House, Nantucket
Design-forward historic inn — quirky eclectic interiors, botanically inspired, locally rooted, laidback coastal attitude
Ask for the Deluxe King for the most space to unwind — it's the roomiest option
Why It Matters
The oldest continually operating hotel in Nantucket, originally opened in 1833 by Captain Robert Calder. Restored and redesigned by Life House (now under Lark Hotels) to boutique-luxury standards while preserving the character of the historic building. Known for its daring interior design and complimentary daily happy hour.
A Federal-style sea captain's mansion turned inn since 1833, making it the oldest continually operating hotel on Nantucket. The Life House brand took the bones of that history and rebuilt around it — lacquered paint, hand-painted floral tiles, framed Gucci scarves on the walls — landing somewhere between coastal cottage and design-forward boutique. Seventeen rooms, a lush courtyard garden, and a daily complimentary happy hour make it the kind of place that feels both deeply rooted in place and pointedly cool.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Cozy King
A cozy room with a king bed — snug but well-styled. Full suite of Life House standard amenities including Le Labo products and Marshall speaker. Private ensuite bathroom with walk-in rain shower.
KingCozy Queen with Detached Bath
A cozy queen room in the eaves with low, slanted ceilings — charming but watch your head if you're tall. The bathroom is detached (private but across the hallway), which is worth knowing before you book. The walk-in rain shower is a highlight.
Queen
Deluxe King
The recommended pick for those who want more space. Noted by Mr & Mrs Smith as the best room for unwinding. Extra room to move around compared to the cozy-tier options, with the same thoughtful design and full amenity package.
KingDeluxe Queen
A step up in size from the standard rooms, with the full signature design treatment — individually styled with local art, vintage artifacts, and quality linens. Egyptian cotton sheets, pillowtop mattress, and a minibar.
Queen
Floral Quarters
A named signature room with the inn's botanical-inspired design philosophy on full display. Individually styled with local art and vintage artifacts in keeping with the innkeeper's wife character the hotel is designed around.
Innkeepers Quarters
A named signature room nodding to the property's heritage as an innkeeper's home since 1833. Individually styled with eclectic character and the full Life House amenity package.
Standard Queen
The entry-level room at Life House. Compact and cozy with the inn's signature eclectic styling — local art, vintage artifacts, and all the standard in-room amenities. Good value entry point but go in knowing storage space is limited.
QueenThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Afternoon tea served in the garden — a complimentary guest perk alongside the daily breakfast.
The hotel references borrowed beach cruisers for guests — and points guests to Young's Bicycle Shop and Nantucket Bike Shop in town for hourly, daily, or weekly rentals. Cycling is the primary mode of getting around the island.
Staff are known for strong local knowledge — from dinner reservations at Lola 41 and Island Kitchen to beach recommendations and activity planning. Guests can text the house manager at any time.
Evening gathering around the outdoor fire pit in the garden with complimentary s'mores for guests.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A 300 sq ft shared living room and kitchen for guests, featuring a communal minibar with curated healthy food and beverage options for beach days or island exploring.
Beach towels available for guests to borrow.
Walk-in rain showers in private ensuite bathrooms.
Le Labo bath products in all rooms.
Marshall Bluetooth speaker in every room.
A 675 sq ft lush garden lounge with daybeds, seating, and a fire pit. The spot for afternoon tea, happy hour, and evening s'mores.
Outdoor fire pit in the garden for evening guest gatherings. S'mores included.
Classic wrap-around porch with rocking chairs and a veranda — a prime spot for morning coffee.
Complimentary daily housekeeping; fresh towels also delivered daily by request.
Personalized concierge services; guests can also text the house manager directly during their stay for requests and recommendations.
Check-in and check-out handled via mobile app. Check-in from 3pm (or 4pm earliest per some sources), check-out by 11am. Flexible subject to availability.
Limited on-site parking available — a genuine rarity on Nantucket. Still, bicycles are the recommended mode of island transport.
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