Martha’s Vineyard sounds wonderfully pastoral, and indeed it is; the island off the coast of Massachusetts is a favourite destination for the well-heeled looking to escape the big cities of the East Coast for some fresh air and summer fun. Much of the laid-back activity revolves around the many beautiful beaches, and the accommodation options of The Vineyard tend to keep things simple. Now there is a new venue at the higher end of the spectrum, offering ultra-modern standards while still retaining the all-important New England architectural charm.
Known as Vineyard Retreat, this property is a converted Methodist church and adjacent house which were built in the 1840s. The two buildings are now under the stewardship of interior architect Lisa and her historical preservationist partner, and the pairing has the perfect combination of skills to ensure this project hit the mark. Lisa took great care to ensure as much of the original materials survived the conversion, and where parts were beyond repair, replacements were made to the same specifications. The Retreat house is a smaller, cosy number, while the church, with its high ceilings, has more of a loft apartment feel to it. Country life doesn’t mean a lack of amenities here either, with top-notch integrated sound systems and big TVs, as well as a lovely stone paved patio area ideal for enjoying breakfast or a sundowner.
