Splurge vs. Steal: Two Gorgeous Cape Cod Houses in Chatham, Massachusetts

All of Cape Cod is beautiful, but the seaside town of Chatham, Massachusetts, is particularly charmed. With storybook houses and the landmark 19th-century Chatham Lighthouse, it’s a destination for many vacationers looking for peaceful relaxation and gorgeous surroundings.

Located on the southeastern tip of Cape Cod, Chatham was first settled in 1664 by the English. Its population of 6,125 swells in the summer months with tourists, many of whom have bought a home in this picturesque, tony town. It’s rumored Harry Connick, Jr., has been one of them.

We’ve found two homes in Chatham, one a splurge and one a steal. See how you can get a taste of Cape Cod living with these beauties.

Splurge: North Chatham home tucked away on quiet lane

The home at 63 Andrew Mitchell Ln. blends beautifully with its natural surroundings and it tucked away within the Cannon Hill Association at the end of a quiet lane. It’s a short walk to the beach on Pleasant Bay. With a shingled exterior, moderately pitched gabled roof, and white trim, it epitomizes the Cape Cod-style feel. This property has three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, one half bath, and 2,316 square feet, built in 1972.

The generously sized rooms have an airy feel and light color palette. The main foyer opens to a welcoming living room with a wood-burning fireplace and built-in bookshelves. The kitchen is renovated with marble countertops, white cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances, including a gas range. An expansive wood deck overlooks the championship-sized tennis court below. The master suite includes an office space and the two additional bedrooms share a full bath. Amenities include central air conditioning, a security system, outdoor shower, and irrigation.

This home is listed by Christopher L. Rhinesmith with Pine Acres Realty for $1.295 million.

Steal: Beach cottage with ocean views 

The home at 3 Scallop Terrace is called the Elbow Room beach cottage — lots of homeowners name their properties in Cape Cod. It is a modest 748 square feet, with three bedrooms and one bathroom, but what it lacks in interior size it makes up for with big ocean views from a good-sized wood deck. The Freedom Boat Club is steps away at Outermost Harbor Marine, and it’s a short stroll to the historic Chatham Light House.

Like our “splurge” house above, this beauty has the classic Cape Cod wood shingles and a storybook look. Inside, you’ll find vaulted ceilings with wood paneling painted white, and an open floorplan for the family room, dining area, and kitchen. Recent updates include a new roof, lighting, fresh paint, the addition of a full bath, a new washer and dryer, new windows and slider facing the ocean, and new landscaping. This house will be sold mostly furnished, including the patio furniture and grill. One big bonus for the buyer: this home has the potential to be rented out for up to $3,000 a week in season.

This cottage is listed by Shane Kearney Masaschi with Kinlin Grover Real Estate for $650,000.