Captain Morse House - Edgartown
Captain Morse House - Edgartown
Luxurious Captain's Mansion - Waterfront, Town, & Beaches - 5 stars
26 Guests · 12 Bedrooms · 7 Bathrooms · Vacation Home · Entire place · 8000 Sqft
4.97•Fantastic
35 reviewsRegistration ID: C0028280890
Identity verified
This host has verified their email and or phone number on Houfy.
Pets are allowed
When you pay a pet fee you can bring your pet/anim
Response rate & time
This host responds to 33% of inquiries in within 48 hours
Book Direct and Save
Save on service fees by booking direct on Houfy.
The Captain Morse House is located in Edgartown on Marthas Vineyard. It is one of New Englands premier vacation rental homes. It was built by the islands most successful whaling Captain in 1840. The 1840 Captain Morse House has a superb location on the waterfront and a walk to Edgartowns shopping and beaches. At the bottom of Morse Street lies the North Wharf where Captain Morse used to keep his whaling ships.
The home features 26 rooms with 12 bedrooms, 7 baths, two full kitchens, two dining rooms, and two living rooms. The home can be rented in its entirety or just as the East or West Wing with flexible floor plans starting with 5
Outside the house
On the iconic North Water Street, there are two spacious porches with views of Edgartown Harbor. The porches are framed by 10 Doric columns and face the harbor. They create an ideal place to spend the day. The large backyard and garden offer a private oasis from the bustle of a Vineyard summer. The yard is graced by three towering and magnificent Linden trees. Edgartowns North Wharf lies below the house at the end of Morse Street. It is a great place to go and enjoy the waterfront or perhaps some fishing. Our backyard is one of the most spacious and safe in town and features a bricked patio with seating for 20 with a very nice barbecue. The tool shed holds complimentary bicycles, beach chairs, and lawn games.
About the Interior
The home is spread out over three floors and offers a variety of public rooms and private bedrooms. The front of the first floor has a large formal living room with dual access portals to the front porch. Next to it is the front entranceway that features a lovely spiral staircase built by local shipwrights. Next comes the media room that doubles as a spare bedroom and then a formal dining room and gourmet kitchen. As you walk by the front kitchen you enter the back of the house with a large living and dining area, a private ensuite bedroom, and a full modern kitchen with an island and seating for four. This is a great informal space for more casual gatherings.
The second floor again starts with a magnificent front porch that can be accessed from either the master bedroom or the second large bedroom. From here to the back of the house are another 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. These are all laid out in a way that you will not see in other houses built more recently. It is part of the charm of the house.
On the third floor, there are an additional four bedrooms. This is the simplest part of the house and was where the servants used to live. Back in the 1800s, it took a small army to run the house. Not all of them could actually live at the house. Some lived on Chappaquiddick Island and took the ferry operated by Captain Morses father Uriah.
As you might be able to guess we specialize in large families, family reunions, weddings, anniversaries, and any event where people want to enjoy each others company without the distraction of others. Large groups regularly book our home for its charm, comfort, and unique character and grace. With that said our repeat tenants tend to be smaller families of 6 or so. They then invite friends to come and visit. In my youth, I lived in the house with my family. It seems unusual now but back then we just took it for granted and helped our father with the maintenance and lawn work.
Events:
Parties and events are not allowed on the Airbnb Booking platform due to their global ban on events over 16 people. Events are allowed only with the express written consent of the Host. Please request more information.
The Surrounding Area:
The Captain Morse House is located at the corner of Morse and North Water Streets. The town of Edgartown is defined principally by its Main Street. To the south is South Water Street which winds by the giant pagoda tree and towards the road to Katama and South Beach. North Water Street runs the opposite way and the Captain Morse House is located about halfway between Main Street and the Harbor View Hotel which looks over the Edgartown Lighthouse and the entrance to the harbor.
Summary
We are committed to doing whatever we can to make your stay in our family home on Marthas Vineyard a special one. We think that our house is the best in town and offers our guests a truly unique experience.
You can see more detailed information on The Captain Morse House on our website. Just search for captainmorsehouse.
EXPECTATIONS
This is where, in the interest of transparency, we divulge all of the things that you ought to know about the house
This may repeat what is on Airbnb
PARKING
The fewer cars you bring to the island the better. That said....
We have space for up to 4 cars in our single-lane driveway.
We also have rented guaranteed available additional parking one block away for another two cars and possibly more.
When the Wings are both rented the East Wing gets the driveway and the West Wing gets the two spots down the street. This way no one gets blocked in.
There is free parking on the street during the day for up to two hours in the season and all day off-season.
There is no parking overnight from 2:00 am to 7:00 am.
There are two town parking lots with overnight parking at the foot of Main Street and at nearby Mayhew Lane.
There is another lot up at the Triangle called the Dark Woods Lot.
WATER
You are 200 feet from Edgartown Harbor. Walk out of the house and down Morse Street to Edgartowns North Wharf. This is a public wharf and also houses the harbormaster and a marine store. We have a Boston Whaler that is docked here and available as a separate rental. We mention this because some may consider that a hazard.
STAIRS & RAILING
This house was built in 1840 before modern building standards. There are steep stairs from the West Wing of the 1st floor to the 3rd floor and from the East Wings 2nd floor to the 3rd floor. There are also low railings on the porches and at the West Wing 2nd-floor landing. Small children will need supervision. People with mobility issues should stay on the 1st floor or use the elevator in the East Wing.
CAMERAS
Two exterior cameras and three doorbell cameras cover entrances and patio. The interior camera can be turned towards the wall when you come in.
These are for your protection only.
NOISE
You are three blocks away from Main Street. This is an in-town location with all the advantages of walking to pretty much anything you want. The disadvantage is that traffic will be sometimes heard at the corner of Morse Street and North Water Street. The other Wings Guests can sometimes be heard.
TERMS AND RATES:
All pricing, availability, and terms are subject to change without notice. We use dynamic pricing that adjusts to market demand and other factors.
A booking is confirmed only when we receive a payment and a signed lease.
All rentals are subject to our lease, manual, and house rules whether you have expressly signed a lease or not.
Each guest making a booking must sign our lease and provide your personal email, cell phone, legal mailing address (no PO Boxes), picture of a valid government ID, and a selfie showing the ID next to your face.
We reserve the right to cancel any booking where we feel the rates are inaccurate or when the guest fails to adhere to our house rules.
Unauthorized Late Check-Out or Early Check-Ins seriously disrupt our existing guests, cleaners, and caretakers. The fee for these is $100 per quarter hour
REV: 2024-09
The home features 26 rooms with 12 bedrooms, 7 baths, two full kitchens, two dining rooms, and two living rooms. The home can be rented in its entirety or just as the East or West Wing with flexible floor plans starting with 5
Outside the house
On the iconic North Water Street, there are two spacious porches with views of Edgartown Harbor. The porches are framed by 10 Doric columns and face the harbor. They create an ideal place to spend the day. The large backyard and garden offer a private oasis from the bustle of a Vineyard summer. The yard is graced by three towering and magnificent Linden trees. Edgartowns North Wharf lies below the house at the end of Morse Street. It is a great place to go and enjoy the waterfront or perhaps some fishing. Our backyard is one of the most spacious and safe in town and features a bricked patio with seating for 20 with a very nice barbecue. The tool shed holds complimentary bicycles, beach chairs, and lawn games.
About the Interior
The home is spread out over three floors and offers a variety of public rooms and private bedrooms. The front of the first floor has a large formal living room with dual access portals to the front porch. Next to it is the front entranceway that features a lovely spiral staircase built by local shipwrights. Next comes the media room that doubles as a spare bedroom and then a formal dining room and gourmet kitchen. As you walk by the front kitchen you enter the back of the house with a large living and dining area, a private ensuite bedroom, and a full modern kitchen with an island and seating for four. This is a great informal space for more casual gatherings.
The second floor again starts with a magnificent front porch that can be accessed from either the master bedroom or the second large bedroom. From here to the back of the house are another 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. These are all laid out in a way that you will not see in other houses built more recently. It is part of the charm of the house.
On the third floor, there are an additional four bedrooms. This is the simplest part of the house and was where the servants used to live. Back in the 1800s, it took a small army to run the house. Not all of them could actually live at the house. Some lived on Chappaquiddick Island and took the ferry operated by Captain Morses father Uriah.
As you might be able to guess we specialize in large families, family reunions, weddings, anniversaries, and any event where people want to enjoy each others company without the distraction of others. Large groups regularly book our home for its charm, comfort, and unique character and grace. With that said our repeat tenants tend to be smaller families of 6 or so. They then invite friends to come and visit. In my youth, I lived in the house with my family. It seems unusual now but back then we just took it for granted and helped our father with the maintenance and lawn work.
Events:
Parties and events are not allowed on the Airbnb Booking platform due to their global ban on events over 16 people. Events are allowed only with the express written consent of the Host. Please request more information.
The Surrounding Area:
The Captain Morse House is located at the corner of Morse and North Water Streets. The town of Edgartown is defined principally by its Main Street. To the south is South Water Street which winds by the giant pagoda tree and towards the road to Katama and South Beach. North Water Street runs the opposite way and the Captain Morse House is located about halfway between Main Street and the Harbor View Hotel which looks over the Edgartown Lighthouse and the entrance to the harbor.
Summary
We are committed to doing whatever we can to make your stay in our family home on Marthas Vineyard a special one. We think that our house is the best in town and offers our guests a truly unique experience.
You can see more detailed information on The Captain Morse House on our website. Just search for captainmorsehouse.
EXPECTATIONS
This is where, in the interest of transparency, we divulge all of the things that you ought to know about the house
This may repeat what is on Airbnb
PARKING
The fewer cars you bring to the island the better. That said....
We have space for up to 4 cars in our single-lane driveway.
We also have rented guaranteed available additional parking one block away for another two cars and possibly more.
When the Wings are both rented the East Wing gets the driveway and the West Wing gets the two spots down the street. This way no one gets blocked in.
There is free parking on the street during the day for up to two hours in the season and all day off-season.
There is no parking overnight from 2:00 am to 7:00 am.
There are two town parking lots with overnight parking at the foot of Main Street and at nearby Mayhew Lane.
There is another lot up at the Triangle called the Dark Woods Lot.
WATER
You are 200 feet from Edgartown Harbor. Walk out of the house and down Morse Street to Edgartowns North Wharf. This is a public wharf and also houses the harbormaster and a marine store. We have a Boston Whaler that is docked here and available as a separate rental. We mention this because some may consider that a hazard.
STAIRS & RAILING
This house was built in 1840 before modern building standards. There are steep stairs from the West Wing of the 1st floor to the 3rd floor and from the East Wings 2nd floor to the 3rd floor. There are also low railings on the porches and at the West Wing 2nd-floor landing. Small children will need supervision. People with mobility issues should stay on the 1st floor or use the elevator in the East Wing.
CAMERAS
Two exterior cameras and three doorbell cameras cover entrances and patio. The interior camera can be turned towards the wall when you come in.
These are for your protection only.
NOISE
You are three blocks away from Main Street. This is an in-town location with all the advantages of walking to pretty much anything you want. The disadvantage is that traffic will be sometimes heard at the corner of Morse Street and North Water Street. The other Wings Guests can sometimes be heard.
TERMS AND RATES:
All pricing, availability, and terms are subject to change without notice. We use dynamic pricing that adjusts to market demand and other factors.
A booking is confirmed only when we receive a payment and a signed lease.
All rentals are subject to our lease, manual, and house rules whether you have expressly signed a lease or not.
Each guest making a booking must sign our lease and provide your personal email, cell phone, legal mailing address (no PO Boxes), picture of a valid government ID, and a selfie showing the ID next to your face.
We reserve the right to cancel any booking where we feel the rates are inaccurate or when the guest fails to adhere to our house rules.
Unauthorized Late Check-Out or Early Check-Ins seriously disrupt our existing guests, cleaners, and caretakers. The fee for these is $100 per quarter hour
REV: 2024-09
Sleeping Configuration
1 / 4
Master Bedroom #1 The John O Morse Room
1 queen bed
1 - Front porch, fireplace, elevator - The John O Morse Room
Bedroom #2 The Cat Room
4 single beds
2 - Two Twin beds off the front porch, fireplace - Cat Room
Bedroom #3 The dressing room
1 queen bed
Queen bed with fireplace - The Dressing Room
Bedroom #4 The Middle Room
1 king bed
King size bed or two twins with fireplace - The Middle Room
Bedroom #5 The Green Room
1 king bed
King size bed or two twins - The Green Room
Bedroom #6 - The Garden Room
1 single bed
Twin Bed with garden view – best for a child (Garden – 6)
Bedroom #7 The Secret Garden Room
1 double bed
Full size bed at the West End of 3rd floor
Bedroom #8 The William Martin Room
1 single bed
Twin bed between 7 and 9 – The William Martin Room
Bedroom #9 The Sara Brown Room
1 single bed
Twin bed between 8 and bath #7
Bedroom #10 The Sail Loft
1 queen bed, 4 single beds
A Queen Bed and two twin beds in the Front East of the house
Bedroom #11 - The Joanna Pease Room
1 queen bed
Queen Bedroom with ensuite bath. Suitable for handicapped.
Bedroom #12 ensuite with bathroom #1 - The Mary Smith Room
1 sofa bed
Pull out sofa with "Air Dream" mattress
What this place offers
Iron & Board
Hair Dryer
Linens Provided
Paper Towels
Full Kitchen
Oven
Gas Grill
Charcoal Grill
High Speed Internet
Desk
Desk Chair
Smart TV
Nearby activities
Scuba diving or snorkeling
Fishing Charters
Surfing
Beach Volleyball
Fly fishing
Basketball
Roller blading
Walking
Suitability
Child friendly
Children's books and toys
Crib/Pack 'n Play
Events allowed
Not on Airbnb. Not without written permission.
No smoking allowed
No Parking
3 to 4 cars
Wheelchair Accessible
Meet The Host
Norman
Owner
I grew up in the Captain Morse House with my parents and brother. We had a wonderful childhood full of sailing, fishing, tennis and bike riding. Our family has been coming to the Vineyard since 1955 and can assist the first time or seasoned vineyard traveler.
We encourage your to check out our website and read all the content I have added over the years to assist you in having the best vacation ever.
yours sincerely,
Norman Platt Johnson
We encourage your to check out our website and read all the content I have added over the years to assist you in having the best vacation ever.
yours sincerely,
Norman Platt Johnson
Read more
Member since: February 2018
Speaks: English
Response rate: 33%
Response time: within 48 hours
Scenic views
Beach view
Bay view
Marina view
Garden view
Location
Waterfront
Resort
Check in
Check out
Guests
1 guest
Adults
Over 18 years of age
1
Children
0-17 years of age
0
Pets
Apply
Report this listing
Exact location provided after booking.
Policies and Rules
Check In: 4PM - 9PM
We can accommodate different needs, just ask.
Check Out: 10AM
Minimum age limit for renters: 25
Maximum occupancy: 26
House Rules
We have house rules available on request.
Payment Policy
Payments are made by personal check, bank transfer or wire transfer. We also accept credit cards.
Refundable Damage Deposit
Rates are base rates - Weeks range from $5,000 to $30,000
We return deposits within 30 days of the end of the lease.
We return deposits within 30 days of the end of the lease.
Cancellation Policy
We do not offer cancellation and recommend guests purchase trip insurance.
Nearby Listings
Explore more vacation rentals around Edgartown
Show more
houfyProtect revolutionizes your travel experience by removing the need for damage deposits, ensuring a smoother booking process. This innovative approach guarantees a hassle-free journey, making your trips more enjoyable and worry-free. Learn more here
Houfy Connect enhances your travel experience by providing access to a wider range of professionally managed properties through our software partners. This seamless integration ensures you have more choices and real-time availability, making your booking process smoother and more enjoyable. A Houfy Connect charge is applied to cover the essential costs of offering this integrated listings. Learn more here