Imagine acquiring a multi-million pound historic home for absolutely nothing. On the exclusive island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, this is not a fantasy but a peculiar legal reality. However, the extraordinary offer comes with a monumental condition: the new owner must physically relocate the entire structure to a new plot of land.
A Centuries-Old Tradition of Relocation
This practice is rooted in a local bylaw which states that anyone seeking to demolish a home must first offer it for free to any interested party. The potential new owner then has a strict 180-day window to move the house. Realtor Brent Tantamella explained to the Daily Mail that this tradition dates back to the 1700s. 'It's pretty common,' he said. 'It's kind of something we're known for doing.'
The tradition began out of necessity. Early settlers faced shoreline erosion and a scarcity of lumber. 'They would just put out greased timbers and big wooden rollers and then team up horses,' Tantamella described, explaining how homes were moved to safer ground or better neighbourhoods. Today, while horses have been replaced by remote-controlled machinery and wide-load trailers, the practice remains a familiar sight on the 3.5-mile island from September 15 to June 15 each year.
The Complex and Costly Reality of Moving a House
Securing a free home is only the first hurdle. The relocation process is a complex, coordinated effort involving police, utility companies, and public works departments. Power lines may need raising, and some homes must be partially deconstructed to navigate Nantucket's tight lanes. 'It's houses you wouldn't even think could be moved,' Tantamella noted, from small 1960s cottages to large mansions.
Financially, while the house itself is free, moving it is not. Costs typically range between $100,000 and $200,000—a significant sum, yet only a fraction of a property's multi-million pound value. Furthermore, having a plot of land ready is crucial. Many successful takers use family land acquired in the 1970s or 80s when prices were lower. If no one claims the home after its mandatory 30-day advertisement in local publications like The Inquirer & Mirror and the Nantucket Current, the owner can proceed with demolition, which itself can cost over $40,000 in waste removal fees alone.
A Rarity in a Celebrity Haven
For outsiders dreaming of a bargain entry to Nantucket's ritzy enclave—a favourite of President Joe Biden, Beyoncé, and other celebrities—the challenge is immense. The 180-day timeframe is tight, and available land is scarce. The island, a designated historic district since 1972, has a year-round population of 10,000 that swells to 60,000 in summer, making such opportunities rare gems.
Ultimately, Nantucket's unique law preserves its architectural heritage in the most dramatic way possible. It transforms the potential destruction of a historic property into a community-based salvage operation, continuing a pragmatic tradition that has defined the island's landscape for over three centuries.
