As Spring ramps up, many of us are looking to plan our first vacation of the season. If you are hoping to venture out of New York for a long weekend, Nantucket’s Cottages at the Boat Basin, is the perfect destination for your next trip. The Cottages at the Boat Basin unveiled a six-month multi-million-dollar renovation this month. Drawing on Nantucket’s rich seafaring past and Quaker influence, Nantucket-based designer Audrey Sterk infused new life into the 29 Cottages, which occupy an enviable perch along the slips of the award-winning Nantucket Boat Basin. KDHamptons has more details below…

Located 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, the island of Nantucket retains the historic charm that lingers from its days as the world’s whaling capital in the 19th century. The Boat Basin’s storied history spans over 300 years beginning in the late-1720s when the island was the busiest whaling port in the world and its land was flourishing with boat-building ships, sail lofts and candle factories. Following the Gold Rush, Nantucket entered a new era of tourism with travelers arriving by steamboat from posts across the Northeast in the 1920s. By the mid 1960s, the waterfront, which became known as the Nantucket Boat Basin, developed into a fisherman’s community and artist enclave with more than a dozen galleries lining the streets. The Cottages, as we know it today, officially arrived on the scene in 2002 when the accommodations became part of White Elephant Resorts.

Checking into The Cottages is the closest thing to staying on the water, without being on a boat. The setting is truly reminiscent of a seaside village. The individually styled accommodations with names like Sea Syren, Essex and Orion, are inspired by the names of the great  whaling ships of the 1700s. A collection of 12 accommodations, dubbed ‘Woof Cottages’ continue to be available for those traveling with pets. Ranging from studio cottages to split-level three-bedroom lofts, every inch of the historic accommodations have been revamped without altering their original architecture. Original details including vaulted ceiling beams and individual floor plans have remained. All cottages offer full kitchens and most feature private outdoor decks.  The accommodations feature a color palette of inviting tones of deep ocean blue, misty gray and stark white. Caged lighting, nautical charts of Nantucket, brass barometer instruments, rope and jute detailing in the furnishings and carpet, and woven fixtures inject a dose of contemporary maritime charm while the humble, functional materials hark back to the island’s whaling roots.

Amenities include complimentary access to Priority Bicycles and kids’ fishing rods, reels and nets. Guests are also just steps from town and can take advantage of complimentary shuttles to the beach. Bringing a furry friend on your trip? Pets receive the VIP treatment with beds, a welcome basket of treats and toys, and personalized pet tags. For recommendations on the island’s most pet-friendly activities—including the best places to run free and play fetch, guests can email local insider Bailey, a black lab/Brittany Spaniel mix at petconcierge@thecottagesnantucket.com

To celebrate the new renovation, The Cottages is offering a special opening rate starting from $310 per night. High season rates start at $1,250 per night. Starting rates are for one-bedroom Cottages.

For more information and to book your stay, visit The Cottages HERE.

Written by Nicole Vawter

Images: The Cottages at Boat Basin