Guardian of History: The Charlotte Inn

The Charlotte Inn, a historic property, serenely awaits visitors with its updated brilliant white paint and carefully tended lawns.

A chance stroll down a sun-dappled side street in charming Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard led Gery Conover to discover one of the great passions of his life—a historic property in need of a new lease on life. Almost four decades later, brilliant with white paint and surrounded by carefully tended lawns, The Charlotte Inn serenely awaits visitors. 

The Charlotte Inn, a historic property, serenely awaits visitors with its updated brilliant white paint and carefully tended lawns.

Above left: The library, just off the front hall, is home to the owners’ lively yellow canaries. Above right: The American flag flies over the inn’s sheltered entry. 

The Charlotte Inn, a historic property, serenely awaits visitors with its updated brilliant white paint and carefully tended lawns.

Well appointed with period antiques, The Charlotte Inn welcomes guests to register at the back of the front hall, beneath the “Enquiries” sign. The curving stairwell climbs to the upper floor, where luxurious bedrooms await.

The Charlotte Inn, a historic property, serenely awaits visitors with its updated brilliant white paint and carefully tended lawns.

The front living room offers cozy seating for relaxation.

The Charlotte Inn, a historic property, serenely awaits visitors with its updated brilliant white paint and carefully tended lawns.

Fine art fills the main building’s back living room, and in the front living room, an antique gaming table provides a gathering spot.

The Charlotte Inn, a historic property, serenely awaits visitors with its updated brilliant white paint and carefully tended lawns.

Guests in room twelve find treasured vanity jars and silver hair accessories, a brass key unique to the room, and a stately wooden canopy bed.

The Charlotte Inn, a historic property, serenely awaits visitors with its updated brilliant white paint and carefully tended lawns.

A private “folly” whose only purpose is beauty is tucked behind the garden.

The Charlotte Inn, a historic property, serenely awaits visitors with its updated brilliant white paint and carefully tended lawns.

Golden retriever siblings Nicky and Barclay are favorites with the inn’s guests.

The Charlotte Inn, a historic property, serenely awaits visitors with its updated brilliant white paint and carefully tended lawns.

The Coach House contains a ground-floor tack room and an upper-level guest suite.

The Charlotte Inn, a historic property, serenely awaits visitors with its updated brilliant white paint and carefully tended lawns.

Fine Italian cuisine is served at Il Tesoro, the inn’s restaurant.

Text Barbara Cockerham 
Photography Kate Sears 

To read more about The Charlotte Inn, see “Guardian of History: The Charlotte Inn” on page 52 of the July/August 2011 issue of Victoria. 

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2 COMMENTS

  1. This was one of my very favourite articles in any Victoria issue. I LOVE the interiors of this Inn and would love the opportunity to visit there!

    The furnishings and overall decorative style is very much my taste and I especially loved the photo of the reception desk/staircase.

    Gorgeous!

    Brandon Hartford
    Te Deum Cottage

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