Harbor House

interiors

Built in 1786 on the bluff overlooking the Vineyard Haven outer harbor, the Jabez Downs House, renamed by the new owners Harbour House, had numerous architectural interventions over it’s long storied history.

It was a working tavern (and brothel) until the 1850’s, serving seaman landing and anchoring near the lively wharf right below. There were many changes over the next 175 years through different ownership, with the most recent one being by our clients who purchased the house in 2019.

They fell in love with the house and were devoted to preserving as much of the history of the house as possible . Fortunately they found the ideal architect, and support team to carefully weave the past & present together into its current incarnation, adding a sun filled conservatory, a family room, a generous 1st floor bedroom with ensuite bathroom and a recreational basement.

The project was like an archeological dig with much of the history revealed in the process of updating and adding to the entire structure. The diligent team exercised the most delicate of hand and ingenuity in the spirit of preservation throughout the lengthy process.

Our role was to weigh in on the architectural detailing, guiding the careful selection of materials including plumbing, lighting fixtures, tile, hardware, window treatments and creating the color palette throughout the house. To honor the houses long history while ushering it forward both aesthetically and functionally to suit the new owners lifestyle was our mission.

Preserving such an impressive cornerstone of local Island history in the Port town, on behalf of this lovely family, felt incredibly gratifying…helping to create ‘Pride of Place‘.

Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler

Architecture: Joseph W. Dick Architecture, Inc.

Photography: Lara Fuller