Architect Patrick Ahearn Brings New Life to Edgartown’s Historic District

In the 1800s, ships from all over the world docked in Edgartown’s sheltered bay on Martha’s Vineyard. Wealthy whaling captains built the elegant, refined 19^th-century Greek Revival houses that now grace the streets and stand as a living museum of the community’s whaling history. Architect Patrick Ahearn FAIA has dedicated much of his 42-year career to preserving and revitalizing more than 140 historic homes and buildings in Edgartown Village, seamlessly blending the old with the new.

The much-lauded Ahearn specializes in historically motivated architecture and interior design, and is celebrated for significantly improving Edgartown’s overall streetscape and public realm. He tells the story of the homes while preserving their structure, maintaining their integrity, and enhancing their interiors with modern amenities.

The following slideshow showcases homes in Edgartown that Patrick Ahearn and his team have restored, from repairing the damages of time to addressing the owners’ wish lists of preferences.

Harbor Restoration

Built in 1682

The original 1682 house has had many incarnations in its long life with three additions over the first century.

Harbor Restoration

Built in 1682

Using archival photos, the restoration was closely aligned with what it most likely looked like in 1790, resulting in the removal of poor additions and surgically replacing the original failed foundation with a new brick veneered one.

Admiral Shinn House

Built in 1790

Originally owned by Admiral Shinn, the 1790s-era house received a complete restoration to its main body.

Admiral Shinn House

Built in 1790

The Shinn house’s newly constructed rear wing, carriage house wing, pool and cabana all enhanced Edgartown’s Historic District.

Greek Revival Village Restoration

Built in 1840

A one-of-a-kind estate set on three sprawling acres with water views to Nantucket Sound, the 1840 Greek Revival captain’s home was fully renovated and blends old detail with modern materials.

Greek Revival Village Restoration

Built in 1840

The compound also includes a 1,400-square-foot carriage house and expansive pool area.

Morse Street Compound

Built in 1850

The owners of the 1800s Greek Revival cottage bought the neighboring property and built companion pieces that complemented and seamlessly fit with the overall design of the original house.

Morse Street Compound

Built in 1850

A new wing was built to emulate the character and scale of the old wing, but with a more inviting, modern interior.

Edgartown Harbor Front

Built in 1860

This 1860s harbor-front captain’s house required extensive structural repairs. The entire site was redeveloped, the original façade recreated, and the property now enhances the overall streetscape.

Edgartown Harbor Front

Built in 1860

The rear was also overhauled and made to be more open with a second-floor balcony and a third-floor wrap-around deck.

Captain’s House

Built in 1870

This newly constructed village house replaced and reinterpreted a similar unsalvageable antique house, originally owned by Captain Thomas Fordham in 1870. Famous for its blue shutters, a passerby wouldn’t guess the home is a replica.

Captain’s House

Built in 1870

New dormers, wings, a pool, and carriage house were also constructed and add to its elegance.

Greek Revival Village House

Built in 1880

A failing foundation from a previous restoration was again replaced in this 1880s midshipman house. The house was raised, a full basement was added and aluminum siding was removed to expose the original woodwork, and previous additions were corrected to be more historically accurate.

South Water Street Revisited

Built in 1890

The biggest challenge of restoring this house, built in the 1890s, was balancing FEMA requirements, to raise the house three feet off the streetscape, with the goals of the Historic District Commission, to maintain a natural appearance. The layering of the brick is concealed by the lush landscaping and picket fence.

South Water Street Revisited

Built in 1890

The crumbling foundation was replaced and a wing was added that introduced a walk out lower level providing guest quarters and entertaining spaces that open out onto the views of the marshland and Edgartown harbor in the distance.

South Water Street Revisited

Built in 1890

South Water Street Revisited now has a wonderful outdoor living area located to the side of the home including a pool terrace, pool, cabana, side porch with an outside fireplace, custom grill area, and dining area.

Vineyard Harbor Overlook

Built in late 1800s

Originally a captain’s house from the late 1800s, it was in significant disrepair. The interior partitions and layout were totally rearranged to create a “new” house within the outer shell of the existing house.

Vineyard Harbor Overlook

Built in late 1800s

The renovations opened it up to the wonderful water views of the harbor and the boating activity of the working port below.

Fuller Street Cape

Built in 1910

The 1910s Cape house was gutted and altered, with additional interior and exterior detailing.

Fuller Street Cape

Built in 1910

The property also required extensive re-landscaping, and a new carriage house and pool were added.

Eel Pond Cottage

Built in 1920

This cottage began its life as a fishing camp in the 1920s. With coastal zone restrictions, the original structure received a facelift —usable attic space, outdoor living space and an updated sunroom.

Eel Pond Cottage

Built in 1920

The old garage was converted to a gourmet kitchen.