Nantucket's 285-Year-Old Home Undergoes $1.5 Million Renovation, Now Listed for Sale

An Ohio couple has invested approximately $1.5 million into a comprehensive renovation of a 285-year-old historic home located on Nantucket’s Main Street, integrating modern infrastructure while preserving its original character. The extensive project, detailed by The Wall Street Journal, has transformed the venerable property, which is now on the market. Whitney Lucks and Karl Schneider, the couple behind the endeavor, aimed to honor the house’s rich history through meticulous restoration efforts.

The renovation, which was featured in the August 29, 2025, edition of The Wall Street Journal, involved a deep commitment to historical accuracy and contemporary functionality. A notable addition includes a teak porch, crafted from wood salvaged from a house previously renovated by the renowned horticulturist and philanthropist Bunny Mellon. The project received significant recognition, earning both a 2024 Preservation Award and a 2024 Historical Renovation Award from the Nantucket Preservation Trust.

Originally built as a cooper shop by Seth Ray, the property later belonged to silversmith Nathaniel Barrett in 1802. Its historical significance was formally recognized in 1976 when it received the Nantucket Historical Association Building Survey plaque. Kolb Architects, a firm founded by a master in Historic Preservation with offices in Boston and Nantucket, played a pivotal role in executing the complex restoration, ensuring the structural integrity and historical aesthetics were maintained.

The meticulously restored home is perched above Lily Pond, offering sweeping pastoral views of Nantucket's Downtown Historic District from its expansive back deck. According to Bernadette Meyer of Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty, the listing agent, "A project of this scope could only have been executed by someone with deep expertise and a real reverence for Nantucket’s architectural heritage." The property presents a unique opportunity for buyers to own a genuine piece of the island's architectural legacy, blending centuries-old charm with modern amenities.