Great Location- Private Yard - Oldest House on Block Island
This home is the oldest documented structure on Block Island, and it features wide plank flooring, ship's beams used for interior structural purposes, low ceilings, low door frames, and steep stairs. This 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath antique cape is located in a private yard on nearly two acres. Two abutting ponds, and restored stone walls enhance the pastoral setting.
Recently updated bedrooms, full bath, and living room. Cathedral ceiling kitchen for Summer 2023.
High Season- June 25- Labor Day - Seven (7) night minimum Off Season - May-June and after Labor Day- Oct. 16- Three (3) night minimum.
Keywords: Beach house, vacation rental
Property manager
Cathy and Joe DeCesare
Languages
English
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Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
No pets on furniture, flea & tick coverage
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
NO trash pick up at house. If trash if left at the house, then fees will be applied.
Professional cleaning is mandatory. If the house if left in a condition that required additional cleaning, extra fees will be applied.
Staying past check-out time will incur late check out fee.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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
Property Registration Number RE.02250-STR, 12/19/2025
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Block Island
Located in Block Island, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the sea. Clayhead Nature Trail and Old Harbor are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Nathan Mott Park and Sachem Pond Wildlife Refuge. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
New Shoreham, RI
What's nearby
Great Salt Pond - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
Ballard's Beach - 4 min drive - 2.5 km
Mohegan Bluffs - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
Mansion Beach - 8 min drive - 5.6 km
Crescent Beach - 8 min drive - 3.5 km
Getting around
Block Island, RI (BID-Block Island State) - 2 min drive
Restaurants
Poor People's Pub - 2 min drive
The National Hotel - 3 min drive
The Oar - 3 min drive
Payne’s Dock - 2 min drive
Dead Eye Dick's - 2 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Great Location- Private Yard - Oldest House on Block Island pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
What time is check-in at Great Location- Private Yard - Oldest House on Block Island?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Great Location- Private Yard - Oldest House on Block Island?
Checkout is at 9:30 AM.
Where is Great Location- Private Yard - Oldest House on Block Island located?
Situated near the airport, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Nathan Mott Park, Great Salt Pond and Sachem Pond Wildlife Refuge. Surf Beach and Baby Beach are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
House has so much history! The house is private, quiet, comfortable & well appointed. Great location - close to downtown and The Oar! :) Our family & friends had a wonderful stay! Joe & Cathy were very good hosts & communication was great! Would definitely stay here again!
We had a very relaxing stay. The house is set back from the road in a very idyllic setting. Twice we saw deer grazing in the yard. We would rent again.
The house was perfect for the six of us and our pups. We enjoyed cooking and had everything we needed. The bedrooms were big and we had alot of space . The property is beautiful and loved the morning Rooster from the neighbor. Block Island is our happy place . The ferries shut down due to the hurricane coming up the coast . We stayed 3 additional days and it was wonderful . Hiking and searching for Orbs. Joe and Kathy we more than accommodating . Thank you for everything we really appreciate your kindness and look forward to staying again.
I loved everything about this property. It's secluded and private, but just a short bike or drive into Old or New Harbor. The property is expansive with lots of wildlife. Kids and dogs would love running around the big grassy yard. I enjoyed the quiet setting, stargazing at night (wow!), and even calm rainy nights at home - the couch is so cozy. The kitchen had everything we needed and having a washer/dryer was very convenient! I think the only complaints someone could possibly have is lack of AC or that the door openings could be low for the tall folks... The house comes with plenty of fans (though I find BI to be cool and comfortable even in the summer) and if you're under 6ft you probably won't notice the ceiling/door heights. It's super cool to stay in a piece of history and I give this property 5 stars - can't wait to return!
Amazing experience! Great home and property that was perfect for our group of four adults and a one-year old. Cathy and Joe are the best and we can’t wait to stay here next time we’re on Block Island.
Comfort, privacy, accessible. Great location with a spacious property. Amazingly breezy house with old charm and everything you need to escape. Joe and Cathy were so welcoming and available for any questions we had. Thank you for a memorable week!
We had a nice time. The home is very old but quaint. It has a lot of character. Wouldn’t want to be there in the heat of the summer with no a/c but for us it was cool. The oven is not working and it is a big inconvenience having to bring own bed linens & towels. Otherwise we enjoyed the house the island and the company very much!
Had a wonderful time on block Island the house was beautiful. The grounds were awesome and it was convenient to the wedding venue and an easy trip to restaurants in scenic areas.
I stayed with friends & spouse & had a wonderful time. There was 5 of us, not including my large dog, & thete was plenty of room. We enjoyed sitting on the patio for breakfast & then 5p cocktails. Very peaceful & the view was spectacular.
As listed, this is a beautiful old house with a lot of charm. It is located in a picturesque, quiet area with easy access to explore the island. An ideal place to stay as we spent the weekend celebrating a friend’s wedding.
Having to bring our own linens over on the ferry is a little inconvenient but manageable.
This was a perfect place for my family and me to stay. It was close to town, had a huge yard that the kids enjoyed playing in, and a great family room to watch tv or play in during the evening. Very clean and accommodating.
The house has plenty of room for 2 couples and one single. Beds are comfortable.
Well situated. Very attractive grounds. Good seating for eating together.
Were disappointed that the oven didn't work. We had very good communication with Joe about this though. He really tried to get it fixed, but it's an island....
Could also wish for better lighting in the living room for reading.
The steep stairs and low ceilings were definitely a thing, but we were warned, and we managed.
All in all, I recommend the place, especially as Joe and Cathy are very responsive.
Our family loved the house and huge yard. Our kids loved staying in the oldest house on the island and knowing it had timber from a ship. The giant couch was so comfortable and could seat all of us with space. The outside shower and separate foot wash areas were great. Excellent and communicative hosts.
We shared this house with another family for a week and had a wonderful time.
The house is in a great location with a large private yard, great for kids and dogs. Easy bike ride to both harbors, we used bikes almost exclusively with the exeption of getting to the Northern parts of the island.
House has good character and fit 4 adults and 3 kids comfortably. We cooked in most nights and had everything we needed (food aside).
Highly recommended for a nice beach get away!
This property is amazing! We felt like we had our own country club because the property is secluded and so peaceful. It is close to a lot of walking/hiking trails and a short walk to town. The only drawback is that no linen service is provided and schlepping linens and towels was an inconvenience. We would definitely book this place again.
Our family has had a long term connection with Block Island. We vacationed on the island as children ourselves and have continued the tradition with our own children. Our 5 children love the island, and have grown up enjoying summer vacations on island with extended family and good friends.
Why they chose this property
What makes this property unique
Beautiful well maintained gardens and landscaping.