M
assachusetts boasts an impressive array of luxurious homes, from sprawling vacation compounds on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard to historic rowhouses in Boston and colonial-era mansions. The state's most expensive house sold this year fetched $26 million in November, after five years on the market, according to the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. Located at 41 Jefferson Ave. in Nantucket, the waterfront property spans over 40,000 square feet across Cliff Beach on the island's northern shore.

    The 1930-built estate, marketed as a Nantucket Landmark, boasts an impressive 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, along with two stand-alone cottages, garages, a courtyard garden, deck, patio, and parking area. Originally listed for $39 million, the property could be repurposed as a luxury boutique hotel, private club, or condominium conversion.

    After serving as a summer residence to one family since 1952, the property was purchased by the Nantucket Land Bank in November for conservation purposes. The agency plans to transform the space into a public beach, marking its largest-ever purchase. "We've never had an opportunity like this before," said Kristina Jelleme, chair of the Land Bank Commission, highlighting the rarity of acquiring a downtown beach on Nantucket.