Our family history spans three generations of vineyard summers in Oak Bluffs. We grew up playing in the sand of the Inkwell Beach, going on adventures up-island, digging for clams and building sandcastles. Exploring and immersing ourselves in forests and hidden coves. Always feeling welcomed by the warm smiles and generous spirits of those who greet you all over the island. We have lived in - and loved being part of - for many summers before we became innkeepers here. Our motivation for choosing to take on the responsibility of these historic properties was simple: to uphold the island's history and its values. To keep them personal and locally owned. We want to preserve the enduring community spirit and its unique porch life culture, that connects us more deeply to one another.
The Inkwell Beach Cottage is the formerly Isabelle's Beach House. It is a place of special significance to us, as it is a place we know well as guests, friends and neighbors of the previous owner Isabelle. When she decided to retire in 2021 and sell the Beach House, we were honored to be selected to continue her long-standing traditions of seaside hospitality. We stayed at Isabelle's when she first opened her doors; to see it now and to have the honor of being the new custodians is a dream we never imagined. We are grateful that Isabelle's Staff have agreed to stay on with us and help incorporate the Inkwell Haven family ethos into this beautiful setting.
Under its new name, Inkwell Beach Cottage, it now joins together the historic properties of the Narragansett House (built in 1870) and the Dunmere By The Sea (built in 1883). Dunmere House is the adjacent property next to the Inkwell Beach House and is a stately blue wedding cake Victorian. The Dunmere is notable not just for its architecture, but also because it has been listed as the new Site #37 on the African American Heritage Trail of Martha's Vineyard. It was also a listed site in the national Traveler's Green Book, first published in 1936 by Victor Hugo Green, a guide to vacation refuges for African American travelers.
There is a legacy of guest house hospitality that is becoming increasingly relevant in our modern busy times. Our Guests appreciate appreciate the island's unique, vibrant and diverse communities that are filled with character and warmth. Our aim is to continue and contribute to these long-held traditions. We host writers, artists, and wellness events to enrich and support the community, and especially our Guests.
Here, we are lucky to experience the restorative powers of water, wind and sun each day. With dozens of beaches, peaceful forests, history tours, lively harbors, waterspouts for all skills, as well as a vibrant music and art scene, we invite you to immerse yourself in island life.
We also believe in and encourage the restorative power of rest. If your idea of a perfect day is sitting on the porch, the breeze on your face, with an occasional walk across the street to the beach for a dip and back to the porch for a bite to eat and a refreshing drink, then we are here for that, too. The island has everything you need to find your unique balance.
We want each of our Inns to feel like a haven for our Guests - a place to relax, recharge and restore.
Welcome to Inkwell Beach Cottage.
Welcome to the family.
