Nantucket Houses In The Spotlight Thanks To 'The Perfect Couple'

If you're on the hunt for a suspenseful TV series that will have you glued to the screen, flick over to Netflix's new "The Perfect Couple." Adapted from a best-selling book by Elin Hilderbrand, "The Perfect Couple" follows the wealthy Winbury family and guests as they prepare for an extravagant wedding at their idyllic mansion in Nantucket. But when a body washes up on the shores of the beautiful seaside residence, everyone becomes a suspect as they attempt to unravel the mystery behind the shocking death. "The Perfect Couple" is already making waves with its perfectly timed plot twists and turns, but there's one aspect of the show that no one could have guessed. After being swept away by the scenery in this fictional series, many fans of the show are now seeking their own perfect match — in the form of a house in Nantucket, that is. 

"The Perfect Couple" currently sits at the #1 spot for the most watched Netflix series in the U.S., and although its star-studded cast certainly played a role in its success, it's the undeniably stunning Nantucket home that has mesmerized countless viewers. The Winbury's massive clapboard mansion has become one of the TV show homes everyone wishes they could live in, piquing interest in other homes that Nantucket has to offer. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, Chris Demakis, founder and owner of Demakis Family Real Estate (DFRE) in nearby Mattapoisett, MA, helps us take a closer look into how interest in this home has skyrocketed, the truth about "The Perfect Couple's" mansion location, and how the craze will affect the Nantucket real estate market. 

The exterior shots of the Winbury mansion depict a real house, but there's a twist: It's actually located in Chatham, Massachusetts, near the tip of Cape Cod — not on the nearby island of Nantucket. According to Chris Demakis, Netflix had actually considered using a home he had listed in Goodspeed Island before "[they] canceled shooting on the South Coast and instead shot on the Cape and Nantucket (and on studio stages)." The Chatham home is rumored to be in the exclusive East Point neighborhood, although information about the house has been hard for fans to find. The real estate expert notes that "The Perfect Couple" house is likely worth around 12 to 13 million dollars.

While the on-screen house may not be located in Nantucket, it has still inspired a surge of interest in the area. Demakis explains, "Elin Hilderbrand books have always introduced readers to Nantucket and many travel there just to experience the island she portrays in her books." Nantucket's average population is steadily climbing, increasing 69% since 2014 (via Nantucket Current), and that was before "The Perfect Couple" craze. Still, in the last seven days, Google searches for "Nantucket" have gone up 1,350%, with searches for "Nantucket houses" and "Nantucket houses for sale" up 80% and 60%, respectively. So, for anyone looking to sell a home in Nantucket or surrounding areas, now is an excellent time to ride the wave. However, for those of us who can't quite make the move to some of the most expensive homes in Massachusetts, there are always other ways to bring Cape Cod style to your home.

Although "The Perfect Couple" house sets a special example, gorgeous houses just like it are no rarity in Nantucket. Gary Spiekes, CEO of Gary Buys Houses, explains, "The home's location on the Nantucket waterfront is undoubtedly one of its most appealing features. Coastal homes like this offer breathtaking views, beach access, and a serene atmosphere." The design of the home itself is no afterthought, and Spiekes notes that real estate-savvy viewers admire its high-end amenities, including expansive outdoor spaces, large windows, impressive natural light, and architecture that incorporates modern luxury with classic New England charm. "These are the types of features that resonate with luxury buyers," he says.

Spiekes also recognizes that the ripple effect from "The Perfect Couple" house is no new phenomenon. The same thing happened with popular shows like "Big Little Lies," set in Monterey, California, or "Breaking Bad," set in Albuquerque. He speculates that all the buzz from "The Perfect Couple" will have similar effects in Nantucket. "People associate the home with the glamour and intrigue of the show, leading to a rise in inquiries and potentially competitive offers. This type of attention can raise the price by 5-10% or more, depending on the intensity of the interest and market conditions," Spiekes explains.

The median home price in Nantucket is already incredibly high — often exceeding $3 million, according to Spiekes – but there are plenty of intangibles that provide value to buyers. "What sets Nantucket apart is its exclusivity, historic charm, and strict zoning laws that preserve the island's character," Spiekes notes. Of course, these are aspects that are unlikely to change, even after the Netflix hype is a distant memory.