About the Inn

The Ashley Inn, a Martha's VIneyard Inn, offers an attractive 19th century sea captain's home with island charm.

In 1860, upon retiring from the island whaling industry, Captain William H. Crowell built the house for his wife and eight children. For over one hundred years, visitors and natives alike have admired this large home with its unique clover leaf window and distinctive accent panes.

In the late 19th century Captain Crowell's daughter Mary and her husband, Captain George W. Brown, assumed responsibility for the estate. Captain Brown was a famous sea captain who mastered the ships Syren and Pilgrim. For many years he sailed his ships around the world, bringing back exotic treasures from faraway places.

During the 20th century, the house remained in the captain's family through his daughter Gertrude and his granddaughter, Olive Hillman. Then in the spring of 1983 this lovely, well maintained home was converted to a small, gracious inn. We now celebrate our 30th anniversary of welcoming guests to the Ashley Inn.