Home to some of the most expensive properties on Cape Cod, Oyster Harbors offers pure luxury for those searching for an estate on Nantucket Sound. The home of billionaires and philanthropists, the gated, waterfront community features its own golf course and extreme privacy.

Formerly known as Grand Island, the location became the setting for the summer homes of prominent Boston families around the turn-of-the-century. The 1920s ushered in a new offering, with construction of the stylish Oyster Harbors Club and golf course. It wasn’t long before the summer resort turned into an exclusive country club, with a coveted Donald Ross-designed golf course and neighborhood.

Along with views of the golf course, many of the sprawling estates of Oyster Harbors

Photo: Allison Richards

Cape Cod is known for its stunning scenery and abundant marine life, but it seems some of the Cape’s seals are getting a bit feisty as of late. There have been two recent reports of seals coming in contact with children along the Cape this summer, including a girl who was bitten on her hands in mid-August at Ryder’s Cove. Just one day later a young boy was also bitten.

Apparently in the first incident the teenager was preparing to board a boat at the town landing when it happened. The floats are at water level here, whereas most of the rest of the pier is elevated. It’s likely the seals are approaching people here in search of handouts.

That’s a problem, as feeding or interacting with the seals causes them to become too

With good waves for boogie boarding and for surfing, Ballston Beach presents a quiet, less crowded option for beachgoers on Cape Cod. This Truro beach also allows for some outstanding views, not just of the ocean but also of the nearby hills.

Nature isn’t just responsible for the scenery, though, it’s also gradually changing the beach itself. For years now the beach has been at the mercy of Mother Nature, with hurricane force winds just a few years ago heavily damaging the dune and flooding the nearby parking lot.

That was followed up by yet another winter storm and another overwash, creating an even wider opening in the dune. It’s a theme that’s repeated itself over and over again. That’s led area leaders and residents to question the future of the

Efforts to protect Nauset Beach from future erosion likely include a proposal to construct a new dune at the beach. It’s a temporary solution Orleans town selectmen are pondering as the winter season quickly approaches.

Recently town selectmen looked at a number of different backup plans in anticipation of another rough winter season ahead. Last winter the beach took a real beating, and it’s hoped that the beach administration building will at least make it through one more summer.

Several months ago a popular snack shack had to be relocated to higher ground, and a beach office, parking lot and restrooms could be next. Constructing a new dune, alone, could total at least $1 million, still a much lower cost than moving everything that currently sits in the

Dennis Village could be in line for a new development of more than two-dozen homes. Plans for the proposed Maritime Landing development call for 28 new residences to go in just off Route 6A. Some of the residences would be duplexes while others would be stand-alone residences.

The nearly six-acre property sits on the south side of the roadway, behind some commercial properties. The site also sits conveniently within a short walk of village center.

Surrounding a large green space, it’s said that the homes will all feature two- to three-bedrooms, with around 1,400 to 1,800 square feet of living space. The homes would also include either side or front porches, a back patio, a full basement and a garage.

There have been some concerns raised by nearby