The $19.6 Million Secret: 7 Shocking Facts About The Historic Kelley House In Edgartown And Its New Life As Faraway Martha's Vineyard
The Kelley House in Edgartown, Massachusetts, is not just a hotel; it is a living document of American history, a structure that has witnessed over 280 years of change on Martha's Vineyard. As of late 2025, the most significant update to this iconic property is its dramatic, multi-million dollar transformation and rebranding from the venerable Kelley House to the chic, newly imagined Faraway Martha's Vineyard. This metamorphosis, fueled by a 2020 sale, has preserved the building's historic soul while injecting a vibrant, modern, and celebrity-inspired spirit that has redefined luxury lodging in Edgartown.
This article dives deep into the fascinating history, the recent sale that made headlines, and the unique design elements of the property that continues to stand proudly on the Edgartown harbor. The information here is fresh, focusing on the post-2020 era and the current state of this landmark, now operated by Faraway Hotels, which ensures its legacy as the oldest continuously operating inn on Martha’s Vineyard remains intact.
The Complete Profile: From 1742 Tavern to Faraway MV
The Kelley House, now known as Faraway Martha's Vineyard, holds a profile as rich as the maritime history of Edgartown itself. Its roots trace back to the colonial era, making it a cornerstone of the community and a rare example of a continuously functioning hospitality venue spanning centuries. The following profile outlines its key historical and modern milestones.
- Original Name: The Kelley House (often mistakenly searched as "Kelly House").
- Current Name: Faraway Martha's Vineyard.
- Location: Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. The property is centrally located, steps from the harbor, and a short walk to the iconic Edgartown Lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach.
- Establishment Date: 1742.
- Historical Significance: It is recognized as one of the five oldest hotels in the United States and the oldest continuously operating inn on Martha's Vineyard. It began as a tavern and served as a crucial gathering place for locals during the American Revolution.
- Architectural Style: Classic New England architecture, featuring four classic buildings, now updated with a modern, nautical, and boho-chic interior design.
- Sale and Acquisition: Sold in 2020 for $19.6 million.
- New Ownership: Blue Flag Partners, a Boston-based real estate private equity firm.
- Renovation/Rebranding: Underwent extensive, multi-year major renovations starting in 2020, leading to the rebranding as Faraway Martha's Vineyard.
- Noteworthy Feature: The property includes the historic and beloved Newes Pub, which was part of the sale.
The $19.6 Million Transformation: Why the Kelley House Needed a New Chapter
The sale of the Kelley House in 2020 to Blue Flag Partners marked the end of one era and the stunning beginning of another. This substantial $19.6 million transaction signaled a major investment in the future of Edgartown's waterfront hospitality. The new owners immediately announced plans to reimagine the historic block as a unified hotel campus, moving beyond the property’s aging facilities to create a truly modern, high-end experience.
The primary motivation for the overhaul was to modernize the guest experience while respecting the property’s deep historical significance. While the Kelley House was beloved for its history, the new brand, Faraway Martha's Vineyard, seeks to offer a more curated, boutique hotel stay. The extensive renovations focused on upgrading the 58 guestrooms, amenities, and the overall aesthetic to blend the classic New England charm with contemporary luxury.
This renovation project, overseen by the design firm Workshop/APD, was complex due to the age and historical designation of the buildings. The goal was to make the 282-year-old property feel "anything but old," delivering a fresh, nautical, and impeccably clean environment that appeals to the modern traveler while honoring the past.
The Hidden Design Inspiration: A Music Icon's Influence on Faraway MV
Perhaps the most intriguing and unique aspect of the Faraway Martha's Vineyard rebranding is the unexpected source of its interior design inspiration. The new aesthetic is a deliberate, stylish homage to the 1960s and 1970s, specifically drawing from the artistic and bohemian stylings of legendary musician and long-time Martha's Vineyard resident, Carly Simon.
The design firm, Workshop/APD, sought to capture the "boho-chic" sensibility that Simon and her former husband, James Taylor, brought to the island's culture. This creative direction infuses the hotel with a sense of playful, vintage charm that is a stark contrast to the traditional, staid feel of many historic New England inns. Guests will find subtle nods to this era, from the color palettes and textures to the overall relaxed, artistic atmosphere. This move injects a powerful layer of topical authority, connecting the property not just to maritime history, but to the island's rich contemporary cultural heritage.
The result is a hotel that feels both deeply rooted in Edgartown's past and entirely relevant to its present. The design successfully marries the historical architecture with a vibrant, modern twist, making the Faraway Martha's Vineyard a destination that satisfies curiosity and delivers a unique, memorable stay.
Beyond the Rooms: Exploring the Kelley House's Enduring Entities
The significance of the Kelley House complex extends beyond its guest rooms. Several key entities within and around the property contribute to its historical and cultural weight:
The Enduring Charm of The Newes Pub
A central part of the Kelley House complex, The Newes Pub, was included in the 2020 sale. This pub is a beloved Edgartown institution, known for its cozy, traditional atmosphere and classic New England fare. Its continued operation under the new ownership ensures that a piece of the original Kelley House experience remains accessible to both locals and visitors, providing a historical anchor to the modernized hotel campus.
A Link to Maritime History and Edgartown Lighthouse
The property’s location is intrinsically tied to Edgartown's maritime history. It sits close to the Edgartown Harbor, the original hub of commerce and whaling, and is within a short walk of the picturesque Edgartown Lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach. The hotel’s original role as a tavern for sailors and merchants during the whaling era underscores its importance to the island's commercial development. This connection is a critical LSI keyword cluster for anyone researching the area.
The Colonial Roots and The American Revolution
Established in 1742, the Kelley House predates the United States itself. Its role as a downtown gathering place during the American Revolution highlights its function as a community center and a witness to the nation's founding. This deep history provides a compelling narrative that distinguishes it from newer, less historically significant properties on Martha’s Vineyard. The property is a crucial entity within the Edgartown Village historical area.
In conclusion, the Kelley House in Edgartown has not disappeared; it has simply evolved. The property, now Faraway Martha's Vineyard, is a perfect case study of how a historic landmark can be successfully updated for the 21st century. The $19.6 million investment by Blue Flag Partners, the unique design inspiration from music icon Carly Simon, and the preservation of key entities like The Newes Pub, all ensure that this 1742 establishment will continue to define luxury and history on Martha's Vineyard for decades to come.
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