The Oak House
Bed and Breakfast

The Oak House, providing care-free lodging on the island of Martha's Vineyard, is located steps across the street from a safe sandy swimming beach and a pleasant ocean promenade.

The Oak House has been witness to more than 100 years of gracious seaside living where guests can enjoy spectacular ocean vistas, lovely views of sunrises, and sparkling blue water from their rooms. All accommodations in this romantic Victorian are furnished with classic antiques. Some have small balconies from which guests may enjoy the views. The hotel owner operates the premier antique shop in Edgartown, Past and Presents, and has personally decorated the Inn.

The house was built about 1872 and renovated in the early 1900's as a summer house for then-Massachusetts Governor Clafflin. The governor enlarged and lavishly improved his new summer home, adorning it with handsome oak paneling and ceilings, marble sinks, and beautiful leaded glass windows. The Inn's name is derived from the wonderful oak paneling that exists in most of the rooms, particularly the living rooms and dining room. Subsequent owners have been careful to retain the original 19th-century romance while adding amenities necessary to 20th-century comfort.

Guests of the Oak House enjoy one-of-a-kind rooms and suites as well as a grand piano in the parlor. The rooms are designed around Island themes such as the President Grant room, reminiscent of the Victorian days he visited at the Methodist Camp meetings held each summer in Oak Bluffs. The town was named Cottage City at the time. This is a theme used for another room. The Nancy Luce room features pictures and memorabilia of a well-known local eccentric lady famous for her poetry and love for her pet chickens. There are two suites that sleep four persons or can be used as a bedroom with sitting room. There are also eight double rooms with private baths, cable TV, air conditioning, and heat when it's needed in the fall and spring. Most have queen-size beds.

Every room comes with a free expanded continental breakfast featuring freshly baked breads and muffins or croissants. In grand tradition, noon tea, featuring special sweets, lemonade, and tea, is served. Betsi Convery-Luce, the Innkeeper, was trained in baking at the Paris Cordon Bleu and Johnson Wales Culinary School. You know its going to be mouth-watering good.

The Oak House is designed to help you enjoy your visit to Oak Bluffs and the Vineyard. Relax on the porch swing chair or rocking chair with a good book, or just sit and watch the world go by. Betsi can give you all the information you need to find that special restaurant or area of the Island to see. Your comfort and enjoyment are what counts at the Oak House. Remember, "We are going to spoil you!"

All transportation to the Vineyard by ferry have docks in Oak Bluffs that are a walk from or to the Oak House. There are taxis and shuttle busses to zip you around the Island. This way, your car is not really necessary on your visit. The Steamship Authority operates from Woods Hole, and the Island Queen is a passenger-only ferry operating from Falmouth. They offer paid parking in Falmouth.

Martha's Vineyard has long been known as a beautiful place to come for sport or relaxation. Superb restaurants, exquisite shops and a lively arts calendar typify life in the towns, while outlying areas offer sailing, fishing, golf, and breathtaking natural features and sanctuaries. The Oak House is within walking distance of town, tennis courts and wharf. Bicycle paths abound with bike rental shops nearby. The beach is right across the street! The town is historic and offers many great walking experiences. Night clubs and restaurants are all within easy walking distance.