Oldest Surviving Home on Martha’s Vineyard Is ‘Special Window’ to the Past

Martha's Vineyard has its fair share of modern-day mansions, but it's also a treasure trove of long-standing buildings that have stood the test of time.

From the Flying Horse carousel to the Norton Boathouse, Martha’s Vineyard is home to dozens of living landmarks, and the oldest landmark on the island goes to Vincent House, standing proudly in Edgartown since 1672.

Get our free mobile app

The Vineyard Preservation Trust

The Vineyard Preservation Trust has been acquiring, restoring, and maintaining iconic landmarks on Martha’s Vineyard since 1975. Its goal is “to preserve the island’s unique character, cultural history, and heritage for the community and its visitors.”

With 20 landmarks under its care, the Vineyard Preservation Trust aims to keep iconic landmark properties an integral part of Martha’s Vineyard.

In 1977, the Trust acquired the Vincent House and Gardens, a 1.5-story home found by the shore of Edgartown Great Pond and the oldest surviving residence on the island.

READ MORE: New Bedford's Cool Connection to Martha's Vineyard Classic 'Jaws' 

About the Vincent House

“The Vincent House was built in 1672 on 20 acres near the Edgartown Great Pond and moved to its home on Main Street, Edgartown, in 1977," Vineyard Preservation said. “Designed to withstand the harsh New England weather, the steeply pitched roof and large central chimney is one of the earliest examples of a ‘Cape Cod’-style house.”

Eight generations of the Vincent family called this house a home until it was sold in 1940 to the MacKenty family who donated it in ’75.

Later, the home was carefully excavated, loaded onto a truck and brought to its current location on Main Street in Edgartown.

While the home was updated with new siding and a new roof last year, visitors come to experience the original interior, with its worn-in floors and original, weathered hearth.

“It’s a special window into a forgotten way of island living,” Vineyard Preservation said.

Consider a tour of this iconic landmark during your next Martha's Vineyard visit.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vineyard Preservation Trust (@vineyardpreservation)