Review: Faraway Martha's Vineyard: First In

Why book?

This gut renovation of the historic (if a bit tired) Kelley House brings a much-needed breath of fresh air to downtown Edgartown.

Set the scene

New Englanders are slow to accept change–especially in historic towns, and especially on islands. So when buzzy Boston-based real estate firm Blue Flag partners acquired the six buildings compromising the iconic Kelley House in 2020, more than a few Edgartown eyebrows were raised. This hotel, after all, was 300 years old, dating back to a pre-Revolutionary time when whaling captains built their fortunes on the high seas, and would return to Martha’s Vineyard to live large in their lavish homes. The Kelley House stood in the middle of downtown Edgartown, and was the kind of landmark that generations of Vineyard-goers would return to summer after summer. So when it changed hands, the most devout Edgartonians couldn’t help but wonder how its next act would change one of the most historic, charming towns in the country.

The backstory

Luckily, Blue Flag did with Faraway Martha’s Vineyard what it does best: they operated the Kelley House more or less as usual for a year in order to acclimate to the community, and then brought the property into the 21st century with a to-the-studs renovation, and this summer relaunched it as the Faraway brand’s second property (Nantucket was the first). The result is something that both design-minded, social media-savvy jet setters and even the saltiest locals can get behind.

The rooms

The design is spot on—think New England seaside fantasia. At both of its locations, Faraway appears to pose the design question: what does modern maritime look like? The answer lies not within the tired, stereotypical realms of blue and white stripes and anchor-shaped cabinet knobs, but in the idea of living close to the sea, reveling in its textures, and celebrating the treasures you bring home from your explorations. Rooms are done in neutral tones replete with cozy textures, with international inflections like carved-wood accents and fringed, shaggy throw pillows and rugs. There are great finishing touches including linens by Bellino, Byredo bath amenities, Apple TVs, refrigerators, and Bluetooth-enabled turntables with a few records for chasing those perfect seaside vibes. Rates start at $599 per night.

The best room to book is a Studio Suite not in the main building, but in the neighboring Chappy House. It features vaulted ceilings and a private deck overlooking the pool area and Edgartown harbor.

Food and drink

If locals felt protective about Kelley House, they felt positively threatened over the beloved Newes from America pub located on the hotel’s ground floor. As the second oldest pub in the country, it’s a piece of American history; thankfully, while F&B is one of Blue Flag’s strongest suits, very little about this beloved tavern has changed aside from a few welcome updates to the menu. Highlights include: scallops and pork belly with tarragon beurre blanc, fiery peri-peri chicken, and lobster roll (with an ‘even more lobster’ option for an additional $12).

It’s also worth noting that, any day now, pending final approval of its liquor license, Faraway Martha’s Vineyard will open Pelican Club, an outdoor cocktail and sushi lounge, literally and metaphorically opposite from Newes from America. While Pelican Club wasn’t open when we visited, we did get to walk through the space and sample a fizzy gin cocktail: it’s safe to say that once this spot opens, it’s going to be the most popular place in town for a post-beach tipple.

The neighborhood/area

The location couldn’t be better; Kelley House was part of the fabric of downtown Edgartown, and Faraway is sure to feel the same. Here, you’re literally adjacent to the Chappaquiddick Ferry dock, and steps to all that Edgartown has to offer. Hop on over to neighboring Mad Martha’s for ice cream, Murdick’s for fudge, and the adorable Edgartown Books for beach reads. Dinner at nearby seasonally-driven restaurant The Covington is an absolute must.

The service

The service is friendly and warm without being overly reverential. You’ll feel like it’s OK to ask any of the staff about where they’d go for a drink or their favorite spots on the island.

For families

Faraway definitely skews towards a more grown-up clientele, but there some of the larger multi-bedroom suites are built with bunk beds ideal for stowing away the little ones. Families traveling with younger children may also want to check out the Winnetu Oceanside Resort, located on a quiet stretch of South Beach a few miles south of town, which offers a dedicated Children’s Program.

Accessibility

While there is no elevator in the centuries-old buildings which make up Faraway Martha’s Vineyard, there are a number of ADA accessible rooms on the main floor. The gardens in front of the hotel’s lobby feature an integrated ramp, which feels less like an afterthought and more like a carefully integrated part of the architecture.

Anything left to mention?

The L-shaped main building once curved around a sad parking lot with dumpster, which has been replaced with a fantastic, sprawling salt-water pool and hot tub area complete with cabanas and a snack counter. It might just be one of the best places to take a dip in the entire Cape and Islands regions—except for the Atlantic, which is right there, of course.