Hi, Globe columnist Beth Teitell here, and in today’s paper I’ve written about a family who built and furnished an entire compound on Nantucket — and then decided not to move in.
But first, here’s what else is going on:
- Maura Healey and Michael Minogue are finding a fed-up Mass. electorate. Just with who is the difference.
- Vivek Ramaswamy, who built up his political career in New Hampshire, is seeing it falter in Ohio — after one vile attack ad he approved.
- What is “the most dangerous and toughest road” to drive in Boston? You may already know the answer.
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TODAY’S STARTING POINT
Sure, anyone can, er, change their mind.
But, in this case, why? The family’s planned new home sounds like nothing to be ashamed of! It’s listed for $45 million (and would set a state record if it sells at that price). Even on Nantucket, you could proudly host mahjong here, or have your yacht friends pop over from the Nantucket Boat Basin.
It has a pool, nine bedrooms, even more bathrooms, and a “private” tunnel (private? — who else would be in there, or maybe it’s packed with people wandering around looking for a bathroom???).
When the listing dropped, the usual yammering about the ultra rich ensued. But it is true that moving can be such a hassle, even if your wealthy friends help. But snagging a U-Haul wasn’t the problem. The owners are staying put, per the listing agent, because they prefer their other home, which is on a more “rural” part of the island.
(And please applaud the marketing genius who, with a straight face, says the owners don’t want to move here, but in the listing calls at 33 Cliff Road one of the island’s “most coveted and sought-after areas.”)
How should we feel about the owners? Are they taking a fast fashion approach to real estate — the 13,500-square-foot home as the ultimate disposable luxury?
On the other hand, many wealthy people simply keep their unused surplus properties empty, selfishly driving an ensuite, second-home housing shortage.
Billionaire tech mogul Michael Dell,for example, recently put his 4,110-square-foot Millennium Tower penthouse up for auction a decade after an LLC connected to him bought it, and the listing describes the place as “never truly lived in.”
The Dell-connected LLC paid $10.9 million and now it’s asking $6.5 million or less.
Maybe the owners of 33 Cliff Road don’t want to or can’t carry a multi-million dollar property on their books just for fun. Or maybe they are graciously working to expand housing options for those who require sweeping views – embodying the sustainability motto: reduce, reuse, recycle, real estate.
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Read: Who decides at the last hour to put their new Nantucket “dream home” up for sale?
A lower price point: Salem’s maritime history is alive in this 1768 condo for $500,000.
🧩 8 Across: Summit | ☀️ 70° Beautiful
POINTS OF INTEREST
Sandra Birchmore: Matthew Farwell is on trial. So, too, is the state’s investigation into Birchmore’s killing.
MGB blues: Closure of a program at this hospital giant could make things worse for children with this controversial condition.
First lady: Last campaign, Joanna Lydgate was behind the scenes. As Massachusetts first lady, she’s stepped into a growing spotlight this time around.
Lexington evacuation: Officials evacuated roughly 180 residents from a Lexington nursing home after they found repeated electricity issues that raised health and safety concerns.
‘A serious wake-up call’: Thirty years ago, this flood swamped the Green Line and changed how Boston thinks about parks, writes Danny McDonald.
Mom arrested for manslaughter: 35-year-old Dayanna Familia has been arrested in Dedham two months after the fentanyl death of her 4-year-old daughter.
Elections: He stood up to Trump and endured his wrath. Now Brazil’s president. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has been re-elected over a pro-Trump rival. In Serbia, the long-ruling authoritarian leader conceded defeat to a grassroots, student-led movement against corruption.
Robot dogs attacking humans? Workers at Boston Dynamics are protesting their company’s contract with ICE to supply souped-up machines to use against people in America. The dogs will have a thermal camera and sensors for explosive materials.
Venezuela: She won the Nobel Peace Prize for opposing repression. Now Maria Corina Machado, who many observers believe won Venezuela’s last election, is back in her homeland. The Trump administration has been collaborating with allies of the previous leaders in exchange for billions in oil money.
BESIDE THE POINT
By David Beard
👻 This week’s new TV and streaming picks: A “Ghosts” Halloween special, a Matthew Perry docuseries, and more. (That includes a new series with Liev Schreiber of “Spotlight” and Zazie Beetz of “Atlanta.”)
🧛🏼 He did the mash: Somerville’s Bobby “Boris” Pickett did — and redid — the “Monster Mash.” Here’s how and why the novelty song has endured every Halloween season.
📱 Easy security upgrade: The phone security feature everyone should enable — and not worry about. (Washington Post)
💌 Love Letters: “My sister says my mom is toxic.”
👄 Don’t hang back: It’s great to be a good listener, but here are three tips on how to contribute more to the conversation. (Big Think)
💀 Day of the Dead: You don’t have to be Mexican to celebrate next week. But there’s a proviso, writes Marcela García.
🎙️ Today’s song: Remember Me, by Natalia Lafourcade and Miguel (from “Coco”)
Thanks for reading Starting Point.
This newsletter was edited by David Beard and produced by Ryan Orlecki.
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Beth Teitell can be reached at beth.teitell@globe.com. Follow her @bethteitell.