The Hadwen-Wright House, an 1847 Greek Revival landmark at 94 Main Street, changed hands for $15.25 million on October 27, 2026. This figure exceeds the 2014 sale price of $4.7 million by more than a factor of three. The buyer, identified as John E. Kozlowski through the 94 Main Street Nominee Trust, closed the deal two months after the property hit the market through Maury People Sotheby's International Realty.
Architect Frederick Brown Coleman designed the residence for William Hadwen, a whale-oil merchant, during the twilight of Nantucket's whaling dominance. The structure stands as one of the 'Two Greeks,' a pair of neighboring columns-and-porticoed mansions that define the island's historic aesthetic. Unlike its neighbor at 96 Main Street, which served Hadwen, this property was built for his niece and features four distinct Corinthian columns. Preservation easements protect much of the interior, ensuring that the original craftsmanship remains locked in place for future generations.
Restoration work under previous ownership revealed layers of the home’s hidden history. Workers uncovered a brick-lined cistern filled with water beneath the basement floor. Rather than demolishing it, the owner preserved the structure, installing a glass-covered opening with internal lighting so visitors can peer down into the 19th-century water source. Similarly, the original brick flooring was deconstructed, numbered, and reassembled after the installation of modern moisture barriers and subflooring. This meticulous approach retained the wide-plank pine floors and distinctive domes that crown the primary bedroom and staircase nook.
The 6,106-square-foot estate offers modern luxury without sacrificing its 1840s soul. It includes five bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and a belvedere that overlooks the harbor. The $15.25 million price tag reflects a broader market trend where preserved architectural integrity commands a significant premium over new construction. For Nantucket, the sale reaffirms the financial viability of maintaining its historic core, turning stone and wood into enduring capital.
The transaction draws no immediate regulatory scrutiny, as the sale complies with local historic preservation guidelines. However, the jump from $4.7 million to $15.25 million in less than a decade signals a sharp appreciation in coastal historic real estate. Buyers in this segment are chasing rarity, and the Hadwen-Wright House, with its cistern and domes, fits that bill perfectly.