Oldest House (Jethro Coffin House) and Kitchen Garden, Massachusetts, United States
4.0 (76 reviews) Temporarily closed - Closed until May 27, 2023 Spent Ranking #20 in Nantucket Historic Sites • Gardens
Well preserved living history and grounds
The Oldest House on Sunset Hill, also known as the Jethro Coffin House, was built in 1686 and is believed to be the oldest residence on Nantucket still on its original site. The island’s English population at the time totaled several hundred, and the native Wampanoag outnumbered them by at least three to one. Built as a wedding gift for Jethro Coffin (1663–1727) and Mary Gardner (1670–1767), the house represents the unity of two of the island’s oldest families. Jethro was the grandson of one of the island’s original proprietors, Tristram Coffin, and Mary was the daughter of John Gardner, one of the leaders of the so-called Half-Share Revolt, in which the island’s tradesmen rallied against the wealthier full-share proprietors. Although the relationship between Gardner and Coffin was never amicable, the marriage of Mary and Jethro helped unite the families and soothe old wounds. Built on Gardner land using Coffin lumber, the house is a physical manifestation of this unity.
Address
16 Sunset Hill Ln, Nantucket, MA 02554-3626
Mobile
Website
http://www.nha.org
Working hours
Opening Hours: We-Sa 11:00-16:00
Current local date and time now
Monday, May 13, 2024, 17:51
User Ratings
4.0 based on (76 reviews)
Reviews
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5shan262 5:00 PM Jul 7, 2019
Excellent guides
We did a tour of historic buildings one morning on Nantucket and this was on the list. We walked from Hadwen, jail, Macy area. The building is not much to look at but if you grab an a guide to give you a personal tour, it’s made much more interesting. Beautiful grounds.
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3frugalarnie 5:00 PM Aug 19, 2021
Historical home
The Coffin House is the oldest home in Nantucket. Well maintained, with a grassy area surrounding it is a place to see in passing by.
