Living Like a Captain in Edgartown:
Sophisticated Edgartown is one of six villages on the 100-square mile island of Martha’s Vineyard, a classic New England summer vacation destination located seven miles out to sea from Cape Cod. Visitors hop ferries,planes, and yachts to escape to the Vineyard, the largest island in New England.
Originally called “Great Harbor,” Edgartown was settled in 1642, and later named for Edgar Stuart, the Duke of Cambridge.
During the 1800s, Edgartown became a hub for whaling activities. Prosperous ship owners and whaling captains, such as Captain Holmes Smith and Abraham Osborne, showcased their wealth by building stately homes facing the harbor.
The production of whale oil and candles by Dr. Daniel Fisher and Co., became Edgartown’s largest industry. Today, Fisher’s elaborate Federal style home still stands on Main Street and is a popular site for weddings. In Edgartown, more than 100 Colonial, Federal, and Greek Revival style homes have been meticulously preserved and now serve as vacation homes for those who crave a refined, yet laid-back, mariner-minded lifestyle.
Edgartown Today:
Edgartown’s historic notoriety is part of its allure. The Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust has been instrumental in acquiring, preserving, and managing historic landmarks on Martha’s Vineyard. Construction and renovation in Edgartown is carefully monitored by regulations that help maintain it's historic image. Cedar shingle and white (the only acceptable color allowed in the historic district) clapboard homes show pride of ownership, neatly styled with manicured lawns and tidy picket fences holding back flowering rose bushes, cascading honeysuckle vines, and bulbous hydrangeas.
Downtown Edgartown is a tightly woven collection of shops, restaurants, and inns along with numerous historic churches, public buildings, and meeting houses. Storefront windows showcase vintage jewelry, antiques, and gourmet goods. Edgartown girls can preen their preppy look at In the Pink, a cherry shop stocked with Lily Pulitzer must-haves, while men can find khakis and colorful linen shirts at Sun Dog. Sperry Topsiders (the Vineyard’s shoe of choice), can be found at Island Outfitters.
No matter where you turn in Edgartown, where many of the streets are one-way, you won’t find a recognizable chain store name--they are not allowed. Locals and visitors line up to get their caffeine fix at the charming Espresso Love, where you can indulge in an Islander breakfast sandwich, a delicious concoction of veggie cream cheese, bacon, and cucumber slices sandwiched on a bagel.
Edgartown Harbor and Chappaquiddick Island:
The entrance to Edgartown harbor is marked by the iconic Edgartown Light, one of five lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard. During busy summer months, the protected harbor is dotted with a variety of crafts from family sail boats to mega yachts that entice people to ponder over the names of the celebrities who may be on board.
At Edgartown’s Memorial Wharf, visitors can enjoy the harbor views from the deck or hop the On Time ferry and ride (527 feet) to Chappaquiddick. The small island, part of Edgartown, is known for its rural landscape, much of it preserved as conservation land. Exclusive and natural, the island is appealing to vacation home owners in need of privacy. Visitors can stroll the public beach at Chappy Point or walk the meandering paths of the serene Mytoi Japanese Garden.
The Harbor View and Captain's Cottages:
One of Edgartown’s most historic inns sits on a hill overlooking the lighthouse and harbor. Built during the 1890s, the Harbor View Hotel recently underwent a $30 million renovation. The hotel's new image was created by Linda Woodrum, known for her work on HGTV’s Dream Homes. Woodrum gave the hotel a sophisticated seaside style that blends traditional furnishings with colors that reflect the relaxed Vineyard lifestyle.
The designer also added her touch to the Captain's Cottages, a collection of 18 suites housed in five cottages, each named for a 19th century whaling captain. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites are tucked along a stretch of the grounds adjacent to the hotel, allowing owners easy access to the Harbor View's amenities including the heated outdoor pool, Water Street restaurant, and cozy Henry's pub. In addition to the hotel amenities, owners receive dedicated concierge service, discounts on hotel rooms, and complimentary half-day cruises aboard Stardust or Scout, the hotel's leisure and fishing boats.
Fully managed by the hotel, the suites feature unique layouts that range from 435-square-foot ground-level one-bedrooms to 1,473-square-foot bi-level penthouses showcasing decks and ocean views. The furnished interiors boast crisp white v-groove paneling, black walnut floors, gas fireplaces, and a color palette that ranges from creamy hues of beige to bright corals and reds.
When owners are not in residence their cottages are placed in a year-round rental program, managed by the hotel. Interested buyers can make an appointment to visit the model residence, located in Suite 51 at the Osborne Cottage, by contacting 508-627-7404.