Tour of 'Sconset Homes
This Wednesday, August 13, the Nantucket Garden Club, Inc., member of the Garden Club of America, brings the 54th Annual House Tour to the village of Siasconset. Over the course of six hours, from 11 am to 5 pm, the walking tour will showcase seven houses, as well as the 'Sconset Union Chapel and the 'Sconset Casino (Tea and a Boutique lie within), all for $40. The event is for a wonderful cause, too. Proceeds support Nantucket conservation, scholarships, and other charities. Are you staying a distance from 'Sconset, but would love to attend? Transportation is a cinch: NRTA buses are available between Nantucket and 'Sconset.
'Sconset is rich in history. Shortly after 1670, the village became an established settlement for whalers as well as for cod and halibut fishermen who came out from Nantucket. The families of these fishermen soon found the ‘Sconset area a very enjoyable place for outings and began spending time there during the summer months to get away from the smell of whale oil in the town of Nantucket. By the end of the 17th century, ‘Sconset was a full-fledged summer resort, and the village had grown to 30 dwellings. By 1850, it had more than 60 summer houses, and by 1912, the village contained 300 buildings. Today there are over 600 houses. ‘Sconset has been protected as an historic district since 1955 and is the only surviving 17th century settlement on the island.
Here's a sneak peek at each location in store for attendees of the 54th Annual House Tour. The first house, “Crosswinds,” belongs to Mr. & Mrs. John A. Hilton, Jr. Aptly named, this home is situated high above the ocean, allowing the owners to enjoy the sea breeze from several directions as well as the stunning view eastward. The house was built in 1998. Highlights include a basket, made on a whaling ship, now topped with glass and housing an ivory quarterboard, Mrs. Hilton’ s collection of interesting hats, and a small herb garden and perennial garden.
The second and third houses on the tour, “China Trade” (main house) and “China Closet” (cottage), are perfect examples of remodeling done well. Liz and Jeff Peek used landscaping and architectural details to bring the old and new together. The house is furnished with English and French country antiques. China Closet is one of the cottages built by Edward Underhill in the late 1870s, replicating the look of the old fishermen’s cottages. The slanted floors and darkened fireplaces retain the antique character of the original cottage.
Next is “The Little House,” built in 1885 and belonging to the Collinses. The cottage is one of a number of charming abodes built by Edward Underhill. These little houses all had separate one-roomed buildings set on wheels which could be dragged from one Underhill cottage to another. Underhill so successfully marketed his rentals to the New York acting community that ‘Sconset became a type of summer camp!
“Green Chimneys,” owned by Mrs. John B. Rhodes and Family, has grown over the years in much the way ‘Sconset has. A small cottage, built in the early 1800s as one of the first ‘summer places’ on Main Street, was the modest beginning. The original fireplaces, wide plank floors, and narrow staircase are typical of that era. Also look out for exotic trees collected from all over the world by former owner Mrs. Emory Buckner.
“The Corners,” held by Mr. & Mrs. Arvay, was built and moved to the current location around 1790. The living room, with garret over head, is original. A unique feature is the entry to the garret beside the chimney with a step ladder and hanging rope for a hand rail. The wall retains some remnants of the original 1810 wall papers. The main floor is decorated with 18th and 19th century antiques and the Arvay’s collection of early lighting, antique clocks, silhouettes and mirrors. Their Sandwich glass collection can be seen on the window sills, mantles and in living room cupboard.
“Nepahwin,” owned by Mr. and Mrs. James Poole, was built in the early 1890s. Not only does the house have stories (it's said to be haunted), but also it is expertly updated and restored. Other features include the perennial garden, created in the 1920s, and the antique rose garden.
Sconset Casino, 1910 - photo courtesy of the Nantucket Historical Association.
The Siasconset Casino is full of surprises. Despite its name, the locale has never been used for gambling. It was incorporated in 1899 for the purpose of “social, athletic, and other entertainment.” When ‘Sconset was at the height of its fame as an “actors’ colony,” the Casino was host to Metropolitan Opera stars and eminent professional stage celebrities then in residence for the summer. For years, the Casino has sponsored movies, dances, masquerades, tennis tournaments, and annual rummage sales. The Casino has remained a hub of summer entertainment for 109 years. Now, with 12 courts, the Casino is first and foremost a tennis club.
Finally, the Siasconset Union Chapel and Columbarium Memorial Garden tops off the House Tour. The old sanctuary is home to two thriving congregations: Roman Catholic and Protestant. As for the Columbarium Garden, the word “columbarium” comes from ancient Latin, signifying a sepulcher with niches in its walls for urns. A beautifully serene Columbarium was created on the Chapel Street side in 1982. In 1992, the lot adjacent was acquired, and a second Columbarium, a meditation garden and a cottage for the chapel minister were constructed.
Call 508-257-4434 for tickets. No strollers, smoking, or photographs of the house interiors, please! But do bring an inquisitive mind and your walking shoes!
