You know that feeling when you drive into 'Sconset and the air just changes? It’s saltier. It’s quieter. It feels like 1950 in the best possible way. If you’ve spent any time scrolling through coastal aesthetic feeds, you’ve seen the rose-covered shingles and the white picket fences that define the eastern tip of the island. Right at the heart of that postcard-perfect reality sits The Summer House cottages Nantucket, a collection of dwellings that basically represent the soul of Siasconset luxury. But let's be real—Nantucket isn't cheap, and 'Sconset is the most exclusive corner of a very expensive rock. So, is staying here a legitimate bucket-list experience or just a very well-marketed history lesson?
It’s complicated. Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want a sterile, high-tech hotel room with a smart mirror and a soulless lobby, you’re going to hate it here. These are actual cottages. They’re old. They have character. They have quirks. Located on Ocean Avenue, these structures are perched on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic, and they’ve been the backdrop for high-society retreats for decades. The Summer House isn't just one building; it’s an ecosystem consisting of the main manor house—which hosts the famous restaurant—and the cluster of cottages scattered around the property.
What You're Actually Getting in Siasconset
Most people get confused about the layout. You have the main house, but the real magic is in the individual cottages. Names like "Fairview," "Twin Peaks," and "Gables" aren't just cute labels; they are distinct homes with their own floor plans. Some are tucked away in the gardens, while others give you that direct, unobstructed view of the sunrise over the Atlantic.
The interiors are aggressively New England. We’re talking white-washed wood, floral prints that somehow don't feel dated, and wicker furniture that actually feels sturdy. It’s "shabby chic" before that term was ruined by mass-market home decor stores. There is a specific smell to these cottages—a mix of sea salt, old cedar, and high-end laundry detergent. It’s intoxicating.
You’ve got access to the Beach Club, too. This is a huge deal because beach access in Nantucket can be a logistical nightmare during the peak of July. Having a spot where you can just walk down to the sand, have a cocktail by the pool, and watch the waves without fighting for a parking spot at Cisco is a luxury that's hard to put a price on. The pool at The Summer House is one of the only ones on the island that sits right at the edge of the beach. It’s iconic for a reason.
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The Realities of Staying at The Summer House Cottages Nantucket
Let's talk about the "old" factor. These are historic structures. That means sometimes the floors creak. The plumbing, while perfectly functional and modern in its fixtures, lives within old bones. If you are the type of traveler who loses their mind if a door sticks slightly or if a window doesn't slide with hydraulic precision, the The Summer House cottages Nantucket might frustrate you.
But that’s missing the point.
The point is waking up at 5:30 AM because the light hitting the bluff is too beautiful to sleep through. It’s the fact that you’re a three-minute walk from the 'Sconset Market, where you can grab a blueberry muffin and sit on a bench watching the morning fog lift. It’s the privacy. Unlike the bustling hotels in downtown Nantucket, where you hear the ferry horn and the mopeds every ten minutes, 'Sconset is silent. It’s a different world.
Cracking the Code of the 'Sconset Lifestyle
Why do people keep coming back? It's not the Wi-Fi speed. It's the vibe.
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Staying at these cottages gives you a temporary "in" to one of the most insular communities in America. 'Sconset was originally a fishing village, and the tiny "low-profile" cottages were built for fishermen in the 18th century. Over time, it became an actor’s colony. Today, it’s where the quiet wealth goes to hide. When you stay at The Summer House, you aren't a tourist in a hotel; you're a resident in a cottage.
Dining and the Social Scene
The restaurant at The Summer House is legendary. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? For the atmosphere alone, usually. There is often a piano player. The lighting is low. It feels like a movie set. People dress up here. You’ll see linen blazers and pearls, but it doesn't feel stuffy—it feels like an occasion.
The Beach Club grill is the casual counterpoint. You can get a lobster roll and a drink while looking at the water. It’s one of those spots where time just sort of disappears. You sit down for lunch at 1:00 PM and suddenly it’s 4:30 PM, you’re slightly sunburnt, and you’ve never been happier.
- The Pool: It’s heated, which is necessary because the Atlantic in Nantucket is bracing, to put it mildly.
- The Service: It’s attentive but not hovering. They know you’re there for peace.
- The Distance: You are miles from town. If you don't have a car or a bike, you are relying on the Wave (the island shuttle) or Ubers, which can be pricey.
Why the Location Matters (A Lot)
If you look at a map, Siasconset is as far east as you can go. This means you are the first people in the United States to see the sun. There is a specific path called the 'Sconset Bluff Walk that runs right near the cottages. It’s arguably the most beautiful walk in New England. You’re walking through people’s backyards (it’s a public easement) with the ocean on one side and multi-million dollar rose-covered estates on the other.
Living in The Summer House cottages Nantucket puts you right at the trailhead of this experience. You don't have to drive to it. You just step out your door.
Common Misconceptions About the Property
A lot of people think The Summer House is just for weddings. It’s true, they do a lot of them, and if you’re staying there during a big Saturday wedding in June, you’re going to hear the music. If you want total silence, mid-week stays are your best friend.
Another misconception is that it’s "stiff." While it looks formal, the staff is generally very laid back. They deal with billionaires and families who have been coming for forty years; they’ve seen it all. There’s a level of comfort that comes with that kind of experience.
Managing Expectations: A Reality Check
- Space: Some cottages are cozy. If you’re traveling with a huge family, you need to be very specific about which unit you book. "Cottage" is a literal term here.
- Price: It’s Nantucket. In 'Sconset. In the summer. It’s going to be one of the larger line items on your travel budget.
- Seasonality: These cottages are strictly seasonal. When the wind starts whipping off the Atlantic in October, the shutters go up.
Staying here is about embracing the "Grey Lady" (Nantucket's nickname) in all her glory. It’s about the damp morning air and the way the sun burns through the mist by noon. It’s about the fact that you can’t find a single chain store within ten miles.
Making the Most of Your Stay
If you’ve decided to pull the trigger and book one of the The Summer House cottages Nantucket, don’t spend all your time on the property. Use it as a base.
Rent a Jeep. You need one to get to Great Point or to explore the hidden dirt roads around Polpis. But make sure you’re back by evening. There is something profoundly restorative about sitting on the porch of your cottage with a glass of wine, listening to the surf, and watching the stars. Because there’s so little light pollution on the east end of the island, the night sky is incredible.
Logistics for the Savvy Traveler
Getting there is the first hurdle. Most people fly into ACK or take the high-speed ferry from Hyannis. From the ferry terminal, it’s about a 15-20 minute drive to 'Sconset.
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If you're coming in the shoulder season—late May or September—you'll find the rates are slightly more digestible and the crowds are gone. September in Nantucket is actually the best-kept secret. The water is at its warmest, the light is golden, and you can actually get a reservation at the Summer House restaurant without calling weeks in advance.
Pro Tip: Ask about the specific history of your cottage. Many of them have been part of the village fabric for over a century. Knowing that a famous silent film star or a prominent writer once stayed in your room adds a layer of depth that a modern hotel just can't replicate.
Actionable Steps for Your Nantucket Trip
- Book Early: For July and August, you should be looking at least six to eight months in advance. The Summer House is small, and repeat guests snatch up the best cottages quickly.
- Request a Floor Plan: If you have mobility issues or need specific sleeping arrangements, call the property directly. Since every cottage is different, the online photos might not show the specific layout of the unit you’re getting.
- Plan Your Transport: If you don't want to rent a car, download the Uber and Lyft apps, but be prepared for long wait times. The 'Sconset bus (the Wave) is surprisingly reliable and very cheap.
- Dining Reservations: Even if you are staying on-site, book your dinner tables at the main house restaurant well in advance. It’s a destination for people staying all over the island, not just cottage guests.
- Pack for "Sconset Casual": Think high-quality fabrics but comfortable cuts. You’ll want a sweater even in July—that ocean breeze doesn't mess around once the sun goes down.
Ultimately, The Summer House cottages Nantucket offer something that is becoming increasingly rare: a sense of place. You aren't just "at the beach." You are in 'Sconset. You are part of a lineage of summer travelers who have found peace on this specific bluff for over a hundred years. It’s a splurge, surely, but it’s one that pays dividends in memories and a genuine sense of escape. Turn off your phone, grab a book, and let the Atlantic do the rest of the work.