Every home has a story, but few can match the character and history of this remarkable Tangier Island property. Local lore holds that the home was transported by barge to the area known as the Uppers—an island section near the port of Tangier—by the Crockett family. That extraordinary journey speaks volumes about island ingenuity, resilience, and the deep maritime roots that define life on Tangier Island.
Today, this approximately 2,068-square-foot residence stands as a living piece of that history. With generous interior space, solid bones, and distinctive character, it offers a rare opportunity to restore and reimagine an authentic island home. The layout includes four bedrooms, an eat-in kitchen, two enclosed porches, one bathroom, and an exceptionally large attic, providing both comfortable living areas and significant untapped potential for the right buyer.
Life on Tangier Island
Tangier Island is truly one of a kind. Accessible only by boat or small aircraft, it remains a close-knit community shaped by Chesapeake Bay traditions, watermen culture, and a slower, more deliberate way of life. While visitors regularly pass through the island’s main areas, quieter neighborhoods like the Uppers retain a peaceful, residential atmosphere, removed from day-to-day tourist activity.
Owning a home here means becoming part of a living history—where daily life is guided by tides, weather, and community connections that span generations. This property is deeply rooted in that setting, offering more than a place to live—it offers belonging.
A Home with Entrepreneurial History
In 2018, the current owners fully embraced island life by operating a successful gift shop from the spacious enclosed front porch. This area proved ideal for welcoming visitors while maintaining privacy in the rest of the home. Today, that porch remains one of the property’s most valuable and versatile features.
Whether you imagine reopening a small shop, creating an art studio, designing a bright sunroom, or simply enjoying expanded living space, this porch provides rare flexibility for an island home.
Spacious Interior Layout
With 2,068 square feet of living space, the home is notably large by Tangier standards. The interior includes:
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Four bedrooms, suitable for family living, guests, or creative uses such as offices or studios
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An eat-in kitchen that serves as a natural gathering space
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One full bathroom, functional but ready for renovation
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Two enclosed porches, adding usable square footage and versatility
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A massive attic, ideal for storage or potential future use
This configuration supports a wide range of possibilities, from full-time island living to seasonal use or a combination of residence and small business.
Solid Structure with Restoration Needs
The home is described as sturdy, providing an important foundation for renovation. However, it does require meaningful restoration, as is typical for older island properties. Areas that need attention include:
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Clearing and revitalizing gardens and landscaping
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Interior and exterior painting
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Repair or replacement of some plaster walls
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Installation or restoration of heating and air conditioning
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Electrical inspection and permitting before service can be restored
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Plumbing repairs, as some pipes are currently broken
While these needs are substantial, they also present an opportunity for thoughtful restoration—allowing a buyer to preserve the home’s historic character while incorporating modern comforts and systems.
Utilities and Infrastructure Considerations
Electric service is not currently active. Before power can be restored, the electrical system must be inspected by the electric company, and the appropriate permits must be obtained. Plumbing repairs will also be required prior to full use. These considerations are common with long-held island homes and should be factored into planning and budgeting.
The Attic: A Rare Asset
One of the home’s most compelling features is its expansive attic. Unlike many Tangier homes with limited overhead space, this attic offers significant square footage, suitable for storage or potential future conversion, subject to feasibility and approvals. It adds long-term flexibility and value to the property.
A Rare Opportunity on Tangier Island
Homes of this size and history rarely come available on Tangier Island. While restoration is required, the property offers something increasingly difficult to find: authentic character, generous space, and a meaningful connection to place.
This home is best suited for buyers who appreciate historic and unconventional properties, understand island logistics, and are prepared to take on a restoration project with care and intention. For those willing to invest the time and vision, the reward is the chance to steward a true piece of Tangier’s living heritage.
From its barge-borne arrival to its more recent role as a welcoming island shop, this home has already lived many chapters. Now, it awaits its next. With thoughtful restoration, it can once again become a vibrant and cherished part of the Tangier Island community—offering a future as distinctive as its past.
Listed on Zillow
