Quietly spectacular

Nestled between saltmarsh, river and ocean, a century-old Dartmouth estate is simultaneously classic, modern, luxurious and sublime

BY JULIA STEARLY

Among a charming array of Dartmouth beach cottages, both large and small, lies a long, private lane, lined on either side by rows of trees. A passerby would never know that at the other end of the driveway is one of the most unique and exquisitely classic estates anywhere in this region.

Along the path, those lucky enough to explore the estate would first come across a carriage house, which broker William Milbury describes as having a “sort of old Vermont feel to it.” The walls and ceilings of each room are lined with pristine custom wood paneling, and the quality of woodworking remains incredible throughout the building. Though just an outbuilding, this structure has a one-car garage, a powder room, a complete home gym, and a loft with pool and card tables for family time or entertaining.

Further down the lane is a clearing with a circle driveway that abuts both the three-car garage and front entrance of the main house, built in 1906. Though nothing about the home is flashy, anyone who sees it up close would know without question it is something special.

“This house is the image of understated elegance,” Milbury said. Past the door into the foyer is the study, which simultaneously captures the feeling of an age-old university as well as a beach-front reading room. One wall even showcases a handpainted scene of the ocean.

The interior of the home retains much of its early-20th-century design, with rich woodworking, beams and trim, but everything in the house has been updated. Though they appear original, windows and doors are custom-design to today’s standards.

Also on the first floor is the main living space, an open room nestled between two wall fireplaces and complete with wall-towall windows overlooking Little River, a gorgeous sandbar, and Potomska Point. Close by, the grand dining area is the perfect setting for an elegant family dinner.

Up the main staircase is a stunning landing area with custom woodworked handrails and an open, airy feel. Four of the five bedrooms are on this floor, each with its own en suite bathroom. A true mark of this home’s classic style are the differences in design between each bedroom; one could say they’re themed. For example, one room’s walls are adorned with insect wallpaper, another with pink flowers.

Further down the hallway is a one-of-akind playroom for the owners’ grandkids, with a loft that is currently home to a vast array of stuffed animals. This room is nothing short of a child’s daydream, featuring dollhouses with real shingles and hinged windows.

Down the secondary staircase is the kitchen, a time capsule of a retro diner, complete with handpainted checkered wood flooring and bright red accent appliances. Also in the kitchen are sliding glass doors that lead out to a gorgeous patio, an absolutely perfect setting for a summer gathering, all of which overlooks the inground pool with a connected halfmoon spa, and of course, a pool house. The pool house is impeccable, with full bedroom suite and more of those water views, including a second-floor balcony facing the ocean.

The summer home for a New Yorkbased family, the estate is nestled along the mouth of the river, with views out to Buzzards Bay, Cuttyhunk, Martha’s Vineyard and beyond. The only neighbors for the main house are the river, the ocean, a DNRT (Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust) protected salt marsh — and a spectacular Colonial home set atop a hill, which happens to be the property owners’ guest house.

Milbury and Company is marketing the entire estate — main house, carriage house, guest house and several cottages nearby — for $12,950,000. It is also offering the main house for $7,950,000, with the other properties available separately.

This property is truly its own corner of the Earth, an absolute sight to see. While from the road it may just be a sliver of driveway, up close this home is a one-of-a-kind beauty that captures the essence of elegance. As Milbury said, “Money talks. Wealth whispers.”