On the rapidly eroding coastline of Nantucket, a solitary property stands as the last guardian of Baxter Road - a stark monument to the relentless power of climate change and rising sea levels.
The Last House Standing
This remarkable 4,300-square-foot beach home, now listed for $2.95 million (£2.2 million), represents the final habitable property on what was once a thriving coastal neighbourhood. Where eleven homes once stood between this property and the ocean, only this one remains after neighbouring houses were either demolished or swallowed by the sea.
A Race Against Time
The property's current owners have undertaken extraordinary measures to protect their investment, including:
- Installing massive geotubes filled with sand as temporary barriers
- Implementing sophisticated drainage systems
- Regularly replenishing sand around the foundation
- Monitoring erosion patterns constantly
Despite these efforts, the home's future remains uncertain as winter storms continue to eat away at the fragile coastline at an alarming rate of 10-20 feet per year.
Luxury in the Face of Danger
The four-bedroom, five-bathroom property offers surprising luxury considering its precarious position. Features include:
- Expansive ocean views from multiple levels
- Modern architectural design with premium finishes
- Spacious living areas designed for entertaining
- Direct beach access (while it lasts)
Climate Change's Stark Warning
This property listing serves as a dramatic case study in how coastal communities are grappling with climate reality. The situation on Baxter Road demonstrates the difficult choices facing homeowners, insurers, and local governments as sea levels continue to rise.
Potential buyers must consider not just the substantial purchase price but also the ongoing costs of coastal defence measures and the very real possibility that the property could become uninhabitable within years.
As one local resident noted, "It's not if, but when the ocean takes this one too." This property represents both a luxury opportunity and a sobering lesson in climate change's impact on coastal real estate.
