On the Market: A Picturesque Tiny Home on Rockport’s Storied Harbor

Photo by Maria Mardikis/Boston REP

11 Atlantic Ave., Rockport
Price: $549,000
Size: 496 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Baths: 1

This home’s sub-500-square-foot footprint might not sound impressive at first, but when you consider that Motif #1, said to be one of the world’s most-painted buildings, is its neighbor? Well, its allure starts to come into focus.

It’s hard to say whether it’s the brigade of colorful and worn sailboats tethered to the docks, the iconic red fish shack, or the way the water spills out from the U-shaped harbor into the ocean that makes Rockport Harbor so pleasing to look at. Whatever it is, plein air painters have long flocked to the seaside spot to capture some of the beauty on a canvas that they can take with them—and thanks to a full wall of windows, the sight that captivates so many artists is the view from this small home’s own living room.

If you can peel your eyes away from the azure vistas, you’ll see that the interior takes on the opposite color scheme. Rather than decking the space out in hues of white and blue, the builders embraced a cozy wooden look. The floors are made with original pine planks and the walls are made of plywood, which the owners chose for its rustic vibe. Don’t mistake the raw-looking material for an unfinished project, though—the house is fully insulated. And a perk of such petite quarters? The propane stove that sits in the corner heats the entire dwelling up in mere minutes, the listing agent reports.

Though the home is essentially one room, a bedroom loft makes smart use of the vertical space. A wooden ladder provides access to the second story when needed, and folds up to be flush with the ceiling when not. Other elements continue to prove that giving up a little space overall doesn’t have to mean sacrificing on quality. The kitchen, for example, isn’t a glorified kitchenette, but a cleverly laid out cubicle with a full-size stove, fridge, and even a stackable washer and dryer. In the bathroom, trendy white tiled walls and black tiled floors surround a sleek glass shower. And all around the house, built-in shelving, cabinets, and counters mean there’s a place for everything.

Step outside the building and you’ll leave the wooden oasis behind for a dark gray and completely contemporary exterior. Take a kayak to the water and watch as your hidden gem of a home blends into one of the prettiest views around.

For information, contact Scott Smith, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, coldwellbanker.com.

Photo by Maria Mardikis/Boston REP

Photo by Maria Mardikis/Boston REP

Photo by Maria Mardikis/Boston REP

Photo by Maria Mardikis/Boston REP

Photo by Maria Mardikis/Boston REP

Photo by Maria Mardikis/Boston REP

Photo by Maria Mardikis/Boston REP

Photo by Maria Mardikis/Boston REP

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