56 North Summer Street is
located in the heart of the Edgartown Historic District which was a major
global whaling port in the 19th century. Known as the William Wilcox
House, this historic home was built in 1835, during the height of the
whaling industry′s "Golden Era" (1815-1860), a time when many sea
captains built grand houses in the area. This home likely belonged to a family
involved in the trade. North Summer Street showcases a variety of architectural
styles, primarily Greek Revival, characterized by white clapboard facades
and classic details. These structures were built by skilled local shipwrights
and builders. The area is part of the Edgartown Village Historic District,
which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This
designation helps preserve the character of the neighborhood, which has only a
small number of post-1913 intrusions, maintaining a link to its past from ca.
1650 to 1924.
A rare legacy offering in the heart of Edgartown Village,
this extraordinary in-town compound is among the largest of its kind on
Martha’s Vineyard. Originally built in 1835 and masterfully renovated by
renowned architect Patrick Ahearn, the estate seamlessly blends historic
character with refined modern luxury. Just moments from Edgartown Harbor and
the island’s premier dining and shopping, the property spans two lots and
offers an extraordinary compound featuring 10 bedrooms and 14 baths. Designed for both elegant entertaining and
comfortable everyday living, the main residence showcases refined architectural
details and modern technology. Beautiful oak floors run throughout the home,
complemented by sophisticated hardware, premium appliances, and walls
tastefully finished with nickel board. A gracious living room with fireplace
opens to a patio with retractable screens, creating effortless indoor-outdoor
flow. The chef’s kitchen is impeccably appointed with dual dishwashers, a
plumbed miele coffee bar, refrigerator drawers, and a wine refrigerator. A
custom brass and glass bar is equipped with an ice maker and refrigerated
drawers and can easily be converted into a secondary kitchen. Two private bedrooms with en-suite tile baths
anchor opposite wings of the main level, providing both privacy and balance.
The main floor also includes an inviting secondary living room with a gas
fireplace, an elegant dining room wrapped in seagrass wallpaper, a generous
walk-in pantry, and a spacious mudroom thoughtfully designed for effortless
island living. Upstairs a spectacular primary suite serves as a retreat,
complete with private balcony and a bonus two full spa-inspired baths. Three
additional en-suite guest rooms and a spacious laundry room complete the second
floor. The third level features a charming nautical-themed bunk room with four
built-in beds and full bath. The finished lower level includes two bedrooms
with en-suite baths, a media room, wine cellar, and additional laundry. Beyond
the main house is a beautifully finished two-car garage with brick floors and
wood-paneled walls. The carriage house
above the garage offers a private guest suite with a balcony overlooking the
pool. The outdoor setting is unparalleled for in-town living. Lush hydrangeas
surround a resort-style pool and spa, complemented by a built-in grill,
firepit, and an exceptional cabana with kitchenette, half bath, laundry,
heating and air conditioning. This Edgartown estate offers privacy, scale, and
sophistication rarely found within steps of Main Street. An iconic Martha’s Vineyard
property reimagined for modern coastal living.
