Nautical Elegance in Provincetown

Jessica Marcotte

Nestled on the tip of Cape Cod, the waterfront and nature views from this Provincetown estate offer a unique perspective. In warm weather, verdant sea grass surrounds the three-year-old luxury home built by Washington, D.C. architect Michael Winstanley, a summer resident in Provincetown for over 30 years. Looking for a permanent vacation home, Winstanley opted to build a summer place that could be used throughout the year. Walking into the estate, I am completely blown away by its unique structure raised on wooden pilings above the water and overlooking Long Point.

From the outside, the home conveys the appeal of an old nautical ship ready to take sail. A spacious interior and floor to ceiling windows encompassing the entire home invites you into a different world where breathtaking views are within reach. Hand crafted wood floors spread far and wide making their way into the spacious living room, where an interior and exterior fireplace made of smooth white stone draws my eyes up to the sweeping beam ceiling.

The white stone continues into the outside, inviting guests to enjoy the crackling warmth on a cool night. I make my way into the nearby kitchen with its eye catching inlaid tile. Luxury utilities and spacious countertops make it the perfect space for cooking the next family meal or holiday feast. The kitchen overlooks the cozy family room with endless views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

As I enter back through the foyer, I notice a quaint bedroom with a full bath and separate guest entrance. The private quarter is a spacious haven for guests to enjoy. Nearby, the main staircase is designed with authentic nautical roping that reaches up to the second floor. A distressed copper wall helps make the transition from the first to second floors and brings an industrial accent to this modern day home.
Awaiting me in the upstairs hallway is a private balcony with priceless views of Provincetown. Off this hallway, two unique and elegant suite-style bedrooms with beautiful hardwood floors have remarkable views of Long Point, as well as two full baths. A back entrance to a private walkout deck only adds another luxurious element to this guest wing.

Spacious elegance continues into the master suite with an exclusive French door entrance. A glass door shower and spa soaker tub decorated with large stone tiles make for the perfect relaxing retreat. Sharing a half wall, the expansive and private bedroom is just around the corner. With full floor to ceiling windows 360-degree views of the waterfront surround you, creating a dream-like atmosphere. Another spacious walkout deck, a necessity in a home with views this beautiful, completes the master suite with a private entrance from the bedroom.

Leaving the master suite, I make my way downstairs to the long boardwalk outside. With full aisle lighting perfect for enjoying warm summer nights outdoors, the fully raised boardwalk stretches down to the private access beach. A sun canopy is set up at the end for a perfect spot for hosting guests, while a spacious outdoor dining patio also provides generous room for full grilling amenities.

With family owned property for over 30 years, Winstanley decided to buy the lot next door to his brother and create the ultimate vacation home to enjoy for years to come. As a kid growing up during the summers in Provincetown, memories of playing on the pier and watching the fishing boats sparked an interest in him from the very beginning.

In keeping the sweeping views for the neighbors, flat roofs became a unique touch to Winstanley’s design. The home was purposely designed with a full natural ventilation system providing greener options and a safer way to conserve energy. With just a short bike ride to the center of town, this family home captures the true essence of living on the water.