Lily Street is one of Nantucket's most charming and sought after in-town streets. Within walking distance to town and beaches, it also backs up to the Lily Pond, a much loved conservation area. Residents get the best of both worlds: easy access to town, yet the tranquility of being alongside a protected area. The quiet is interrupted only by the occasional chirping of birds.

The house itself is charming, and captures the true history of Nantucket. Built in 1820 by the last of Nantucket's famed whaling captains, Edward Coffin, the traditional gray-shingled house has kept its original Federal style and Victorian details, yet has also been updated to capture all of today's conveniences. The house is furnished with antiques, reinforcing the feeling of being transported back to a more gracious time.

When you walk through the front door, you enter a warm and inviting living room with an exposed brick wood burning fireplace. Beyond that is a dining room that seats 8 and a sitting/library area, both with fireplaces. Bookshelves fill one wall, with a sunny, pillow strewn window seat inviting you to curl up with a good book. There is a sunny, brand-new fully equipped eat-in kitchen, with granite counter tops and all new appliances. The laundry area is on the first floor, making access convenient. From the kitchen, there is direct access to two porches: a porch on the west overlooking the Lily Pond conservation area, and an open porch to the east overlooking side gardens, both perfect for summer entertainment.

Beyond the kitchen is a study with lovely views, as well as a separate telephone/fax, cable TV, internet, printer and computer. It also functions as an extra bedroom, with its own separate bath (footed tub!).

The second floor has three large airy bedrooms and three baths and can be accessed by either a front or back staircase. The Master bedroom has exquisite views of the Lily Pond, cathedral ceilings, a queen-sized bed and bath with shower. The middle bedroom (which would have been the Captain's Room) has a fireplace, full-sized bed and a twin trundle beds, and access to a hallway bath with shower. The cheery, sunny front bedroom has twin beds and its own separate bath with shower.

The grounds at 32 Lily Street are perfect for summer entertaining. The screened in porch on the west side of house is flooded with afternoon sun with fabulous sunset views overlooking the Lily Pond. Lovely gardens are on both sides of the house. There is an outdoor shower, off street parking for two cars plus a basement for storing all your summer things. We have a second refrigerator, extra bicycles, multiple beach chairs, umbrellas and coolers, and a beach barbeque available for your use.

From the first day I stepped onto Nantucket more than 30 years ago, I knew it to be a magical place. Nantucket, the "Far Away Island", uniquely combines history and natural beauty --both very important to me. From whaling capital in the 19th century to summer resort in the early 20th, it has made its presence felt worldwide despite its small size. It has an incredible history, from suffragettes to abolitionists to Melville's Moby Dick, and today still contains the largest collection of antique homes in the country. Coming here is like going back in time. Its unspoiled, natural beauty is breathtaking. From windswept moors to cranberry bogs, from cerulean blue to star filled skies, from harbors filled with brightly colored sail boats to 80 miles of beaches and oceans lapping against white sand, it offers a time for reflection and a place for play. It is totally unique, a special place for people who let its magic wash over them.
The Unique Benefits of this House
Our house is also unique, combining the best of all Nantucket's worlds. It is charming, a reflection of its whaling captain's heritage. It sits alongside the Lily Pond, one of the island's unspoiled spots, a favorite place for a morning walk. And it is also convenient. Located in the town's historic district, you can easily walk to shops and restaurants, as well as to beaches and tennis. No need for a car: we walk and bicycle everywhere! Doesn't get much better than this..

We are ideally looking for a 2009 exchange for August 21-28, Aug 28-Sept 4. We are also open to offering our home now in exchange for someplace this winter (e.g. skiing out West or in Europe).

We love to travel and are open to all destinations. In the U.S., we prefer the West both winter and summer (we ski and bike/hike). We have traveled extensively, and are interested in virtually anywhere in Europe, Africa, Asia, or South America!

One goal we have is to attend all the tennis opens. So, we are especially interested in Australia (January) and France (June). They do not have to be simultaneous (clearly, Nantucket in January would not be a desired destination!)

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