Sea-Captains' Houses and Rose-Covered Cottages

Good evening, everyone ♥

Awhile back- one of my first entries, actually-

I mentioned a book that I stumbled 

 upon at a friend's house called,

Sea-Captains' Houses and Rose-Covered Cottages:

The Architectural Heritage of Nantucket Island

It's a book that celebrates the true beauty of a Nantucket Home
through the use of past and present-day photos, historical
documents, architectural floor plans,
and interesting local accounts.

Prior to picking it up, I wasn't very familiar with

Nantucket, or its architecture, for that matter...

So you can imagine all the squeals emanating from

my mouth as I anxiously flipped through the pages!

I have not purchased a copy yet - as I would like to - but I

did borrow it from the library to take a few snapshots

of some of the photographs to share with all of you.

Along with the photos, I've also included brief historical
descriptions, and addresses of most of the houses pictured
(in case you ever wish to visit them)...

... enjoy!

"Main Street Mansion, Built (or remodeled) ca. 1830s.

Still paved with cobblestones and lined with 

mansions built with whale oil money, Main Street retains 

much of its original character today. This house has both classical 

and Gothic Revival elements; an example of the latter is 

visible in the pointed arch window in the pediment."

"'Dexioma,' The Captain George Wilber House, 'Sconset

Built in the first half of the eighteenth century, 
this rose-covered cottage is a lovely example of a 
fishing shack that was later turned into a vacation home."

"The Elihu Coleman House, Built in 1722,

Hawthorne Lane, ca. 1900

Withstanding the sea winds for more than two hundred years 

and still surrounded by precious open space, this outstanding 

example of a lean-to style house allows the imagination 

to conjure visions of old Nantucket."

"Christopher Starbuck House, Built ca. 1690-1757,

105 Main Street.

Built facing south before orientation to the street was 

necessary, this house sits firmly on the ground counterpoint 

to the road. The gable dormers on the lean-to 

roof are a twentieth-century addition."

"Eastman Johnson, Susan Ray's Kitchen-- Nantucket, 1875

Oil on board.

A nineteenth- century painter of the American scene 

who summered on Nantucket, Johnson depicted Susan Ray (1821-1904) 

emerging from the tiny milk room in the lean-to addition of her 

home at 9 Mill Street. The simplicity of the room was a 

symbol of humility, an important ethic of the 
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)."

"Interior, Richard Swain House, Built ca. 1755,

3 Weymouth Lane.

In place of mantel there is a molded plaster 

over the parlor fireplace, finished at the ceiling edge 

with a curved and beaded beam."

"Thomas Starbuck House, Built ca. 1726-90,

11 Milk Street.

The plan of Stabuck's comfortable but modest four-bay 
house was developed and advanced by members of 
Nantucket's Society of Friends (or Quakers). 

Thomas Starbuck was descendant from Mary Starbuck, 
who was instrumental in establishing and advancing 
Quakerism on the island. When Thomas and his wife, 

Dinah, had their home on Milk Street, the Friends were a 
significant force on the island, both politically and socially. 
Their religious ethic directed them to a life of 
humble simplicity and practical living."

"George Coffin House, Built in 1820,

33 Milk Street.

Successful shipwright George Coffin (1787-1867) built this house himself. 
Recorded in the Historic American Buildings Survey, 
his descendants stated that being a shipwright, Coffin gave 
particular attention to the interior finish of his home. 
The rear kitchen all was constructed at the same time 

as the main section of the house, indicating Coffin's financial success."

"Historic Kitchen, 45 Indian Street.

Currently filled with antique utensils, this former utilitarian 

room was an efficient work space when used as a kitchen. 

The homeowners now use it as a dining room but have 

occasionally cooked dinner and baked bread in the hearth."

 

 

"Front Bedrooms, 45 India Street and 11 Mill Street.

Remarkably similar, these two early-nineteenth century rooms 

have raised-panel wall sheathing that is typical of the period. 

The woodworking creates a simple but attractive finish for 

the room. The mantel at 45 India Street is a twentieth-century addition."

"Robert Folger House, Built 1794, 

27 India Street.

Wooden quoins decorating the edges of this residence 

echo a masonry feature found in Georgian-style houses on the mainland."

Absolutely gorgeous.

Looking through this book now has made me even
giddier than the first time, for in June, I will be walking
these very streets, and admiring these very houses

... in person!
 I don't think it's completely sunk into me yet that I will be
visiting this absolutely magnificent place; I'm sure I'll
have to pinch myself when I step off of that ferry....

I can't wait!

♥