157 Commercial Street

Provincetown's rich history has long been a major draw for those seeking a home on Cape Cod and this unique West End property is brimming with centuries of lore. When this house was built, before the construction of Commercial Street, the harbor and beach were the main thoroughfares. This history is reflected in the orientation of the home, with the front door facing the water. Just inside, three chimneys converge to create an old-fashioned ''Snug Harbor,'' where sailors and fishermen would stop in to warm up. Thought to have been built in the mid-1700s, the property is also rumored to have been a safe house on the underground railroad. Amongst the owners through the years were a sea captain's family in the 1800s, a well-known artist in the 1900s, and a string of successful restaurateurs beginning in the late 1970s. Most recently, the home was known as the popular and acclaimed Martin House where Norman Mailer was a frequent patron. The conversion back to a residence began in 2010, with meticulous care taken to restore and preserve the rich history while updating all of the inner workings. The moment you enter, you'll be enchanted and transported by the period details: golden pine