Descriptions Nantucket's appeal is that it's more than a place, it's a state of mind. I'm always impressed by the natural beauty which, while always under pressure, is still very much intact. Equally remarkable is the island's man-made environment. What good fortune it is for the rest of us that generations of islanders have preserved an extensive collection of historic buildings which have become the major design influence for all new ones.
Most people can only fantasize about someday creating their perfect island getaway.
We were drawn to Nantucket both to cover a challenging renovation project and to tell the story of a seaside paradise preserved, but fighting to hold on to its historic character. A building boom has turned this tiny island into a microcosm of the mainland. The house at 3 Milk Street was a new purchase for the Bentleys, who first visited Nantucket to attend a family gathering almost a decade ago. Smitten by its centuries-old charm and natural beauty, they had frequented the island ever since and had grown to regard it as a second home. As Kathy McGraw Bentley put it, their decision to finally establish some roots on the island was akin to what drew them there in the first place.