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West Wing of Captain Morse House Waterfront, Town & Beach - Pets OK, - 5 stars
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Reviews
9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms 4 bathrooms Sleeps 12 171.9 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Edgartown, MA
- Lighthouse Beach6 min walk
- Edgartown Lighthouse6 min walk
- Edgartown Beach4 min drive
- Vineyard Haven, MA (MVY-Martha's Vineyard)12 min drive
Rooms & beds
6 bedrooms (sleeps 12)
Bedroom #5 - Green Bedroom
1 King Bed
Bedroom #6 Twin Bed with garden view
1 Single Bed
Bedroom #7 - 3rd Floor
1 Double Bed
Bedroom #8 - 3rd Floor
1 Single Bed
Bedroom #9 - 3rd Floor
1 Single Bed
Bedroom #11
1 Queen Bed
Bunk Room Loft
1 Single Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed
4 bathrooms
Bath #2 inside bedroom #11
Toilet · Shower only
Bath #5
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bath #6
Toilet · Shower only
Bath #7
Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area
About this property
West Wing of Captain Morse House Waterfront, Town & Beach - Pets OK, - 5 stars
The West Wing of the Captain Morse House is a private home and part of the 26-room Captain Morse House. The Wings are 100% private just like a townhouse is. There is no shared interior space; each 6-bedroom wing has private entrances and its own kitchen and interior spaces. The yard and patio are shared. See below for detailed information.
The Captain Morse House is one of Edgartown's premier homes. It was built by the island's most successful whaler, Captain John Osbourne Morse, in 1840. The Captain Morse House has a superb location on the waterfront and is a short walk to Edgartown's shopping and beaches. The Captain Morse House is located at the corner of Morse and North Water Streets. The town of Edgartown is defined 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 overlooks the Edgartown Lighthouse and the outer harbor.
EXTERIOR
The large patio, backyard, and garden offer a quiet place to read, hang out and dine. The yard is graced by some of the tallest trees in Edgartown, three magnificent Lindens. Edgartown’s North Wharf lies steps away at the end of Morse Street. To the left is the Edgartown Lighthouse and two blocks to the right is the Edgartown Village and Main Street.
As you might be able to guess we specialize in large families, family reunions, weddings, and anniversaries. Changing demand from our guests has led us to offer the home in Wings. Wing rentals are now fully 50% of our rental business.
The West Wing of the Captain Morse House Rental (The property you are currently viewing)
Accommodations: 9 rooms, 6 bedrooms plus a sleeping loft, 4 bathrooms, sleeps up to 12.
The 1st-floor consists of a newly renovated (2023) open-plan living room/dining area, sectional couch, Samsung Frame TV, a fully equipped open kitchen, a private bar, and a cozy and quiet Queen bedroom with a modern zero curb en-suite bath. The west door exits right onto the large patio and lawn and the North door the driveway courtyard
The 2nd Floor is accessed by a steep staircase not suitable for all people. At the top of the stairs there is a loft with a bunk bed and a twin bed for 3 people plus a shared bath. Through the hall, there is a single bedroom, a large California King bedroom, and an en-suite bath.
The 3rd-floor has a double-bed bedroom, two single-bed bedrooms, and a full bathroom.
Accommodations: 10 rooms, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps up to 12 people.
Please note that the West Wing of the Captain Morse House staircase is very steep and not to modern building codes. People with mobility issues should sleep on the 1st floor. There is only one queen bedroom on the 1st floor of this 1840s house
The stairs in this 1840 home are steep. People with mobility issues should stay on the 1st floor or use the elevator.
Shared Amenities
When you rent the West Wing of the house you share the large backyard and patio. On the patio are two large 8-person teak tables each with a large market umbrella. There are two large BBQ grills. On the lawn are 6 chaise lounges. The tool shed has shared bikes and a toy box with beach chairs and umbrellas. The single-lane driveway is reserved for the East Wing Guests if they are in residence. Parking for two cars for our West Wing guests is one block away. There is no overnight street parking except for the two town parking lots at the foot of Main Street and Mayhew Lane.
EVENTS
For large events, we suggest renting the complete house. If you wish to use the backyard exclusively for one evening work this out with the guests in the other wing ahead of time or once you arrive. Most people will go out to dinner at least once.
Summary:
We are committed to doing whatever we can to make your stay in our family home on Martha's 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 captain morse house.
Summary of West Wing Accommodations
Floor Description of accommodations by floor Bedrooms Beds Bed Types Sleeping Baths
1st 1 Bedroom (#11 is ensuite with a Queen bed) 1 1 1Q 2 1
2nd 2 Bedrooms (#5 has King which can be 2 twins / #6 is a single) 2 5 1K 2t 1Bk 6 2
3rd 3 bedrooms (#7 has a full bed / #8 & #9 are singles) 3 3 1Q 2t 4 1
Total 6 10 1Q 1F 4t 12 4 Adding Accommodations to WingRentals
Changing the Accommodations in a Wing Rental
We have some flexibility in the way we split the house to add or subtract bedrooms. Please inquire if you are interested in this option.
Also, consider renting the entire home if you need more space.
Summary
We are committed to doing whatever we can to make your stay in our family home on Martha's 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 Edgartown's 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 Wing's 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 Captain Morse House is one of Edgartown's premier homes. It was built by the island's most successful whaler, Captain John Osbourne Morse, in 1840. The Captain Morse House has a superb location on the waterfront and is a short walk to Edgartown's shopping and beaches. The Captain Morse House is located at the corner of Morse and North Water Streets. The town of Edgartown is defined 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 overlooks the Edgartown Lighthouse and the outer harbor.
EXTERIOR
The large patio, backyard, and garden offer a quiet place to read, hang out and dine. The yard is graced by some of the tallest trees in Edgartown, three magnificent Lindens. Edgartown’s North Wharf lies steps away at the end of Morse Street. To the left is the Edgartown Lighthouse and two blocks to the right is the Edgartown Village and Main Street.
As you might be able to guess we specialize in large families, family reunions, weddings, and anniversaries. Changing demand from our guests has led us to offer the home in Wings. Wing rentals are now fully 50% of our rental business.
The West Wing of the Captain Morse House Rental (The property you are currently viewing)
Accommodations: 9 rooms, 6 bedrooms plus a sleeping loft, 4 bathrooms, sleeps up to 12.
The 1st-floor consists of a newly renovated (2023) open-plan living room/dining area, sectional couch, Samsung Frame TV, a fully equipped open kitchen, a private bar, and a cozy and quiet Queen bedroom with a modern zero curb en-suite bath. The west door exits right onto the large patio and lawn and the North door the driveway courtyard
The 2nd Floor is accessed by a steep staircase not suitable for all people. At the top of the stairs there is a loft with a bunk bed and a twin bed for 3 people plus a shared bath. Through the hall, there is a single bedroom, a large California King bedroom, and an en-suite bath.
The 3rd-floor has a double-bed bedroom, two single-bed bedrooms, and a full bathroom.
Accommodations: 10 rooms, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps up to 12 people.
Please note that the West Wing of the Captain Morse House staircase is very steep and not to modern building codes. People with mobility issues should sleep on the 1st floor. There is only one queen bedroom on the 1st floor of this 1840s house
The stairs in this 1840 home are steep. People with mobility issues should stay on the 1st floor or use the elevator.
Shared Amenities
When you rent the West Wing of the house you share the large backyard and patio. On the patio are two large 8-person teak tables each with a large market umbrella. There are two large BBQ grills. On the lawn are 6 chaise lounges. The tool shed has shared bikes and a toy box with beach chairs and umbrellas. The single-lane driveway is reserved for the East Wing Guests if they are in residence. Parking for two cars for our West Wing guests is one block away. There is no overnight street parking except for the two town parking lots at the foot of Main Street and Mayhew Lane.
EVENTS
For large events, we suggest renting the complete house. If you wish to use the backyard exclusively for one evening work this out with the guests in the other wing ahead of time or once you arrive. Most people will go out to dinner at least once.
Summary:
We are committed to doing whatever we can to make your stay in our family home on Martha's 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 captain morse house.
Summary of West Wing Accommodations
Floor Description of accommodations by floor Bedrooms Beds Bed Types Sleeping Baths
1st 1 Bedroom (#11 is ensuite with a Queen bed) 1 1 1Q 2 1
2nd 2 Bedrooms (#5 has King which can be 2 twins / #6 is a single) 2 5 1K 2t 1Bk 6 2
3rd 3 bedrooms (#7 has a full bed / #8 & #9 are singles) 3 3 1Q 2t 4 1
Total 6 10 1Q 1F 4t 12 4 Adding Accommodations to WingRentals
Changing the Accommodations in a Wing Rental
We have some flexibility in the way we split the house to add or subtract bedrooms. Please inquire if you are interested in this option.
Also, consider renting the entire home if you need more space.
Summary
We are committed to doing whatever we can to make your stay in our family home on Martha's 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 Edgartown's 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 Wing's 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
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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East Wing of Captain Morse House Luxury Waterfront, Town & Beach, Pets - 5 stars
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- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
- Pet-friendly
10.0 out of 10, (12 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please note that the stairs to the second and thir
Events
Events allowed
Only with separate written permission from host.
Pets
Pets allowed
When you pay a pet fee you can bring your pet/anim
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: Only with separate written permission from host.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number C0028280890
We should mention
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Edgartown
Located in Edgartown, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Vincent House Museum and Cottage Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Oak Bluffs Fishing Pier and Flying Horses Carousel. Island Cove Miniature Golf and Island Cove Adventures are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Edgartown, MA
What's nearby
- Lighthouse Beach - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
- Edgartown Lighthouse - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
- Edgartown Beach - 4 min drive - 2.1 km
- South Beach - 9 min drive - 6.3 km
- Katama Beach - 22 min drive - 12.0 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Backyard Taco - 4 min walk
- Wharf Pub & Restaurant - 4 min walk
- Atlantic Fish And Chop House - 5 min walk
- Edgartown Meat & Fish Market - 3 min drive
- The Seafood Shanty - 4 min walk
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Platt Johnson

The Captain Morse House has been in our family since my father purchased it in 1955. I spent my summers at the house until I graduated from Tufts University. In 1973 I started Island Sports, a boat rigging and windsurfing shop. I expanded it to Newport, RI, in 1979 and ran it there until 2007, when we sold it. In 2008 I entered the vacation business and converted the Captain Morse House into a successful vacation rental. Since 2008 we have rented the home to over 200 families and groups.
Our most recent project is Vacation Rental MV. This full-service vacation management business is designed to assist busy homeowners with listing and managing their on-island rental properties. 2021 will be our second season in business.
In the winter, my wife and I live in Florida. Each spring, we drive up to the island, where we open up the house and prepare it for the season. We spend about a month doing this and then travel to Oregon, where we spend the summer windsurfing, kitesurfing, and enjoying all the Northwest offers. In the fall, we return to the island, help close the house, and prepare it for winter. There are always jobs to do on a house this large, allowing us more hands-on time. We travel back down to Florida in the late fall with the geese. I have built several homes and enjoy the challenge of maintaining this old house and of creating wonderful living spaces suitable for large or small numbers of guests.
Due to my long time on the island. I can help you plan your vacation. I can provide you with the best possible service if we communicate via telephone or email. Our guests aren't clients so much; they are friends assisting us in maintaining the property and keeping it in our family for future generations. The vacation rental business has allowed our family to continue to own the house and to share it with other people who love the island and the unique architecture and heritage of this wonderful building.
Our most recent project is Vacation Rental MV. This full-service vacation management business is designed to assist busy homeowners with listing and managing their on-island rental properties. 2021 will be our second season in business.
In the winter, my wife and I live in Florida. Each spring, we drive up to the island, where we open up the house and prepare it for the season. We spend about a month doing this and then travel to Oregon, where we spend the summer windsurfing, kitesurfing, and enjoying all the Northwest offers. In the fall, we return to the island, help close the house, and prepare it for winter. There are always jobs to do on a house this large, allowing us more hands-on time. We travel back down to Florida in the late fall with the geese. I have built several homes and enjoy the challenge of maintaining this old house and of creating wonderful living spaces suitable for large or small numbers of guests.
Due to my long time on the island. I can help you plan your vacation. I can provide you with the best possible service if we communicate via telephone or email. Our guests aren't clients so much; they are friends assisting us in maintaining the property and keeping it in our family for future generations. The vacation rental business has allowed our family to continue to own the house and to share it with other people who love the island and the unique architecture and heritage of this wonderful building.
Why they chose this property
My father often visited Edgartown on his father's sailboat, the Gertrude. In 1955 my parents purchased the Captain Morse House in order to have a summer home to raise their growing family. Back in 1955 Edgartown was still a failed whaling town without the top reputation it now enjoys. Shortly after the purchase they added a separate kitchen and changed the house so that they could divide it into wings. This allowed them to rent them out separately. We have kept this configuration and you can still rent out the home Complete or as an East Wing or as a West Wing.
and I then spent every summer there until I moved to Newport Rhode Island in 1979. I continued to visit my parents each summer until 2007. I now spend as much time as I can on the island attending to the house and maintaining it. When it was built in 1840 it was perhaps the best home in Edgartown. Now movie stars and celebrities have built larger homes but non with the style and class of the Captain Morse House.
and I then spent every summer there until I moved to Newport Rhode Island in 1979. I continued to visit my parents each summer until 2007. I now spend as much time as I can on the island attending to the house and maintaining it. When it was built in 1840 it was perhaps the best home in Edgartown. Now movie stars and celebrities have built larger homes but non with the style and class of the Captain Morse House.
What makes this property unique
There are lots of modern and redone houses around but there are very few of these homes. Built in 1840 and filled with charm and character you will be enthralled by the beauty and simplicity of the home and it's surroundings.
Our guests say this is the perfect location. You are close to town and right up from the harbor. Park the car for the week or leave it on the mainland. Our location allows for freedom from car pooling and shuttles. Everything is literally a walk away. We love walking down Morse Street to the boatyard to see what's happening on the waterfront and to talk to the boaters and fisherman.
The large open home offers privacy and retreat no matter how many people fill the house.
The large backyard can serve as a base for quiet afternoons as well as an evening party.
The restaurants and shops are all an easy walk away but it is the waterfront that is the best part of living at the Captain Morse House. After all - it is a whaling Captain's home
Our guests say this is the perfect location. You are close to town and right up from the harbor. Park the car for the week or leave it on the mainland. Our location allows for freedom from car pooling and shuttles. Everything is literally a walk away. We love walking down Morse Street to the boatyard to see what's happening on the waterfront and to talk to the boaters and fisherman.
The large open home offers privacy and retreat no matter how many people fill the house.
The large backyard can serve as a base for quiet afternoons as well as an evening party.
The restaurants and shops are all an easy walk away but it is the waterfront that is the best part of living at the Captain Morse House. After all - it is a whaling Captain's home
Languages:
English, French
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