150-154 Cross St, Chatham, MA 02633

MAGNIFICENT Georgian estate in the heart of historic Chatham Village. Rolling lawns, specimen plantings, bluestone terraces, and striking Oyster Pond views surround this residence, which echoes the glamour, grandeur, and style of the mansions of Newport. Created by the affluent descendent of one of Chatham's early families, Henry S. Howes, this grand summer home--avant garde and opulent for its time--was built over a 2-year period and displays the finest in craftsmanship and materials. The stately residence with a main brick-faced central structure flanked by two projecting wings to the north and south has more than 22 rooms with 10 bedrooms (most ensuite), 7 fireplaces, 7 full baths, 1 half-bath, 3 interior staircases, and more than 7,500 square feet of finished living space on four levels. Each of the home's three sections has private entrances, living areas, kitchen, laundry, terraces and utilities offering a rare opportunity for extended families, guests, caretakers, or others to live independently while united under one roof. The fully finished basement offers an extraordinary ''speak easy'' and ''ballroom''- cum-playroom, extra laundry, workshops, 2 half-baths, and storage space. The dwelling's central form is a dignified "Main House" with brick facade bookended by stout parallel chimneys. Capped by a graceful arched fan window, the center entrance opens to a dramatic entry hall featuring a stunning curved staircase, marble floors, and graceful detailing. Organized off this staircase, rooms on three levels offer beautiful water views and include a formal living/dining room, kitchen, wood-paneled study, 4 bedrooms and 3-1/2 baths, comprising nearly 4000 square feet of living space.Beautifully proportioned rooms with high ceilings, burnished wood floors, and a decorative vocabulary of wide dentil moldings, Corinthian columns, and floor-to-ceiling windows are found throughout. Marble work, plaster crown moldings, stone work, and main foyer staircase are without peer. Imported fireplace mantels, hand-painted murals, 24-carat-gold plated-door pulls, and the Cape's first residential 3-story elevator number among its extraordinary features. The residence offers excellent views of and proximity to Oyster Pond where sunset views are second-to-none and is an easy walking distance to Chatham's world-class tourist destinations, village shops, restaurants, and scenic attractions. Approximately 1.3 acres of pristine, private grounds among the largest in the village are studded with specimen plantings including Linden, Siberian elm, cedar, cypress, Japanese maple, and European ginger. Rose- and hydrangea-edged drives, terraces and walkways bloom in profusion throughout the season.Evoking a resplendent era of elegance and grace and in a coveted Chatham Village location, The Beechwood is destined to become an heirloom property for 21st century stewards. Note: Home is occupied; no drives-by please.