“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 3:5
If you’ve been a part of our everyday living for very long, you know that Butch and I love to travel! It doesn’t matter if it’s right here in our great state of Alabama or across the ocean…we are just thankful that we have been able to go and see many fascinating places over the last thirteen years! After a business trip to Seattle in June, we had no other plans for the year, and we were ok with that! But in late August, we started talking about the possibility of taking a trip to a place in the US that we had never seen before – Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape Cod…New England! And get this, it would be a road trip!
Well, there was no time to waste since we wanted to go the third week of September, so I immediately began to check hotels for rates and availability. And boy, did I discover a gem on Martha’s Vineyard – Charlotte Inn in Edgartown. I called to inquire and was met by the friendly voice of Carol, the general manager. My expectations were very high after reading the reviews and let me say…I was not disappointed! The Inn is beyond anything I could have imagined, with the look and feel of one of Europe’s great country homes. But that wasn’t the best part…we were treated as family by the innkeepers Gery and Paula and their entire staff…as if we were the only people there! The Inn is truly a “window into a gentler age” and I think we all agree that we could all use a dose of that!
My camera and my photography abilities could never capture the essence and atmosphere of this most beautiful Inn, but hopefully I captured glimpses of this lovely place- a step back into time – that I would love to visit again!
The Charlotte Inn’s Main House was built in 1866 and we were so thrilled to be guests in Room 11 on the second floor of the three-story home. There are a total of 19 guest rooms spread throughout four buildings on the property.
As we walked through the front door, it felt as if we stepped back in time to a more gracious way of living. The use of cell phones were not allowed in the public spaces, and that was wonderful!
Immediately to the right of the entry is a perfect Library. A pair of rare antique tufted leather chairs are from England. The furnishings in this room (as in all the rooms) invite you to sit down and take time to enjoy the simple things.
The large oil painting “Waiting for the Master” by John Morris sets the mood for this warm and cozy library. English paintings of birds, ducks, dogs, and horses are prominent features in many works of the Inn’s large art collection.
A center table stacked with books…bliss for this bibliophile!
There are so many outstanding works of art…love this shell piece!
An unusual French brass bird cage, circa 1825, is home to this parakeet!
Those of you who have been following for a while know how much I love books…I could have hibernated in this room for days!
To the left of the entry is the Living Room that warmly welcomes you with overstuffed chairs. The public rooms have been transformed into a visual reminder for the past, an atmosphere dominated by antiques and art, a feast for those who love both.
The readers of Travel + Leisure magazine, in their annual poll, voted the Charlotte Inn one of the top fifteen small hotels in the world-and Number Three among all hotels in the US and Canada. I’d say that’s a pretty good endorsement!
Fine art covers the walls creating the feel of an English manor house. The distinctive gold leaf frames emphasize the age of the paintings and the sense of history the Inn captures.
“The Charlotte Inn is an achievement. Can an inn qualify as a national treasure?”
-New York Magazine
The Charlotte Inn’s extraordinary attention to detail plus the unusual collection of fine antiques make it unique among hotels! Hotel reviewers continually laud the over-the-top quality found here. I’m sure you can understand why!
The Inn offers places to find peace, quiet, and – just as owner Gery envisioned it – a grand and glorious way of life, behind the times on purpose.
The smaller Back Living Room welcomes you with a fireplace that was lit during our stay.
A niche houses this beautiful antique desk full of leather-bound books.
Butch and I usually sat in this spot before dinner each night.
Needlepoint pillows are found in chairs and sofas throughout the Inn.
I have always admired bronze artwork…a gorgeous statue sits in the Back Living Room.
To the left of the Back Living Room is the Green Room that offers a place for a pleasurable moment – a newspaper, a cup of coffee, a rest by the fire in cooler temperatures.
The warmth of wood paneled walls invite you to enjoy this room filled with art and antiques, just like every room in the Inn.
As one who loves lamps and happens to own just a few, I was intrigued with the lamps at the Inn. I can’t even imagine how many there might be. Shades are all handcrafted by Blanche P. Fields, a hundred-year-old firm in Boston and New York.
Beautiful sterling silver is used and displayed throughout the Inn.
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A lovely spot in the bay window of The Green Room!
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Hallways have nooks and crannies that are so inviting. A hand carved oak mirror reflects portraits and comfortable chairs and books beckon you to sit and enjoy this little spot on the second floor hallway of the Main House.
An antique flashlight collection occupies a place of honor above a small writing desk on the second floor of the Main House.
And this was our respite for three nights…beautiful, elegant, and comfortable.
A silver vase with fresh flowers greeted us…note the dresser set in sterling silver.
The large mahogany chest was purchased in London and barely made it up the steps of the Inn and got no further than the hall outside the room. First, the door was removed, then the door jamb and the door casing. When that still didn’t create enough space, workers took out part of the plaster wall!
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Outside our room in the hallway was this lovely window seat.
Charlotte Inn is a member of Relais & Chateaux, an international association of privately owned boutique hotels and restaurants that has set the standard for excellence in hospitality.
I hope you enjoyed the tour today and will come back on Thursday when I take you into the most gorgeous dining room, and as we walk through the beautiful gardens!
Source: Behind The Times On Purpose
The Charlotte Inn Of Martha’s Vineyard
Linking with Pieced Pastimes, Silver Pennies, Life on Lakeshore Drive, VMG206, Coastal Charm, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Imparting Grace, Katherines Corner, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup, 21 Rosemary Lane, Love Of Home, Rattlebridge Farm, Rustic & Refined, Poofing The Pillows, What Meegan Makes, Celebrate & Decorate, McCall Manor
What a beautiful place to stay Pam – full of treasures! A great find for sure.
Museum quality treasures everywhere, Joy!
Oh, Pam, how beautiful! The details are impeccable! Yes, I noticed the lamps and their shades, the pillows, the books, the flashlights (! what a great collection!). A few questions – what size was your bed (that’s always an issue with my guy being quite tall), and what was displayed in the LR conservatory-looking wood and glass case on stand? I was trying to see all the beautiful details, there are so many. Makes me want to go!
Rita, we had a king-size bed. There are nineteen rooms with each one furnished with antiques and art. The owners have amassed museum quality furnishings. I am traveling again and there were so many collections, I can’t remember…I need to look at my photos.
Would NOT want to leave! ❤️
Jo Ann, I could have moved in!
Pam, what a beautiful place to stay! I think I could move right in…absolutely gorgeous! Thanks, for sharing your trip with us. I can’t wait to see the rest of the tour! Have a happy and blessed day!!!
Thanks, Shannon! It truly was a feast for the eyes!
Now you know how I decorate my home. Lamps for ambience, gold leaf frames for oil paintings, fresh flowers for many rooms, needlepoint pillows for the chairs and piano bench that took a life time to enjoy making and Sheffield silver to make the rooms glow. Thank you for sharing and the next time we visit New England we will be staying at Charlotte Inn.
Alice, your home must be beautiful. I would love to see photos and feature on a blog post.
What a beautiful inn! It feels so warm and cozy! The attention to detail is amazing…there are so many lovely accents! I am sure that you thoroughly enjoyed your stay! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks, Shenita. All of the details were amazing.
We have stayed in properties of Relais and Chateaux and they were exquisite…..Cannot wait to see this beauty in person!….Thanks for the tour!!!
Shirley, we love Relaus and Chateaux properties!
Wow – loaded with treasures, for sure! I see why it’s rated so highly. Truly beautiful to all the senses, not just the eyes. 🙂
Kim, it is magical!
BEEE-utiful!!! What a total treat to see this place!
When you return for your anniversary, you must stay at the Inn!
How incredibly charming! You must have felt like royalty Pam!
Jenna
It was perfect, Jenna!
Lovely indeed! Too bad you didn’t come just a little further north.
Maine is in our agenda for next year!
Be sure to let me know when the time comes.
I will, Linda!
I would say this is the most beautiful inn that I’ve ever seen. Between the lighting, art, books and furniture…I can not imagine a nicer place to spend a winter time vacation. Oh, how I would love to see it at Christmas and stay two weeks.
Ginene
Ginene, Christmas would be a perfect time to visit, actually I could just move in.
Absolutely gorgeous! I’m sure you will be referring to your pictures often as there were so many beautiful items it would be hard to remember them all. Glad you had a lovely time.
I’m trying to catch up but it will take some time.
Good morning, Bonnie. I can’t wait to hear about your trip. We are in Nashville this week on business. Call me when you get caught up, I am interested in how you like the river boat and the company! Happy Wednesday!
Loved seeing this! I remember The Charlotte Inn when I visited Martha’s Vineyard last year! I want to go back now! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for your visit! You would love and enjoy the Charlotte Inn!
Glad you got to go! On my bucket list. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Wow! What a great tour! I’m sure that you had a wonderful time there!! I can’t wait to see the rest!
What a wonderful place you discovered! It must have been quite a treat to spend time there enjoying all the beauty and elegance of the Inn. I enjoyed each picture and the details about it.
Thanks so much, Liz! Wishing you a wonderful day!
Unbelievably fabulous. I can only imagine how pampered and special you would feel in this elegant yet warm and comfortable place. Perfect after a day of exploring!
It was a truly amazing inn…we loved it!
OMGoodness, I just put this Inn on my bucket list! It is gorgeous and SO inviting. I never had heard of antique flashlights, what great collection! I wish so much someone had gotten me into antiques as a young woman. Beautiful place, and thanks for the tour!!!!
I am glad you enjoyed the tour, Pinky!
That is one gorgeous inn, Pam! Each room is so cozy and charming. There’s almost no reason to go outside! As you know, I love Martha’s Vineyard and this inn really captures the feel of the island. Beautiful! Thanks for linking up to Take Me Away again! I know I can always count on you to dazzle us with your travels!
Shelley
Thank you Shelley and for the opportunity to share travels!
Wow, what an awesome inn, this is going on my bucket list too!!
You would love it Carole!
This looks absolutely amazing!! And your photos are gorgeous. We have had great luck with Relais and Chateaux. Thanks for insider’s the tour.
You are so welcome, hope you can make it there!