Both born and raised on Nantucket, Jules and Becky are familiar with the housing instability that many islanders face. They felt fortunate when they found a year round apartment five years ago, and have lived there as a couple ever since.

However, as a small business owner during COVID, Jules realized that he needed a proper home office. He found it difficult to carve out space in a one bedroom apartment, and he knew using their dining room table can only last for so long.

“We wanted a home to call our own that could serve our changing needs,” said Jules. “But we knew the conventional housing market on Nantucket was out of our reach.”

Having looked into Housing Nantucket’s Covenant Program in the past, Jules knew that this program might fit their needs. After completing Housing Nantucket’s First Time Homebuyer Education Course, they were qualified as Covenant home purchasers and waited for the right opportunity to come along. 

During this time, summer residents John and Jamie Barry were planning a redesign of their property on Eel Point. They wanted to save the existing cottage, and explored the possiblity of donating it through Housing Nantucket’s House Recycling Program. After learning more about the program, the Barrys determined the program was a good fit for them, which not only saved the structure from the landfill but created a unique opportunity for these first-time homebuyers.