This masterfully restored 19th century home comes with sweeping ocean views and close access to downtown Rockport
The first thing you’ll notice about 65 Granite Street in Rockport is not the new decks, the historic character, or the proximity to downtown—though all of those features are there. The first thing you’ll notice is the view: A moody blue expanse of ocean stretching toward the horizon, a lighthouse in the distance, and the curved arm of the town’s historic granite pier edging a small cove, in which sailboats bob on their moorings.
“It’s all about the view,” says real estate agent Paul Nameche of Jebb Realty.
And the two units within the house on the property have clearly been designed and built to take full advantage of the scenic location, with airy open spaces and expansive windows to let in the light and the vistas.
The property was originally a quarryman’s cottage, built to house quarry workers during the heyday of the Rockport granite industry. It was later turned into a private residence. Two years ago it was sold, gutted, and designed from the ground up. Today, the home’s history is hinted at by the granite slab steps that lead from the street to the backyard lawn.
The larger of the two spaces occupies the street level and the second floor. The lower floor of the unit features a contemporary kitchen that flows into a cozy dining and sitting area; sliding doors open onto the deck and the views beyond. Upstairs, dormers were added to create more space for two guest bedrooms and the master suite. The two bedrooms that face the water include picture windows to make the most of the location.
The downstairs unit is a one-bedroom pied-a-terre with an open-concept design intended to maximize its compact footprint. Both the sleeping quarters and the kitchen and living area feature sliding doors connecting to the deck. Built-in bookshelves, washer-dryer hookups, and a walk-in closet complete the space.
Both units feature a combination of modern styling and traditional details that create a space with a contemporary feel and a warm sense of welcome. Dark wooden railings on the stairs contrast with the clean lines and colors of the kitchen; earthy herringbone floor tiles meet a sleek glass-doored shower stall.
Behind the building a grassy yard sweeps down to a rocky waterfront; the incline is enough that the home is elevated about the flood plain. A flat area at the bottom could be an ideal spot for a patio even closer to the waves, Nameche suggests.
The units are on the market separately, but could also be purchased together by a buyer who wants to have extra guest quarters available or to rent out one unit throughout the summer.
Each unit comes with deeded basement storage areas and two parking spots apiece. However, downtown Rockport is a quick stroll from the property, making it so easy to access the restaurants, entertainment, shops, and beaches in the heart of town, that there may not ever be a need to drive away.