A waterfront estate in Duxbury, Massachusetts, has sold for $8.25 million, marking one of the most significant residential transactions in the town's history. The sale of the property at 21 River Lane is the highest-priced transaction for a new construction home on the water in Duxbury, signaling a shift in the local luxury real estate market.
According to data from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), this sale ranks among the top three residential property sales in Duxbury over the past two decades. The transaction highlights growing demand for modern, move-in-ready luxury homes in coastal communities outside of traditional vacation destinations.
Key Takeaways
- A waterfront property at 21 River Lane in Duxbury sold for $8,250,000.
- The sale is one of the highest in the town over the last 20 years.
- This transaction sets a new benchmark for a new construction waterfront home in Duxbury's luxury market.
- The property features six bedrooms and spans nearly two acres.
- Experts suggest the sale reflects a trend of buyers seeking luxury properties in accessible, year-round communities near Boston.
Details of the Record-Setting Transaction
The property at 21 River Lane was sold last week after being listed in March by Beth Dickerson of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty. The final sale price of $8.25 million places it among the highest residential sales recorded in Duxbury. For historical context, a home at 274 Marshall Street sold for $8.75 million in 2019, and a property at 341 Standish Street sold for $10 million in 2004.
What distinguishes this sale is the nature of the property. It is a custom-built home completed in 2012, making it a relatively new construction compared to the area's more historic luxury housing stock. This is the first time a new waterfront home in Duxbury has commanded such a high price.
"This is the first new construction home on the water that has sold, and has broken records because of the fact that someone doesn’t have to go in there and tear it apart," Beth Dickerson stated in an interview.
Property Specifications and Design
The residence is a large, shingle-style estate designed to feel like a family compound with a Nantucket-inspired aesthetic. It sits on a nearly two-acre lot, providing significant privacy and space.
The home's interior includes:
- 14 total rooms
- Six bedrooms
- Six full bathrooms
- Three half-bathrooms
The project was a collaboration of several notable firms. The architectural design was handled by Julia Chuslo, the interior design was completed by Maribeth Brostowski of Virian Studios, and the construction was managed by Payne Bouchier. An interesting feature of the home is its use of a geothermal well for its heating and cooling systems, an environmentally conscious choice for a property of its size.
Market Implications for Duxbury
The sale of 21 River Lane is seen as a significant indicator of the evolving luxury market on the South Shore. Previously, high-end buyers in Duxbury often purchased older homes that required substantial investment in renovations.
Renovation Costs a Major Factor
According to Dickerson, older homes in the area might sell for $6 to $7 million but often require an additional $3 to $4 million in renovations. The $8.25 million price for a move-in-ready modern home reflects a value proposition for buyers looking to avoid lengthy and costly construction projects.
This transaction suggests a growing appetite for turnkey luxury properties. "In Duxbury, there’s been no new builds that have sold in the luxury market," Dickerson noted, highlighting the unique position of this sale. The success of this transaction could encourage more high-end new construction in the area.
Shifting Buyer Preferences Post-2020
Real estate experts observe that this sale is part of a broader trend in buyer behavior that has accelerated in recent years. Affluent buyers are increasingly looking for properties in communities that offer a high quality of life without the logistical challenges of more remote vacation spots.
Duxbury as an Alternative to Cape Cod and the Islands
Towns like Duxbury are gaining popularity among buyers who might have previously focused on Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, or parts of Cape Cod. Duxbury offers coastal beauty and a desirable lifestyle while being more accessible to Boston for year-round living. "I think Duxbury is really the story," Dickerson said. "A lot of people have been really watching Duxbury because it’s actually an easier way to get to Boston and closer — it just doesn’t have the ferry."
The town's combination of scenic beaches, community amenities, and convenient location makes it a strong competitor for luxury buyers. This trend suggests that coastal towns on the South Shore may see continued growth in their high-end real estate markets as buyers prioritize convenience and year-round livability.
The successful sale of 21 River Lane not only sets a new standard for Duxbury's real estate market but also reinforces the region's appeal to a new generation of luxury homebuyers seeking modern amenities and accessibility.
