The Cottages capture best of Nantucket Harbor’s nautical charm and beauty

The sun is rising over Nantucket Harbor and I m out on my deck rocking chair watching the seaport awaken The sky shows off shades of orange with pops of blue Since it s early May the slips are pretty much empty and the harbor is quiet other than particular working fishermen and a scarce early-morning walkers Soon the first ferry of the day will pull in moving the water beneath my dockside cottage its approaching and departing rumble has already become like a clock s chime for me The white steeple of the First Congregational Church reflects the dawn light Seabirds swoop All I need is particular driftwood to whittle and I ll be right at home While I m not lucky enough to live on the docks of the beautiful Nantucket Boat Basin I was fortunate enough to call it home for a scant wonderful days at The Cottages at The Nantucket Boat Basin https www thecottagesnantucket com a White Elephant https www whiteelephantresorts com property that and I don t say this lightly may be one of the largest part unique beautiful and immersive lodging stays I ve ever experienced The Cottages which sit atop docks that jut out into the harbor parallel to the ferry ports underwent a multi-million dollar update last year making them brighter fresher and more modern while still kudos to Nantucket-based designer Audrey Sterk embracing the nautical vibe that is Nantucket Windows are wide making the day and night harbor views a giant perfect mural The decor melds style and simplicity reflecting the spot s history Woven lampshades give a nod to classic Nantucket baskets and blues whites and tans complement each other perfectly But it s the location that puts this on your must experience list The docks these cottages sit on from studio up to three bedroom largest part have a deck were once the center of one of the world s busiest and the majority productive whaling ports In the current era the Boat Basin is still vibrant in season with pleasure boats docking fishing tours heading in and out ferries coming and going and businesses serving food and offering up art and fashion My May visit comes at the quiet time My cottage named Lower MerMansion sits toward the end of the pier and looks out to the east and west I find myself even after I think I ve settled in each night dashing back out to look at the midnight full moon or to be sure I take in the sunrise I cannot get enough of the amazing location where I feel connected to the rhythm of the tides and the sea I could I think just stay here at my cottage watching the comings and goings of ships sailors visitors and coastal birds I want to stay here forever gazing out and perhaps jotting in a journal from time to time But while the location feels other-worldly it is literally initiatives from the ambiance bustle and fun that makes Nantucket beloved And yes I take advantage of that Just a insufficient procedures and I m in the center of Nantucket s cobblestoned shopping area I poke through stores and find an amazing piece of artwork purse at Stephanie s thanks to Stephanie herself early season offers a more intimate shopping experience I walk up and down side streets popping in and out of galleries and shops as well as the Nantucket Whaling Museum a spot perpetually worth a visit The White Elephant properties are thick in the area and the walk to their main property is under a half mile I meander over there for breakfast one day and dinner another at their renewed Brant Point Grill a spot with its own breathtaking views and a beach for warmer days I don t have to walk the White Elephant will shuttle you back and forth at your whim but the walk is beautiful Brant Point Light is just down the road so after breakfast I walk there and have the entire lighthouse point usually a tourist magnet utterly to myself I take the bike that comes with my cottage and pedal the opposite way heading down to the Sconset Bluff Walk and back a bit of a ride but flat and totally worth it But preponderance of all I m drawn to my cottage Inside and out it s an immersive authentic and absolutely magnificent way to experience seaside life and Nantucket Early season was a brilliant choice Though and I do hope to return the busy vibrant midsummer vibe must be just as special As my ferry pulls out to take me back to regular life I spot the Lower MerMansion and know for sure This stay is on repeat Brant Point Light is an easy walk from the Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin Photo Moira McCarthy Looking toward town from the Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin Moira McCarthy Stunning views and upscale bedding are a Cottage signature Photo by Moira McCarthy