Chatham Cape Cod Retreat, near boat yards, Harding's Beach, Stage Harbor Light

The house is located on a single-lane private road in a quiet and friendly neighborhood. There are only three other houses between ours and the Oyster River. As the crow flies, we're close to Nantucket Sound. When the fog rolls in, you can smell the sea from the house. We're a few minutes' walk to the Oyster River Boatyard. Just a little farther is another private boatyard, the Chatham Yacht Basin. Also a few minutes' walk from the house, to the end of Barn Hill Road, is a scenic town landing. People often fish from the dock there.

We have rights to the area adjacent to the ORB. This is where I usually launch a kayak. If you don't have one, you can rent one at the town landing. If you kayak inland, you'll enter Oyster Pond. Go in the other direction, and you'll enter Stage Harbor. I like to kayak through Stage Harbor, under the bridge at Bridge Street, and into the Mill Pond. You can also kayak to the Stage Harbor Light. On a good day, you can kayak in the ocean, but this requires more skill and strength.

Harding's Beach is close as the crow flies but one mile if you travel by car. It is one of the best beaches around. I run to the Lighthouse and walk back along the beach before running back to my house. I've done this a million times and every time is different. The walk from the second parking lot to the Light is one of the best anywhere. You're surrounded by nature here, and very likely to see ospreys, terns, piping plovers, horseshoe crabs, and seals. Not to mention lovely boats and sunset.

The town of Chatham is one of the loveliest on the Cape. Don't miss Chatham Light and Lighthouse Beach. Take a hike at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. Go to the Fish Pier.

The house is one of the very few modern homes in Chatham. Again, this has been my home for over 25 years, so it has been improved over time to a high standard (heated towel rails and floors in the baths, Sub-Zero fridge, Miele dishwasher, etc.) You will also notice personal touches, such as two tree trunks adorned with carved birds, and hand-built bookcases and a cabinet. The house is truly unique and feels more like a home than a rental. The house is filled with books and original art (including an American flag dating to the late-19th century, and paintings of Stage Harbor Light and the house itself!).

Downstairs, the living/dining/kitchen area is open plan, and includes an incredibly plush Ralph Lauren sofa. Off the living area is a hand-built and unique work area. The kitchen has a lovely flow, and excellent light. In addition to this living space, there's a den with a TV, AC, and slider to the front deck, a hall, hall closet, and full bath.

The rear deck is located just off the kitchen, and includes a large table with six chairs, all in teak. There are also two loungers. The back deck gets the most sun. It is sometimes nice to sit on the front deck in the shade. There you will find a small teak table and two chairs. There's a hammock in the front for naps, and a cafe table and two raised chairs in the back yard, perfect for an evening cocktail.

Upstairs there's an open landing and sitting area with lovely light. The primary bedroom has AC (and heat), a ceiling fan over the bed, and views in three directions. The bed is from Design Within Reach and the bureau and end tables are original Paul Mccobb designs. The adjoining primary bathroom is quite special.

Off of the landing are two small bedrooms with built-in twin beds, perfect for kids.

There is an additional sleeping area in the suite above the garage. This is separate from the house and includes AC (and heat), a large fan, two queen beds, and a half bath. There are views in four directions.