Debby Steele: The Charming Exteriors of Nantucket

The island’s charming storybook setting has surely captivated anyone who has visited the idyllic island of Nantucket. Majestic trees line the town’s cobblestone streets, creating the perfect backdrop for home exteriors that date back to the whaling era.

Photos by Debby Steele

The New England architecture speaks of a time gone by through well worn brick, clapboard shingles, and widow’s walks, perched on rooftops, where the wives of sea captains would watch for their husband’s safe return. Each home is lovingly preserved by its proud homeowner and boasts it’s own character.

Recreating the charm reminiscent of a Nantucket exterior not only adds curb appeal, it turns an ordinary house into the type of home that make passerby’s stop, take a second look, and wonder about the family who resides within.

The exteriors downtown boast a patriotic pride and proudly display American flags, Brass Wall Eagles, perched above front entries, Onion Side Mount Lamps, and white picket fences, hidden by plentiful hydrangeas.

Outside of town in the village of Siasconset, lovingly referred to as ‘Sconset by the locals, you will find rose covered cottages, paths made of crushed stone, outdoor dining areas, that create the perfect oasis for dining alfresco, with the sound of waves lapping the shore as background music.

After summers spent vacationing on Nantucket, you can bet I planted colorful hydrangeas in my own yard. Each Fourth of July and Memorial Day, I proudly hang my American flags. I may not be lucky enough to have an ocean view, or have my home located on the cobblestone Main Street in Nantucket, but I that didn’t stop me from recreating a bit of the island charm that I so adore.

Have you visited the island? What did you find most charming about Nantucket exteriors?

-Debby Steele

Debby Steele is a travel writer and the voice behind Inspired Design, a décor and lifestyle blog. Her custom blog design studio is Inspired Designs. She has been featured in Romantics Homes Magazine and Houzz. When she is not busy writing, she can be found dreaming about strolling the streets of Paris, while eating warm Nutella Crepes, wrapped in paper, from Parisian street vendors.