"95% perfect" : $b The older residences at Nantucket

Stepping onto the cobbled streets of historic Nantucket feels like entering a living museum, where each tightly clustered house whispers the island’s past. The book explores why these dwellings are described as “95 % perfect,” noting their placement directly on the sidewalk, modest setbacks, and the subtle rhythm of uniform materials and colors. By examining the three main architectural phases—from early English lean‑to homes through the Federal era to the classic mid‑nineteenth‑century style—it reveals how the town’s cohesive appearance creates a calm, timeless atmosphere.

Filled with detailed sketches by Alfred Shurrocks and vivid photographs from the Pivirotto Studio, the work offers a practical guide for anyone interested in preserving these structures. It breaks down elements such as window frames, roof walks, and rear extensions, showing how sensitive alterations can honor the original character. The combination of analysis, census data, and visual documentation makes it a valuable resource for historians, architects, and casual admirers alike.