A rare waterfront retreat hailed as one of Nantucket’s “last remaining” 1940s coastal beach houses.

Unlike many other homes along the Massachusetts coast, which face an increased risk of being completely swallowed up by the water, this property not only offers proximity to the ocean, but also several safeguards against coastal erosion.

In nearby Madkit, for example, homeowners have had to shave millions off their luxury homes due to rising sea levels. While coastal erosion is still a consideration for any homebuyer looking for an oceanfront residence, this property — which is set as far back from the ocean as possible — faces no such threat.

Listing Agent Bernadette MeyerMurray People of Sotheby’s International Realism, notes that, although coastal erosion cannot be ignored, the area is more desirable than Madkett, not least because of its larger lots.

“The house sits far back from the water’s edge,” The mayor explained. “There’s a lot more than a lot of madcats, and you feel like you’re a million miles away.”

Built in 1949, the three-bedroom residence is used as a heritage summer home, remaining in the same family for decades.

However, a new owner would have the opportunity to breathe new life into the parcel, with the mayor noting there is enough space to build a new, much larger home, provided they can get planning permission.

“It’s been owned by the same family for three generations, who have kept it that way,” says Meyer.

“They always liked it the way it was, but the next buyer could build a modern primary residence and keep the house as a guest house. There’s no process, but everything would have to go through the historic district commission.”

If a buyer would rather use the existing property as their main residence, they may want to carry out some updates to get the most out of the home.

The three-season, seaside structure isn’t insulated, and heating comes only from a wood-burning stove in the living room—so staying in the abode during winter is not a cozy experience.

However, during the three home seasons can do Used for now, it offers an experience like no other.

“It’s a storybook classic Nantucket cottage with exposed woods, and when you sit on the deck you feel like you’re stepping back in time,” Meyer notes.

The 1,164-square-foot open floor plan features a great room with a vaulted ceiling and exposed beams, an ocean-facing dining nook, a galley kitchen offering beach views, and a primary bedroom with a private terrace that would be an ideal spot for morning coffee.

Notably, while the parcel occupies more than 3 acres, it was actually much larger when the current owners bought it. Earlier this year, they sold part of their land to a neighbor who wanted to protect the area against future development.

“Over the summer, a neighbor approached the family asking them to develop a piece of land before selling it,” Meyer says. “They sold 1.5 acres for $1.5 million to a neighbor who was concerned about future development on the property.”

While the mayor says “the potential for expansion is there,” buyers will have to do their due diligence and work directly with the Nantucket Historic District to explore possibilities.

The spacious lot also has other outbuildings, including a “bed shed type garage” and a storage shed.

“The possibilities are endless, but the structure is protected from demolition,” she says. “The land value, waterfront location and parcel size are what make this property stand out.”