These 5 homes were among the most expensive sold in Mass. in 2024

Location, location, location.

That old real estate adage held true for five of the priciest homes sold in Massachusetts in 2024, according to Multiple Listing Service data used by real estate professionals across the state.

Oceanfront property on Nantucket and Cape Cod proved to be king, as did a Back Bay home with a coveted address. A waterfront estate with a seaside pool on the North Shore also made the cut.

“They’re highly desirable locations,” said John E. Ciluzzi, president of John Ciluzzi’s Premier Commercial in Centerville.

Keep in mind, some transactions are off-market sales, and not every property gets listed on MLS databases. That was the case for several enormous sales on Nantucket last year, for example. Those included 5 Grant Ave. ($26 million), 72 Main St. ($24.8 million), 42 Shimmo Pond Road ($24 million) and 11 Hinckley Lane ($17,725,000), said Ciluzzi.

The following are the five most expensive Massachusetts home sales of 2024 based on listings reported closed by the MLS Property Information Network and the Cape Cod and Islands Association of Realtors:

1. 41 Jefferson Ave., Nantucket: $26 million

The priciest Massachusetts home sold in 2024 — according to listings reported by MLS — was a beachfront compound on Nantucket. Originally developed as a private beach club in the 1930s, the property occupies close to an acre of prime oceanfront real estate on the island’s northern shore and includes a “four-unit” main beach house, two cottages, two garages, a courtyard, and a parking area, according to the listing.

The estate was listed for $39 million when it hit the market in 2022, but ultimately sold for a lower price in November. Still, with a price tag of $26 million, the sprawling property snagged the top spot as most expensive home sold in the Bay State in 2024, according to MLS data.

The new owner is the Nantucket Land Bank, and the plan is to turn the property into a public beach.

“It has an established parking area which, along with the flat nature of this north shore beach, will allow us to create a new ADA accessible destination for the benefit of all,” the Nantucket Land Bank wrote on Facebook after announcing the news in November. “We are working with the Town of Nantucket and its Housing Office to assess the feasibility of relocating the structures to another location where they can help to meet the urgent need for year-round housing.”

2. 835 Sea View Ave., Osterville: $22,750,000

This oceanfront mansion in Barnstable broke a Cape Cod record when it sold for $22.75 million.

When the Globe reported the sale in June, it was the highest sales price to date for a single-family home on the Cape.

Situated on 3.66 acres in Osterville and overlooking Nantucket Sound, the estate includes an outdoor swimming pool and a private beach.

Built in 2012, the seven-bedroom property boasts 15,500 square feet of living space split into a main house and an attached guest house.

“In the epicurean kitchen, equipped with professional-grade appliances and custom cabinetry, panoramic views are showcased through an open concept family room with a beamed cathedral ceiling,” the listing states. “A secluded primary suite occupies an entire wing of the residence, with two sumptuous bathrooms, two walk-in closets, a study, and a private ocean view terrace. On the second level, three en suite bedrooms, one of which is currently used as a home office, all have access to a large deck with commanding views.”

The lower level of the home features “a state-of-the-art media wall,” golf simulator, massage room, bar, and 5,000-bottle wine cellar.

A gym connects the main house to an attached guest house.

There are also seven heated garage spaces that “ensure an abundance of storage for the avid car collector,” as well as a staff house “discreetly tucked into the landscaping on the far side of the property” and divided into two apartments.

3. 279 Marlborough St., Back Bay, Boston: $16.5 million

This “bespoke masterpiece on the sunny side of Marlborough” Street in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood was listed for $21 million in October 2023 and sold for $16.5 million in October 2024.

The stately home was designed and built in 1873-1874, according to the Back Bay Houses website.

There are radiant heated floors throughout the home, heated walkways in the front and rear, and elevator access to every floor.

“The parlor level strikes the perfect balance of comfort and elegance,” the listing states. “The grand open staircase is simply a work of art. Walls of glass lead to the top floor terrace with outdoor fireplace and postcard views of the Back Bay skyline.“

The attached garage has a lift to accommodate two full size cars, according to the listing.

4. 218 Cliff Road, Nantucket: $16.3 million

Built in 2021, the property at 218 Cliff Road sits on 1.84 acres and features a six-bedroom main house, a one-bedroom guest cottage, and a 50-foot pool and spa.

The exterior living spaces include a custom barbecue area, three-zone landscape lighting, and an integrated sound system, according to the listing.

Inside the main house, adjacent to the foyer, “one of several living areas features a beautiful stone fireplace, ample room for gathering and a view through the dramatic oak and steel staircase to the kitchen beyond,” the listing states. “A set of French doors beckon one to enjoy the covered back porch and beautifully manicured lawn with the ocean as a backdrop.”

The kitchen boasts a quartzite center island and custom-oak details.

“A den and private study anchor the living areas on the east side of the house, while a side mudroom provides ample space for beach and pool gear. On the west side of the main floor, a single-story primary suite – housed within its own connected structure – boasts soaring ceilings, abundant light, and a walk-in closet, replete with custom oak cabinetry. The primary bath features honed bianco dolomite stone in the shower and dual vanity,” the listing states.

The second level features an expansive living room with ocean views and a deck, as well as four bedroom suites.

The lower level features a central living area, a private guest suite with dual-vanity bathroom, a laundry room, a powder room, a mechanical room, and an unfinished bonus room.

The guest dwelling is situated above a two-bay garage.

“Exterior stairs lead to a gracious ipe deck spanning the width of the structure, affording sweeping views of the ocean and overlooking the pool below,” the listing states. “Inside, a nearly 700-square-foot one bedroom and one bathroom guest suite, with kitchen, offers the perfect getaway for extended family or guests.”

5. 10 Boardman Ave., Manchester-by-the-Sea: $13.8 million

This waterfront estate, known as OakLedge, features a heated swimming pool that’s right on the edge of the water, offering panoramic views of the ocean. There’s also an outdoor kitchen, a sports court, and a private beach.

The 19-room mansion, built in 1873, sits on a 1.59 acre lot and has been described as a “seaside masterpiece.”

“Nooks and crannies abound with custom millwork and quality details throughout,” the listing states. “Designed with entertaining in mind, the floor plan is graceful and functional with the original Music Room now used as a Great Room with dining and sitting areas around the original fireplace.”

Holly Helliwell Fabyan, one of the listing agents from the Fabyan & Filias Team at J. Barrett & Co., described OakLedge as a “mini estate” that provides some of the best views of the islands and outer harbor.

“It was completely rebuilt back in 2009. The only room that was kept was the music room — which is truly a great room and used for all sorts of family fun!” she said. “The house has amazing character with solid quality construction and architectural details that make you think the house was built around the turn of the century, yet you have all new systems: plumbing and electrical and geothermal heating and all the modern conveniences of a 15-year-old home.”