Enjoy spacious layout that give everyone more room to relax.
Arcade/game room
A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade/game room.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Discover nearby landmarks
Near Lighthouse Beach
12 bedrooms7 bathroomsSleeps 28
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Pet-friendly
Kitchen
Washer
Air conditioning
Barbecue grill
Explore the area
Edgartown, MA
Lighthouse Beach
Place, Lighthouse Beach
6 min walk
Old Whaling Church
Place, Old Whaling Church
6 min walk
Edgartown Public Library
Place, Edgartown Public Library
16 min walk
Vineyard Haven, MA (MVY-Martha's Vineyard)
Airport, Vineyard Haven, MA (MVY-Martha's Vineyard)
14 min drive
Rooms & beds
12 bedrooms (sleeps 28)
Bedroom #1 Primary - The John O Morse Room
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom #2 The Cat Room
2 Twin Beds
Bedroom #3 The dressing room
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom #4 The Middle Room
1 King Bed
Bedroom #5 The Green Room
1 King Bed
Bedroom #6 - The Garden Room
1 Twin Bed
Bedroom #7 The Secret Garden Room
1 Double Bed
Bedroom #8 The William Martin Room
1 Twin Bed
Bedroom #9 The Sara Brown Room
1 Twin Bed
Bedroom #10 The Sail Loft
2 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed
Bedroom #11 - The Joanna Pease Room
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom #12 ensuite with bathroom #1 - The Mary Smith Room
1 Double Sofa Bed
7 bathrooms
Bath #1 Front of the house 1st Floor
Toilet · Shower only
Bath #2 Back of the House 1st Floor
Toilet · Shower only
Bath #3 Front of the house 2nd Floor
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bath #4 2nd from the front of the house 2nd Floor
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bath #5 3rd from the front of the house 2nd Floor
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bath #6 4th from the front of the house 2nd Floor
Toilet · Shower only
Bath #7 3rd Floor
Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
About this property
Captain Morse House Luxury - In Town, Walk to Waterfront, Beach, Pets, 5 stars
The Captain Morse House is located on the iconic North Water Street in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. It was built by the island's most successful whaling Captain in 1840. The Captain Morse House has a superb location on the waterfront and two blocks from Edgartown's shopping and beaches. At the foot of Morse Street lies the North Wharf, where Captain Morse used to keep his whaling ships. This is a public wharf that you are free to use.
The home features 26 rooms with 12 bedrooms, seven baths, two full kitchens, two dining rooms, and two living rooms. The house can be rented in its entirety (this listing) or as the East or West Wings, which are also listed on Airbnb.
Outside the house Two spacious porches overlook North Water Street with views of Edgartown Harbor. The large backyard and garden offer a private oasis from the bustle of a Vineyard summer. The yard is graced by three towering Linden trees. Edgartown's 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 two excellent barbecue stations. The tool shed holds complimentary bicycles, beach chairs, and lawn games.
About the Interior The home is spread 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 an elevator and dual access 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. The formal dining room offers seating for up to 14. 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. There is dining seating for fourteen. 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 five bedrooms and four bathrooms.
On the third floor, there are an additional four bedrooms. This is the most straightforward 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 Morse's father Uriah. Here there are 4 bedrooms and a bathroom.
We specialize in large families, family reunions, weddings, anniversaries, and any event where people want to enjoy each other's 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 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: 2024-12
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
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Tenant is required to sign our rental agreement. If you want permission to bring an animal then you must pay a pet fee.
A Security Deposit (not a payment but a Credit Hold) will be placed on your Credit Card / No events at the house without landlords written permission.
Always report any accidental damages or breakages in a timely manner before you check-out. There is insurance for that possibility.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number C0028280890
Property # 212151
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: Not on Airbnb. Not without written permission.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated 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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Edgartown
Located in Edgartown, this vacation home is on the waterfront. Vincent House Museum and Cottage Museum are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Circuit Avenue and Main Street. Featherstone Center for the Arts and Flying Horses Carousel are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and horse riding.
Vineyard Haven, MA (MVY-Martha's Vineyard) - 11 min drive
Restaurants
Rosewater Market - 6 min walk
Nomans - 9 min drive
Sharky's Cantina - 11 min drive
Bad Martha Farmer's Brewery - 3 min drive
Atlantic Fish And Chop House - 5 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Captain Morse House Luxury - In Town, Walk to Waterfront, Beach, Pets, 5 stars pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Captain Morse House Luxury - In Town, Walk to Waterfront, Beach, Pets, 5 stars?
As of Aug 21, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Captain Morse House Luxury - In Town, Walk to Waterfront, Beach, Pets, 5 stars on Nov 4, 2026 start from $2,331, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Captain Morse House Luxury - In Town, Walk to Waterfront, Beach, Pets, 5 stars?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Captain Morse House Luxury - In Town, Walk to Waterfront, Beach, Pets, 5 stars?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Captain Morse House Luxury - In Town, Walk to Waterfront, Beach, Pets, 5 stars located?
Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is within a 10-minute walk of Vincent House Museum, Old Whaling Church, and Edgartown Lighthouse. Lighthouse Beach and Edgartown Public Library are also within 15 minutes.
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.
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.
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
Languages:
English, French
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests