home
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ar from the noise and turmoil of a world which celebrates continuous change, incoherent evolution, and excessive progression, the wheels of time move at a snail’s pace at this Massachusetts summer retreat. Relatively obscure and very private, the allure of this one-of-a-kind compound continues to prevail—as a primitive yet traditional New England resort community—with the generations of families who have called this area their second home. The land mass remains organic and undisturbed due to strict adherence to the original prospectus set forth by its board of governors in 1916. From its narrow roadways (which are few), connecting neatly organized and weathered-shingled cottages tastefully trimmed with whitewash paint, those who have “summered at Salters” will 16 December 2016
tell you that they love the continuity and longevity of this community. There are some, who at first sight would define the sparse fields and lack of gardens and a pool as banal or unimpressive, due to a void of excessive landscaping or sculpturing of the natural environment. As for others, once they pass through the gates and reach the summit of the Salters Point Improvement Association property, the breathtaking, 180-degree view of Buzzards Bay is startling, if not overwhelmingly mesmerizing. These are the same people who rejoice at the open fields, a private beach—with their boat moored steps away—and a community center is known as the Casino. Over the years, there has been a limited number of homes sold within its protective shores; most have been passed down from generation to generation. And, in the event a
home does become available, it is scooped up by a neighbor, never to make it to market. Many homes within this historic setting are used seasonally, but it would be frightful if a reader were to confuse these summer cottages with images of quaint but cramped summer living quarters. The majority of the homes that were built on Salters Point are spacious, and this month’s feature is representative of this, due to its 4,176 square foot, double-lot footprint. Salters Point is about living in shorts, boat shoes, and a Polo or Lacoste shirt all summer long. It is focused on family gatherings, living with your windows open, and on a cool night, throwing some dried-out driftwood in one of the two river stone fireplaces at the start of what will turn out to be a gracious summer season. This stately gambrel home sits on one of