|
Who's ready for some lovin'? We most certainly are! We're also ready to share the love! In this Valentine's Day edition, we chat with one of Boston's entrepreneurial couples, grab a tasty recipe from a celebrity chef, and toss out a few gift ideas for your sweetheart. Plus, we have a rare opportunity on the beautiful island of Nantucket. And don't forget to check out all of our usual sexy real estate eye candy.
|
40,931 Sq. Ft. / $39,000,000
6 Residences, including a four unit main beach house,
two free-standing cottages, two separate garage bays and 14 Parking Spaces
|
A versatile property with some of the best views and one of the nicest beaches anywhere, this sprawling .94-acre Cliff Beach resort compound is a Nantucket landmark. Originally developed as a private beach club in the 1930s, the property includes a recently constructed, four-unit main beach house, two stand-alone cottages (one historic, but completely renovated, and one recently built), two garages, an entry courtyard/garden and a large Belgian-block parking area.
This understatedly elegant property neighbors Steps Beach, the Nantucket Cliffs and a large portion of the island’s conservation lands inhabited by typical New England flora and fauna. A salute to the Quaker and Whaling-era architecture for which Nantucket design is uniquely renowned, the estate boasts typical island elements like weathered grey cedar shingle siding, three and two-bay facade windows, off-center doors and hip and gable roofs.
Corniced by its own self-contained landscaping, the estate celebrates the simplicity of 18th and 19th century design, which flows harmoniously throughout all six units and the compound’s 7,000 square-foot living space. Its tastefully restrained decor weaves into the protected conservation lands around it, while suggestive vistas conjure the island’s prosperous seafaring-era and colonial heritage.
|
Winding brick walkups lead to the newly-renovated smaller units that stand out in their own right as inviting luxury homes. Serene seaside views fill their rooms, which are outfitted with oak, reclaimed heart pine and marble flooring, classical revival fireplaces and upscale fixtures. Bathrooms were envisaged with high-end detailing, marble fixtures and walk-in showers. Sleek, open kitchens with stainless steel appliances and a grey and white-dominated color palette dialogue harmoniously with the warmth of the living space. Finally, each unit enjoys its own mahogany deck, private staircase and enviable beach entrance for the ultimate vacation experience.
|
|
Situated less than a mile from the center of town in the tony Cliffside neighborhood adjacent to the Beach Club, the compound is part of the only residential/commercial (R/C) zoned property on Nantucket’s entire North Shore. Potential uses include; a spectacular residential compound with entirely separate living spaces for extended family and guests, a luxury boutique hotel, an exclusive private club, a joint venture with other Island accommodation businesses offering the private bathing beach and large beachfront residences that they lack, or a condominium conversion … just to name a few.
Significantly the property is not in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area.
|
"Mom and pop shops" are not only the backbone of America's small businesses but also act as conduits within local communities. The Urban Grape, a beloved Boston liquor store , is a fantastic example of a husband and wife team doing precisely this. Hadley and TJ Douglas earnestly and without heirs share their knowledge and a good time with anyone who enters their South End store. It's no wonder they've won Best of Boston six times, and most recently, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Year Award. Given it is almost Valentine's Day, we thought we'd ask this magnetic couple about working with one's spouse, as well as what champagne we should b buy for our sweetheart.
|
1. The Urban Grape has had an impressive run recently, receiving the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Year Award and features in renowned periodicals like The New Yorker. How do these recent accomplishments contrast to the goals you set when you opened the first Urban Grape?
H & TJ: It's been a crazy couple of years, that's for sure! The mission of The Urban Grape has always been to build community through beverage. That was the goal when ten people walked through the door in a day, and it's still the goal now. Of course, it's harder now that a growing percentage of our business has moved online and the customer base has grown so much beyond the South End, but it's still the purpose behind everything we do. Despite our growth, I think our authenticity and desire to be a community hub still shines through.
2. It can be challenging to carve out time for a marital relationship when you also have a working relationship. Do you have any special plans for Valentine's Day? Where is your go-to in the city for a romantic dinner?
H & TJ: Our go-to place for a romantic dinner has always been and continues to be our kitchen table. There's simply not a restaurant that can compete with the joy of cooking together at home, sipping on cocktails, and then choosing a bottle of wine to share. It's our daily ritual that keeps us connected and signals the end of our work relationship and the start of our family time.
3. You've gone from a "Mom and Pop" to an "Entrepreneurial Couple." What does that mean, and how has it affected your working relationship?
|
H & TJ: This question got us thinking! When we first opened, there was a lot of inequity in our working relationship. It was really TJ's dream that Hadley was helping with. Now that we've made a mental shift to thinking of ourselves as entrepreneurs, it's brought a lot more balance to our lives. We are working hard to progress the company, implement new ideas, and grow our business ventures. Anyone who works with us can tell you that we ALWAYS start with opposing views and then slowly end up meeting in the middle to find the right path forward. You can't do that without a lot of trust and belief in the other person.
|
|
4. What's the hottest/coolest varietal on the market right now?
H & TJ: We get more excited about regions than varietals, and the hottest region for us right now is South Africa.
|
|
There's intriguing, delicious, and interesting wine coming out of the country, especially by Black winemakers who are owning wine brands for the first time in the country's history. Also, keep an eye on Georgia - the country, not the state! Both Georgia and South Africa have incredible winemaking history but have been largely overlooked in the modern age. That is changing quickly. We'll never say what a cooled-off varietal or region is - if you like it, drink it. Who cares what anyone else thinks!
|
5. If we want to impress our Valentine, what bottle of champagne should we bring to dinner?
H & TJ: There's Champagne, and then there's CHAMPAGNE. We won't name names, but we'd much rather go for something interesting than the expected choice that you can now find in every grocery store in the country - what's special about that? Look for Pol Roger, Bruno Paillard, Pierre Paillard, Egly Ouriet, Diebolt-Vallois, Le Mesnil, and other lesser known, but higher quality, Champagnes to really impress!
|
A big thanks to Hadley and TJ for sharing. Learn to "drink progressively" by buying their book HERE.
|
|
7 Independent Way
Nantucket, MA 02554
4
Bedrooms / 1 Full
Bath/ 1 Half B
ath
|
|
14 Blackfish Ln
Nantucket, MA 02554
5
Bedrooms /
5 Full
Baths / 1 Half Bath
5,157
Sq. Ft. / $30,000 Per Week Rental
View the complete listing for 14 Blackfish Lane HERE.
|
|
32 Traveler St, Unit 403
Boston, MA 02118
1 Bedroom / 1 Full Bathroom / 1 Half Bath
View the complete listing for Unit 403 in the Sepia Building HERE.
|
|
Millennium Place
580 Washington St. #1202
Boston, MA 02111
3 Bedrooms / 2 Full Baths
1,710 Sq. Ft. / $2,225,000
View the complete listing for Millennium Place Unit 1202 HERE
|
|
3 Bedrooms / 2 Full Baths
2,200 Sq. Ft. / $3,250,000
View the complete listing for 94 Beacon Street, Unit 2 HERE.
|
|
3 Bedrooms / 3 Full Baths / 2 Half Baths
3,500 Sq. Ft / $5,850,000
View the complete listing for 146 W. Canton Street HERE.
|
If February had an emoji it would be a heart, not just for Valentine's Day, but also because it is Heart Awareness Month. To learn more about heart health and disease prevention, we turned to wellness expert and stroke survivor Jessica Diaz.
|
As a stroke survivor and spokesperson for the American Heart Association, I really “Heart” the idea of keeping yourself and your loved ones healthy! According to the Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
While this may sound scary, 80% of heart disease and strokes are preventable through lifestyle changes.
Since having my stroke nine years ago, I have been on a journey to spread the message that embracing a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce one’s risk of heart disease and stroke.
|
|
Tips for Preventing and Recognizing a Stroke and Heart Disease
|
It is essential to be vigilant about your health at any age. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar can go easily undetected, especially if you are young and appear healthy. Routinely monitoring these indicators, regular exercise, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight are the top ways to prevent heart disease. Additionally,
knowing the warning signs of a stroke can help save a life. Use the FAST approach to recognize a stroke in enough time to seek life-saving medical attention.
Know the
FAST Approach to Spotting a Stroke
|
|
To further support you on your wellness journey, Jessica is giving access to her on-demand workouts for the first month for free.
Jessica Diaz is an inspirational wellness speaker and writer, sharing her journey of surviving a stroke to become the healthiest version of herself, mind, and body. Jessica Diaz is a certified personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, barre instructor, mother of two, and spokesperson for the American Heart and Stroke Association.
|
Exclusive Offerings to Mazer Group Clients
|
Check out these private listings exclusive to
|
|
28 Irving St. Boston, MA 02114
3+ Bedrooms / 2 Full Baths / 1 Half Bath
1,941 Sq. Ft. / $2,795,000
|
|
580 Washington St. Unit PH3
Boston, MA 02111
3 Bedrooms / 3 Full Baths
1,882 Sq. Ft. with Private Outdoor Space and Deeded Valet Garage Parking
|
|
141 Dorchester Ave Unit 409
2 Bedrooms / 2 Full Baths
1,194 Sq. Ft. with Deeded Garage Parking
View the complete listing HERE.
|
|
25 Worcester St Unit 2,
Boston, MA 02118
2 Bedrooms / 2 Full Baths/ 1 Half Bath
1,742 Sq. Ft. 2 Private Decks and Parking
|
|
40 Hanson St. Boston, MA 02118
4 Bedrooms / 4 Full Baths
3553 Sq. Ft. / $4,450,000
An oasis in the city! This beautiful single-family home has an impressive five private outdoor spaces, plus garage parking. View the complete listing HERE.
|
If the way to the heart is through the stomach, then we're pretty sure we're sharing a recipe for love from celebrity chef and Buttermilk and Bourbon owner, Jason Santos. If you have any doubt, just check out the photo of his buttermilk spice fried chicken sandwich. Pop that champagne baby, because we are ready!
|
INGREDIENTS
-
1 tbl salt
-
1 tbl lemon pepper
-
1 tbl granulated garlic
-
1 tspn Old Bay seasoning
-
½ tspn crushed red pepper flakes
-
½ tspn dried oregano
-
2 cups corn flour or masa harina
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 tspn salt
-
1 tspn freshly ground black pepper
-
1/2 tspn cayenne pepper
-
Soak chicken thighs in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least one hour.
-
Mix dry ingredients and then dredge the chicken.
-
Fry at 350° for approximately 4-5 minutes, and then season
with salt and pepper while still hot.
-
Mix the "kicked up sauce."
-
Assemble chicken on buns, top with queso fresco and diced tomatoes, and get
ready for some seriously awesome finger-lickin' fun.
|
Owned by celebrated chef Jason Santos, Buttermilk & Bourbon showcases New Orleans-inspired cuisine in a funky and fun atmosphere. The restaurant is located at 160 Comm Ave and is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday Brunch.
|
These luxury listings are almost a done deal!
|
|
2 Bedrooms / 2 Full Baths / 1 Half Bath
View the complete listing for 39 Cape Club Dr. Unit 25 HERE.
|
|
80 Broad St, Unit 602,
Boston, MA 02110
2
Bedrooms /
2 Full
Baths
1,220
Sq. Ft.
/ $1,165,000
View the complete listing for 80 Broad St. Unit 602 HERE.
|
Roses are a classic gift, but sometimes you want to give something with a little extra pizzaz. Here are a few suggestions to put a twinkle in the eye of that special someone, all from local small businesses of course.
|
Katherine Jetter Heart Pendant
Give a little bit of heart this Valentine's Day. Mothers, wives, daughters, no matter who the girl is, they would all adore a Katherine Jetter Heart Pendant. The couture designer has shaped precious gemstones into the symbol of adoration with her Queen of Hearts Collection. Looking for something extra special? Inquire about a custom design. When working with Katherine on a one-of-a-kind piece there is no limitation!
|
|
Local Hand-Crafted Chocolates
Okay, so you have a chocolate lover in your life? Then give them a real treat from any of these Massachusetts-based chocolatiers. Just try not to eat them before you gift them.
Purefections - Belgian artisanal chocolates made by two sisters in Quincy.
Chocolate Therapy - Decadent truffles produced in Framingham by a husband and wife team.
Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Award-winning chocolate crafted in Sudbury from ethically sourced and quality cacao beans.
|
|
A Gift Certificate to
Lace up that relationship with a gift certificate to the luxury sneaker and streetwear store, Laced. If your guy (or gal) loves sneakers, Laced will become their new Mecca. This place kicks it hard. From rare Jordans to other hard-to-find sneakers, their eyes are going to pop! And hey, if you want to treat yourself to a pair, we won't judge. After all, self-love is big in the 21st century.
|
|
|
38 Fleet St, Unit 4,
Boston, MA 02109
2
Bedrooms /
2 Full
Baths
1,000
Sq. Ft / $4,250 per month rental
View the complete listing for 38 Fleet Street, Unit 4 HERE.
|
|
14 W Broadway, Unit 201
2 Bedrooms /
2 Full Baths
1,339 Sq. Ft. / $4,500 per month rental
View the complete listing for 14 W Broadway, Unit 201 HERE.
|
|
14 W Broadway, Unit 604
2 Bedrooms / 2 Full Baths
1,055 Sq. Ft. / $4,500 per month rental
View the complete listing for 14 W Broadway, Unit 604 HERE.
|
|
37 E Springfield St, Unit 2
Boston, MA 02118
1 Bedroom / 1 Full Bath
680
Sq. Ft. / $599,000
View the complete listing for 37 E Springfield Unit 2 HERE.
|
|
17 Bridgham Ave, Unit 17
3
Bedrooms /
2 Full
Baths / 2 Half
Bath
3,320
Sq. Ft.
/ $1,785,000
View the complete listing for 17 Bridgham Ave, Unit 17 HERE.
|
At The Mazer Group, we believe in teamwork, constantly expanding our already extensive expertise, and burning the midnight oil whenever needed. Our 2021 transaction total is a direct result of these disciplines. The exceptional property at 64 Highland Street in Cambridge, which sold for $2 million above the asking price, is an example of what The Mazer Group delivers and a great way to start our 2022 transactions.
|
Last Year's Housing Market Was a Wild Ride.
Here's What to Expect in 2022
The US housing market has had a white-hot year. Home sales are on track to reach the highest level in 15 years, with an estimated 6 million homes sold in 2021. But whether you benefited from this surge depended a lot on if you were selling a home or buying one. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, homeowners saw average home prices skyrocket nearly 20% through the third quarter compared to a year ago. It was the most significant annual home price increase in the agency's House Price Index history. And, in some hot markets, the price increase was double that. So without a doubt, the housing market was on a wild ride in 2021.
Read what to expect this year on CNN Business
|
Follow us on social media for more real estate eye candy!
|
marketingcenter-newengland-boston |