicated to honoring Nantucket's history of shipwrecks, lifesaving, and rescuers. They offer many programs for families. The museum sits at the edge of Folger’s Marsh, and the grounds are open year­round; with stunning views, this is a great spot to enjoy a picnic or watch the variety of birds on the marsh. Museum tickets and program details at EganMaritime.org

Walking Tours focusing on Nantucket History

Starting in May, Nantucket Historical Association guides offer walking tours of the downtown area departing at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Hear about the rise & fall of the whaling industry and how Nantucket is a place where past and present exist side­byside. Tours depart from the Whaling Museum lobby: tickets at nha.org & at the front desk of the Whaling Museum, 13 Broad Street. Details and tickets at nha.org.

Lighthouse Open Day ­ June 20 from 10 am to 3 pm

Twice a year Sankaty Lighthouse in Siasconset is open to the public, weather permitting. If you want to climb to the top of this historic lighthouse, arrive early (event ends promptly), wear appropriate footwear (no flip­flops). Children must be age 7 or older to climb, and no backpacks are permitted. Details: SconsetTrust.org

Maritime Fun

Boat Charters aboard:

The Endeavor ­ Captain James Genthner offers daily sailing cruises around the waters of Nantucket aboard a Friendship Sloop. Sunset cruises every evening in­season, endeavorsailing.com • 508­228­5585

Nantucket by Water ­ Trips for all ages, including: Sunset Cruises, Harbor Tours, Ice Cream Cruises, Cocktail Cruises, Oyster Farm Cruise, and Sip & Fish. nantucketbywater.com • 508­228­7037

Meet Nantucket’s Natural World

May 15 & 16 ­ Maria Mitchell Association Bird­a­Thon 2026 How many birds can local birders find in twenty­four hours? From 5 pm Friday, May 15 through 5 pm Saturday, May 16, the Maria Mitchell Association invites birders on Nantucket of all ages, experienced and novice, to participate in their annual Bird­A­Thon. At the end, birders gather to pool their lists and see how many species were here during that period of time. The goal of the MMA Bird­A­Thon is to encourage participants to notice birds in their daily lives. Details & registration at mariamitchell.org

June 6 at 8 am ­ Clean Water Classic Community Paddle Event Meet at 76 Washington Street. This event is $50 per person. Funds raised will benefit Nantucket Land & Water Council’s Water Fund, which supports projects like eelgrass restoration in Nantucket Harbor, Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) monitoring, the eelgrass­friendly mooring initiative, and more. NLWC will supply kayaks and paddleboards; participants are welcome to bring their own equipment if they prefer. Wind/water date is June 7. Sign up at Nantucketlandwater.org

June 7 from 10 am to 2 pm ­ Annual Family Picnic Day Live music & performances, food trucks, yard games, and more. Free admission (bring money for the food trucks) hosted by Nantucket Land Bank at The Creeks Preserve, 50 Milestone Road. Rain date is June 14.

Nantucket Walkabout Guided Wilderness Hikes

Offering natural history walks on Nantucket's protected lands all over the island. Hikes inform on how, geologically, the island was created by the last glacier, how Nantucket got its unique collection of plants and wildlife, how and when Native Americans and European settlers impacted the island's natural world, conservation efforts, and what the future may hold for Nantucket. WalkNantucket.com

Coskata­Coatue Wildlife Refugethetrustees.org/place/coskata­coatue­wildlife­refuge

This wild, remote barrier beach has rolling maritime dunes that cover more than 1,000 acres. The Cedars, a red cedar savannah & woodland, is the largest of its kind in New England. Coskata Woods is a mature maritime oak forest with gnarled, windblown trees. Gray & harbor seals feed in the Great Point riptide & use nearby beach as a haul­out. Permits are required to drive in the refuge. Certain times of year restrictions on driving are in place due to wildlife; check online for updates.

Linda Loring Nature Foundation ­ llnf.org for spring schedule

The Linda Loring Nature Foundation is dedicated to being stewards of the property and fostering learning that promotes environmental literacy. Walking trails, field trips, environmental education programs, and collaborative activities with partner organizations. Spring events include webinars, walks, Science Pub talks, and more.

Maria Mitchell Associationmariamitchell.org for spring schedule

With its Aquarium, Natural Science Museum, Historic Mitchell House, Vestal Street Observatory, and the Loines Observatory, the Maria Mitchell Association offers exhibits and programs featuring science education and research. Spring MMA events include: Biological Collections Open Hours, Nature Story Hour, “Sensational Science,” Ravenous Reptiles, and Open Nights (stargazing) at the Maria Mitchell Loines Observatory. A special 2026 Stargazer Gala A Night at the Circus Fundraising Event will be held July 23. Tickets at mariamitchell.org

Nantucket Conservation Foundationnantucketconservation.org for spring schedule

The weekly walks, Tidal Treks, Ecology Excursions, Kayak Paddles, and wellness practices held this year by NCF will help you to explore and connect you with NCF’s mission of land conservation. The 9000+ acres of open space they owns and conserve is a gift to the adventurous, the nature­lovers, and the engaged citizens of our island community. Whether a year­round resident or a short­time visitor, these conservation lands hold a special connection or memory.

A Force for Good

continued from page 32

arships will be announced at a special ceremony this June.

The scholarships are as varied as the community they serve. They support Nantucket High School seniors and graduates pursuing studies in fields ranging from the culinary arts, fine arts, and art therapy to mathematics, education, and business. Several scholarships carry special eligibility criteria reflecting the values and passions of their donors: one supports students committed enriching the lives of children, others favor students interested in arts and theater, and yet another prioritizes students pursuing government or civil service or entrepreneurship career paths. Some scholarships honor beloved community members who have passed, carrying forward a legacy of generosity in their names.

One of the less visible but critically important aspects of CFN's work is the administrative and fiduciary complexity it manages on behalf of our community. This requires sophisticated investment management, rigorous financial oversight, and deep compliance expertise. CFN has earned high recognitions in the nonprofit sector for meeting those standards. It holds the National Standards accreditation from the Council on Foundations—the sector's most rigorous certification of operational excellence—and earned a Platinum Seal from Candid (formerly GuideStar) in 2025, reflecting its commitment to the highest levels of transparency and accountability.

“Without the CFN,” commented Sunny Daily, “Nantucket would be wildly different...so much happens [at CFN] behind the scenes throughout the year...We try to look at the whole system: what can we address now and what needs to be addressed three or five years from now...We are such a rural community: we cannot just bring people over from other towns... so the convening [actions of CFN are] here is the problem, here are the factors we must solve for.

“We try to be a trusted partner from a donor standpoint and from the nonprofit standpoint...we are in a position where we can say [to nonprofits] ‘what do you need,’ and I feel grateful that they trust us to tell us what their struggles are...a lot of these nonprofits (especially the small ones) we help them find donors and get out their message,” said Daily.

“Any dollar amount is gratefully accepted whether you donate $10 or $10,000...money given to The Nantucket FundTM is pooled, and all that money stays on Nantucket.” Over the years, our Nantucket community has been responsive: “a lot of the donors find us: they are a friend of a friend or people who have experienced programs they love...they then come to a grant ceremony and learn about all the other programs. Then they want to become part of a larger organization that can preserve our community as a place they love.”

This March, a Community Investment Grant from the Nantucket FundTM, a private Community Foundation Donor Advised Fund holder, and the Nantucket Golf Club Foundation worked together, with each committing $100,000, to launch a one­year Preschool Family Support Pilot Program in partnership with the Town of Nantucket’s Health and Human Services Department. This $300,000 philanthropic investment will provide tuition assistance to working families with 3­ and 4­yearolds enrolled in licensed Nantucket preschool programs during

the 2026–2027 school year. The program is designed to serve families and has quarterly reporting to ensure accountability and measurable impact.

“This is exactly the kind of initiative that philanthropy is uniquely positioned to catalyze,” said Sunny Daily, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Nantucket. “By bringing donors together, we can provide immediate relief to families while building the data, outcomes, and community support needed to transition a locally tailored preschool subsidy model into a lasting public investment.”

What may be most striking about the Community Foundation for Nantucket is not any single grant or program, but the durability of the organization. From housing affordability, behavioral health, food insecurity, childcare access, and elder care our island faces genuine challenges, and they are not going away. But Nantucket has something many communities lack: a well­capitalized, professionally managed, deeply connected philanthropic institution dedicated to addressing them.

The foundation is fulfilling its founding group’s original vision to address today's needs and to build a permanent endowment that will serve Nantucket's residents for generations to come. And for the nonprofit organizations, students, families, and individuals whose lives are touched by CFN's work each year, the foundation’s work has been transformative.

“Community Foundation for Nantucket is for our community: whether you are a major donor or if you have never donated, whether you are a nonprofit needing assistance or a student applying for scholarships, there is a space for everyone.” Executive Director Daily encourages island residents to learn more about CFN: “We want to hear from the community about their needs. We are a resource for Nantucket and we cannot do that if we are not communicating with Nantucket residents. If you really love something about Nantucket, come and have a conversation with us.”

The Community Foundation for Nantucket has offices at 9B Bayberry Court • 508­825­9993 • cfnan.org

$11,950,000

Explore Nantucket, With Our Local Expertise

Beyond our transaction expertise, we share our island expertise. From our deep market knowledge and real-time analytics to knowing the best fishing, dining and on-island adventures firsthand, Fisher has you covered. We go beyond helping our clients buy and sell their homes. We help make their whole island experience a memorable one.

With listings changing rapidly, please visit the link above for the most up-to-date Fisher exclusives, recent island activity and all updates in the Nantucket Real Estate market.

Leading source for Nantucket real estate data. Download our monthly and annual reports or view our interactive tables and charts using the link above.

An informative and essential source for local favorites, including dining guides, family activities, fishing tips and so much more.

VISIT THE LINK TO EXPLORE FISHER’S LOCAL TRAVEL GUIDE: ack.fish/guide26

Surfside 5 Nonantum Avenue | Land

$3,850,000 | Sue Jemison

Town 6 Straight Wharf | Commercial

$3,159,000 | Max Perkins

Mid-Island

15 Point Judith Lane | 3 BR 2 BA

$1,825,000 | Jim Houghton

Town 32 Union Street | 5 BR 5.5 BA

$6,595,000 | Deb Killen & Josh Lothian

Town 26 Milk Street | 3 BR 2 BA

$3,150,000 | Melanie Gowen

14 & 16 Sheep Pong | 4 BR 3.5 BA

$1,800,000 | Robert Young

Gardening in Times of Drought

continued from page 10

That realization isn’t new. Gardeners have been learning how to live with dry landscapes for a long time. One of the people who understood this better than most was Beth Chatto. In Essex, England, she created what would become her famous gravel garden on what had once been little more

than a dry parking area. Instead of trying to force lushness through constant irrigation, she chose plants that were naturally comfortable with the conditions she had. The result was something remarkable. Once established, the garden thrived largely on rainfall alone, yet it never appeared sparse or deprived. It was full, textured, and alive. Chatto showed something many gardeners eventually discover for themselves. A garden doesn’t need endless water to feel vibrant. It simply needs plants that understand the landscape they’re growing in.

That way of thinking about dry gardens didn’t end with her. Over the years I came across the work of a French plantsman named Olivier Filippi. His book The Dry Gardening Handbook reads almost like a field guide to how plants survive where water is scarce. What I appreciate about his work is that he doesn’t talk about drought as a problem to solve so much as a condition to understand.

Once you start looking closely, you begin to see that many plants are already equipped for the kind of dry spells we experience here. Some wear silvery foliage that reflects sunlight and softens the heat of summer afternoons. Others carry aromatic oils, the same scents we notice when brushing past rosemary or thyme, which help slow the loss of moisture through their leaves. And many develop deep, determined root systems that wander far below the soil surface, gently searching for water long after the top few inches have turned to dust.

Once you start noticing these strategies, you see them everywhere. The soft silver shimmer of artemisia catching the afternoon light. The resinous scent of sage warming in the

continued on page 65

sun. Grasses swaying the way little bluestem dances in the warm moorland breeze.

Out here on Nantucket, that sandy soil is both our challenge and our advantage. Water drains quickly, which means plants that like wet feet rarely last long. But sand also warms early in spring and allows roots to travel freely, sometimes surprisingly deep. With the right plants, that loose coastal soil can support gardens that are far more resilient than they first appear.

And, of course, the plants also have to survive our other persistent problem: the quiet nightly patrol of deer moving through the neighborhood like polite but persistent dinner guests.

Over time most gardeners here learn to lean toward plants that can hold their own. Things with texture, fragrance, or a little natural resistance. Lavender, rosemary, yarrow, nepeta, salvias, grasses, and the silvery perennials that seem to thrive in sun and salt.

But choosing the right plants is only part of the story. One of the more surprising lessons about drought gardening is that the real work often happens underground. Soil that is healthy and well structured behaves like a sponge, catching rain when it arrives and holding onto it longer than we might imagine. Even sandy soil can begin to do this when it develops stronger internal structure, something soil scientists call aggregation.

Deep­rooted plants help create those channels. Reduced tillage keeps them intact. And beneath it all, an unseen network of fungal threads quietly binds soil par ticles together, strengthening the ground and helping it hold both moisture and life. In many ways water becomes the invisible thread that

11 Sesapana Road

Sun-drenched living meets 100+ acres of serene conservation land. This 3-bedroom, 3-bath gem sits on nearly an acre in the sought-after Middle Moore’s neighborhood. Enjoy immediate access to walking trails and bike paths, all while being less than 10 minutes from both Main Street and South Shore beaches. The unique, open layout features three bedrooms and three full bathrooms, complemented by an expansive second living room. A signi昀cant value-add is the brandnew four-bedroom IA septic system, which supports the home’s future growth.

$2,995,000

Sheila Carroll Agent | Sales & Rentals Sheila@maurypeople.com

508.560.0488

stitches the garden together, moving from sky to soil to root in a slow and steady cycle. When the soil is alive, that thread holds longer than we expect. And when the rain finally arrives after a dry stretch, it reminds us of something gardeners have always known. Water may seem unremarkable when it is plentiful. But in the garden it is often the most ordinary miracle of all.

For all the philosophy and plant talk, there is one simple thing you can do this spring that will quietly make your garden more resilient when the dry days return. Plant something that roots deeply. Out here on Nantucket, our sandy soil allows roots to travel surprisingly far below the surface. Plants like little bluestem, yarrow, and lavender send roots downward where moisture lingers long after the topsoil has dried. Little bluestem especially, the same grass you see dancing across the moors in late summer, sends roots deep into the sand, where they help open pathways for both water and life below the surface. Over time, those roots create tiny channels that help rain move deeper into the ground and remain available longer. In a way the plants become their own mulch, shading the soil above while quietly improving it below.

It’s a small act, planting one more grass, one more perennial, one more plant that knows how to live with the landscape we have. But those roots will keep working long after the planting day is over. And when the next dry spell arrives, as it eventually will, the garden will be a little better prepared to meet it.

The Irish call whiskey Uisce Beatha, the water of life. And in the garden, we are reminded that water itself deserves the name.

42 North Liberty Street

Tucked away down a private, shell-lined driveway in the heart of Nantucket’s Historic District, this retreat balances a prime location near Main Street with secluded tranquility. The light-昀lled interior is centered around a classic wood-burning 昀replace, while the open kitchen and dining area—featuring cathedral ceilings and pine 昀ooring —昀ow seamlessly into the outdoors. This exterior sanctuary includes a private brick patio enveloped by lush gardens near Lily Pond, providing a serene space for relaxation. Currently a two-bedroom, twobathroom home, the property offers a rare opportunity to be enjoyed as a cozy escape or expanded using the remaining ground cover.

$2,895,000

NAREB COMMITTEES 2026

Thank you to these individuals and businesses who have stepped up to volunteer their 琀me for the Nantucket Associa琀on of Real Estate Brokers this year.

Annual Town Mee琀ng Commi琀ee

Brian Sullivan, Chair

Debbie Dilworth

Stephen Maury

Execu琀ve Commi琀ee

Debbie Dilworth, President

Penny Dey, Past President

Brian Sullivan, Vice President

Susan Shepherd, Treasurer

Kate Ranney Sayle, Secretary

Robert Sarkisian, Member at Large Lisa Winn, Member at Large

Educa琀on Commi琀ee

Marion Roland Conley, Chair

Lara Hanson

Liza Ha琀on Laura Belair

Lis琀ng Service Oversight

Kate Ranney Sayle, Chair

Lara Hanson

Amber Cantella

Susan Shepherd

Marion Roland Conley

Marybeth Gilmar琀n

Susan Lazarus

Lisa Sherburne

Publica琀ons Commi琀ee

Bruce Beni, Chair

BROKER DIRECTORY

BROKER DIRECTORY

BROKER | RENTAL AGENT

508.257.1152 (C) |

www.leerealestate.com

SALES & RENTAL AGENT

781.710.1277 (C) | 508.325.5800 (O) PETER@LEEREALESTATE.COM

www.leerealestate.com | @leerealestatenantucket 10 South Beach Street, Nantucket MA 02554

508.325.2073 (C) |

MIMI@LEEREALESTATE.COM

www.leerealestate.com

508.901.9890

www.leerealestate.com

JEANNE HICKS

SALES & RENTAL AGENT

508.680.6587 (C) | 508.325.5800 (O)

JEANNE@LEEREALESTATE.COM

www.leerealestate.com | @leerealestatenantucket

10 South Beach Street, Nantucket MA 02554

MAYA KEARNS

SALES & RENTAL AGENT

508.517.8039 (C) | 508.325.5800 (O)

MAYA@LEEREALESTATE.COM

www.leerealestate.com | @leerealestatenantucket 10 South Beach Street, Nantucket MA 02554 KIRI MCPOLAND

SALES & RENTAL AGENT

508.221.6688 (C) | 508.325.5800 (O)

KIRI@LEEREALESTATE.COM

www.leerealestate.com @leerealestatenantucket 10 South Beach Street, Nantucket MA 02554

JODY PREUSSER

SALES & RENTAL AGENT

727.459.6498 (C) | 508.325.5800 (O) JODY@LEEREALESTATE.COM

www.leerealestate.com | @leerealestatenantucket 10 South Beach Street, Nantucket MA 02554

Sheila Carroll Agent | Sales and Rentals

Sheila@maurypeople.com 508.228.1881 ext. 129 cell: 508.560.0488 37 Main Street, Nantucket, MA 02554 maurypeople.com

BROKER DIRECTORY

BROKER DIRECTORY

Nantucket by Design Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Honoree Bunny Williams

Nantucket by Design, the island’s premier design­focused fundraiser, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026. Over the past decade, this event has brought together the nation’s leading designers, architects, and tastemakers to support the Nantucket Historical Association (NHA), all while showcasing exceptional creativity and innovation in design.

As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, Nantucket by Design has officially released its All­Access tickets, offering early access to this year’s highly anticipated programming. The 2026 program will feature an exciting lineup of renowned voices, including this year’s Design Luncheon speakers Tom Scheerer and Cordelia de Castellane with moderator Steele Marcoux, editor­in­chief of Veranda magazine. The full lineup will be announced before individual ticket sales launch on April 29.

To mark this milestone year, Nantucket by Design will honor acclaimed designer Bunny Williams as the 2026 Legacy Circle Honoree, recognizing her longstanding influence on the design industry and her meaningful contributions to the event, including participating as our first Design Luncheon speaker. “Bunny’s involvement with Nantucket by Design has been in­

valuable,” said Lucinda Ballard, NHA Board President. “We are thrilled to celebrate her achievements and to honor the collective impact of our past chairs, speakers, and luminaries, whose generosity and creativity have benefited the Nantucket Historical Association.”

Looking ahead to July 2026, Nantucket by Design will continue to celebrate the artistry of design with dynamic programming, offering new experiences for attendees and fresh opportunities to support the NHA’s mission of preservation, education, and community engagement while commemorating a successful decade. “We are so grateful to the visionary chairs who came before us, whose dedication has shaped Nantucket by Design into the inspiring event it is today,” said Bill Richards and Marla Sanford, co­chairs of Nantucket by Design. “Their efforts have paved the way for a decade of incredible design, philanthropy, and community impact and we are proud to build upon the strong foundation established by past chairs, including Stacey Bewkes and Olivia Charney (2022–2023), Kelly Williams (2020–2021), Phoebe Tudor (2017–2019), and Maureen Bousa (2016).”