Home Tour: Nantucket Captain’s House

I have an incredible historic home tour lined up for you today… and this one has an interesting past! Built in 1760, this downtown Nantucket home was initially occupied by three whaling captains- which is why it became known as the Captain Robert Dyer House. In 2016, designer Kristin Paton purchased the home, that had quite frankly, seen better days. Luckily, Kristin is known for her historic home renovations (in London, Charleston, Boston, etc), so she was the perfect designer to oversee this gem. As part of the purchase, The Patrons and the NHA agreed how the renovation would be managed. From a sagging foundation to structural issues, she had her work cut out for her. The house offers gorgeous living spaces, three fireplaces, amazing ocean views, and a stunning outdoor entertaining space. Click through to see how it currently looks. It’s filled with picturesque home inspiration ideal for the approach of summer.

Design & Styling: Kristin Paton Interiors | Photography: Read McKendree

Before we dive in, be sure to follow Kristin on Instagram, as well as Read McKendree – who beautifully photographed this project. They both have stunning portfolios that are worthy of a browse, bookmark, and follow!

Great Room & Living Space

In the great room, Kristin restored the millwork and beams throughout. I really like the high contrast stain color. The hardwood flooring is original, with the exception of a few planks she replaced with material from the same time period.

I appreciate how she styled antique furniture with modern upholstery for a comfortable, yet collected aesthetic… it feels very high-end and inviting.

Kitchen

The modern kitchen is well done and expertly planned. I love the blue gray color palette and dark stained island with cognac and copper colored accents. Paired with clean and classic marble, it is highly functional with plenty of closed storage, despite the smaller size and lower ceilings. The pendant lanterns feel like they could have been there all along.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a built-in campaign style bar that makes the entire space feel a bit more fun and curated, with beautifully displayed glassware, ceramics, and art.

Dining Room

Of all the rooms in this historic home, I think the dining room is my favorite. I love everything about it… the furniture, the art, the styling, the rich warm color palette, the symmetry, the natural light, the woven pedestal planters, and even the glass hurricanes on the dining table. It’s honestly perfection.

This is how traditional styling should be done, and Kristin clearly excels at it! I noted animal print, contrasting woven materials, vintage art, hinge arm brass floor lamps with coveted black shades, and all of the regular essentials I typically recommend if you’re after a timeless aesthetic… no historic home required (although it does help).

Family Room

In the family room, Kristin restored the existing wainscoting. She also removed a makeshift closet addition (an addition that felt irrelevant to the original time period), from the side of the fireplace and replaced it with new built-in bookshelves that carried the same wainscoting. The original window seat was also preserved and restored.

Again, Kristin’s classic Nantucket styling shines, with a custom woven rug, ottoman, and modern upholstery. The sectional with a chaise perfectly fits this cozy fireside floor plan.

Primary Bedroom

With built-in wardrobes, another window seat bench, and textural elements throughout, the primary bedroom feels cohesive with the rest of the home. I love the custom panels and edge appliqué details bordering the canopy bed.

Again, the symmetry makes my designer heart sing, with antique nightstands, mirrors, and bouillotte lamps flanking the bed.

Stairways

I was not prepared for the beauty of the staircases seen in this home. This one feels historic and unique all at the same time. It features an expansive wallpaper mural that beautifully accents the ceiling height.

The other staircase features a fun rope handrail that leads you up and down the winding spiral staircase.

Bedrooms & Loft

In addition to the primary, this home has a few more bedrooms… one with a queen bed and two bedrooms featuring doubles. I’ve always loved the repetitive look of double beds styled next to one another- especially in a coastal home.

I definitely took note of the tapestries installed behind the beds, with matching convex mirrors installed atop them. What a fun design detail!

The loft boasts a built-in sectional with a casual seating area and lounge that I’m imagining would be ideal for games, movies, and time spent relaxing.

The unfinished attic was used to hide modern venting for HVAC, and also to create a crow’s nest bunk room for kids.

Bathrooms

The spacious primary bath contains a tub, shower, and a double vanity. Of course I love all the material selections that take on that historic feel. The color palette also matches the remainder of the house.

The powder room (pictured below) features fully clad walls and ceiling… all from the original sheathing! The movement within the stone slab is really striking and it balances the cladding with a lovely juxtaposition.

Outdoor Bar

There is one last space to tour… the outdoor living areas. As you step into the backyard, you’ll notice a beautifully landscaped yard with a tiered seating area and gorgeous enclosed outdoor bar.

The sunken seating looks comfortable and inviting, without feeling foreign to the historic home exterior. Pavers were installed throughout the patio for functionality, that blend easily with the natural landscape.

Inside the bar, you’ll find an outdoor kitchen, complete with a mini fridge, sink, storage, and charming wood countertops.

Outdoor Areas

There is also a casual seating area tucked into the fenced outdoor living space. With sturdy woven chairs positioned around a stone table, this classic Nantucket aesthetic is both functional and beautiful.

A second dining table and chairs feature contrasting metal, for a complementary durable look. Can’t you just imagine having a coffee out here?

Kristin’s Blog Posts

Rather than sharing an FAQ, I wanted to direct you to a more in-depth resource… Kristin’s very own posts covering this renovation. She shared before images, a peek into her process, and a complete history of this house. I promise you, they’re worth the read! I was captivated.

• Part I, The Exterior: History of the Captains House Project
• Part II, The Interior: History of the Captains House Project
• Part III, The Interior (continued): History of the Captains House Project

She also has a coffee table book that details this renovation and restoration of the house, and a Nantucket candle inspired by Kristin’s time on the island (three decades). They are both for sale on her Etsy shop. 

More Home Tours

If you’re interested in browsing more home tours or posts covering interior design inspiration, I’ll link some reader favorites for you below…

• Home Tour: Mt. Airy Carriage House
• Home Tour: Arts and Crafts Cheshire Kitchen
• Home Tour: Sun Valley Ski Chalet by Jennifer Miller Studio
• Home Tour: Townhouse by Centered by Design
• Home Tour: Mirada House by Kate Lester
• Home Tour: Charleston House by Bria Hammel
• Home Tour: Sycamore House by Josh Young
• Home Tour: Mill Road by W Design Collective
• Home Tour: Varick Apartment by Hayley Bridget Interiors
• Home Tour: Central London Townhouse

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into this stunning Nantucket home. What were some of your favorite rooms? Any standout design moments? I’d love to hear what features felt most inspiring for you. Thank you to Kristin for allowing me to feature this one! Feel free to send me more designers or homes you’d like to see featured. I’m always on the hunt for beautiful tours… and be sure to follow Kristin Paton Interiors for more of her historical renovation work!