Nantucket is a very small island, its length is less than fifteen miles across, and its width is only about three miles. However, it has a very rugged shape, which curves round creating far more coastal terrain and far more beaches than an island of its size would expect to achieve. What the island lacks in physical size it more than makes up for in the wild and undulating terrain it offers to the exploring tourists, and the wide variety of animal and plant life which call it home. The echoing stillness of the health land that grasps the rocky foundations which mock the ocean winds that rustle over the heathers and mosses and tumbling back out across the open seas on the other side create an eerily evocative atmosphere which has provided more than enough inspiration for those of artistic temperament. It is a strange fact that almost a third of the entire heath land found anywhere in the US is situated on this little island testament to its unspoilt rural nature.

Photo by Darius Kersulis

Nestled into the northern part of the island is the harbour stretching out to meet the sea, and clustered around this harbour are the architectural residents of the Nantucket Town, buildings which seem to share as many secrets with one another as the shadows scurrying across the moorland. The town lies in a sheltered bay, almost protecting itself from the ravages of time and development. Hurrying seems all but frowned upon, and rushing across the cobbled streets is liable to do one an injury. Here, everyone has time, and time seems to slow down and run at a more leisurely pace. A day in Nantucket stretches for longer than perhaps it has any right to.

From the town one has a choice of paths to take, and whether you choose to walk or cycle you will find yourself admiring the beautiful wood built buildings scattered around the town, rapidly becoming fewer in number the further out you venture. The use of wood as a building material in Nantucket has reached an art form that the stone built housing in Boston could never challenge. If you find Nantucket as beautiful as many visitors do, then living here is very rewarding.