A historic waterfront estate in Nahant, Massachusetts, overlooking Egg Rock Island has been listed for sale at $6.25 million. The property, located at 374 Nahant Road, offers expansive ocean views and a connection to local maritime history.
Egg Rock, a roughly three-acre island situated less than a mile northeast of Nahant, features prominently in the property's scenic backdrop. Known for its resemblance to a gray whale, Egg Rock once housed a lighthouse constructed in 1856 and rebuilt in 1897 after a fire. During World War I, the lighthouse’s illumination was dimmed due to fears of enemy submarine activity. The light was discontinued in 1922, and the tower was destroyed by 1927. The keeper’s house, originally separate from the lighthouse tower, was lost to the sea when a cable broke during an effort to move it. Today, Egg Rock serves as a bird sanctuary.
The estate itself, built in 1865, occupies three acres of oceanfront land and contains 9,234 square feet of living space. Historical records indicate the home was originally built for the daughter of George P. Upham, a wealthy local figure. The property remained in the Upham family until at least 1936, according to the Nahant Historical Society. Though an 1890 photograph shows a wraparound porch that no longer exists, much of the house’s original architectural detail is intact.
The residence includes 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, with a mix of full and half baths. Interior features include wainscoting, arches, a butler’s pantry, a billiards room, a mural room, and a prominent central staircase reflecting the style of the Gilded Age. While the home has historic qualities, Nahant currently does not impose restrictions on modifications, allowing owners some flexibility in preserving or updating the property.
Additional amenities on the estate include beach access, a heated pool with a notable 15-foot waterslide, and a pool house that could be converted into guest quarters. The pool area holds local significance as many residents recall learning to swim there over the past several decades.
This estate is one of several waterfront properties available in Nahant, a town historically known for its grand “summer cottages” and its reputation as a residential haven rivaling Newport in the 19th century. Another nearby estate at 66 Ocean Street, also with views of Egg Rock and priced similarly, has been on the market for over a year. However, 374 Nahant Road’s location above the flood line and protected by a seawall is considered more secure from coastal erosion and flooding.
Nahant, a peninsula connected to the mainland by a causeway, attracts buyers with its combination of coastal scenery and proximity to Boston. The community is described as residential and focused on preserving green spaces and beaches, offering a retreat-like atmosphere while maintaining manageable access to the city for commuters.