House Lust: A Renovated Prudence Island Contemporary With Water, Water Everywhere

A pandemic project house makes its stunning debut.

November 30, 2021

Casey Nilsson,

In March of 2020, as the pandemic struck and urbanites flocked to the suburbs, Jacob Wint and his fiancee embarked on an enviable opportunity, swapping city life in Boston’s North End for a sun-dappled, waterfront cabin on Prudence Island, where they have family.

The hitch? The house was entirely unfinished. Thankfully, the previous owner, who built it in the 1990s, left behind design ideas and original hand-drawn blueprints.

“When we purchased the home, our goal was to make a turnkey property on Prudence Island that was also true to his vision,” says Wint, who owns the house with his fiancee’s parents and credits his future father-in-law for much of the work. “A lot of stuff is outdated so to have a custom-built, brand new home on the island is very rare.”

The couple ended up staying on for a full year, enjoying the quiet beauty of Prudence Island through the seasons.

“It’s definitely interesting to be able to wake up and go for a walk on the water,” he says, adding that the pair befriended many of the hundred or so families who live on the island year round. “It was pretty special. It’s a different kind of community.”

But the couple is now headed to New York City, and Wint, a photographer who daylights as a real estate agent with William Raveis, listed the property for sale last week.

“We decided to sell it and let someone enjoy it because we can’t,” he says.

Here’s your House Lust:

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21 Park Ave., on the West Side of Prudence Island, is on the market for $539,999. The house, renovated in 2020, is surrounded by conservation land and boasts water views from each window. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)

21 Park Ave., on the West Side of Prudence Island, is on the market for $539,999. The house, renovated in 2020, is surrounded by conservation land and boasts water views from each window. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)

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The first level features a full bath and an open floor plan. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)
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A detail shot in the living area. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)
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A view from the sitting area looking toward the dining and kitchen space. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)
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Shiplap accents, shaker cabinets, appliances and butcher block countertops are all new. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)

Shiplap accents, shaker cabinets, appliances and butcher block countertops are all new. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)

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Another look toward the kitchen area, with new light fixtures that wink at the home's nautical surroundings. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)

Another look toward the kitchen area, with new light fixtures that wink at the home's nautical surroundings. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)

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A view of the farmer's sink and open shelves in the kitchen. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)
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The staircase leads up to the master suite. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)
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A view of the master bedroom, with airy exposed beams and built-in storage. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)

A view of the master bedroom, with airy exposed beams and built-in storage. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)

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Extraordinary views from the master bedroom. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)
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Another pretty water view. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)
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Sliding doors in the master bedroom lead to a private porch. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)
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Up a ladder in the master bedroom is a private crow's nest office. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)
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Also in the crow's nest office is a built-in daybed and bookshelf. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)
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The finished, walk-out lower level boasts a laundry room, another bedroom and a bonus room that could serve as a bedroom or bunk room. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)

The finished, walk-out lower level boasts a laundry room, another bedroom and a bonus room that could serve as a bedroom or bunk room. (Photo credit: Jacob Wint)

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