The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin will unveil a six-month, multimillion-dollar renovation led by designer Audrey Sterk in April 2024.
Located 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, the island of Nantucket continues to retain the historic charm lingering from its days as the world’s whaling capital in the 19th century. The Boat Basin’s storied history spans over 300 years, beginning in the late 1720s when the island was the busiest whaling port in the world and its wharves were flourishing with boat-building ships, sail lofts and candle factories. During that time, 15 to 20 whale ships would be anchored in the harbor and stacks of oil casks lined each wharf. In 1830, the California Gold Rush played a role in the whaling industry’s collapse on the East Coast, but by 1920, Nantucket entered a new era of tourism with travelers arriving by steamboat from posts across the Northeast. By the mid-1960s, the waterfront, which became known as the Nantucket Boat Basin, developed into a fisherman’s community and artist enclave with more than a dozen galleries lining the wharves. The Cottages, as we know it today, officially arrived on the scene in 2002 when the accommodations became part of White Elephant Resorts.
The 29 individually styled accommodations with names such as Sea Syren, Essex and Orion, are inspired by the names of the whaling ships of the 1700s. Good to know: A collection of 12 accommodations, dubbed Woof Cottages, will continue to be available for those traveling with pets. Ranging from studio cottages to split-level, three-bedroom lofts, every inch of the historic accommodations— particularly the bedrooms, living spaces and bathrooms—will be revamped without altering their original architecture. Original details including vaulted ceiling beams and individual floor plans will remain. All cottages offer full kitchens and most have private outdoor decks. An extensive collection of artwork will also be displayed throughout the accommodations. A focal point of the cottages will be a mural painted by Sterk and digitally modified to fit in each space.
Amenities will include complimentary access to Priority Bicycles and kids’ fishing rods, reels and nets. Guests are also steps from town and can take advantage of complimentary shuttles to the beach. Pets receive the VIP treatment with beds, a welcome basket of treats and toys, and personalized pet tags.
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