John Swain House

@ 21 India Street

Historic charm. Downtown location. Room for everyone.

Book Your Stay
4 Bedrooms
8 Guests
5 min To Downtown
Private Garden

A Piece of Nantucket History

More space than a hotel. More character than anywhere else. John Swain House gives your family room to spread out in one of Nantucket's most walkable locations—steps from Main Street shops, restaurants, and harbor.

Built circa 1785 by one of Nantucket's founding families, this is a real historic home—original wide-plank floors, original fireplaces, and the kind of character you can't replicate. We've updated where it matters (kitchen, primary bedroom, furnishings) while keeping what makes it special. It's comfortable and practical, not a museum piece.

The ground floor features a renovated kitchen, dining room, cozy den, spacious living room, and a full bathroom. Upstairs you'll find four bedrooms and two additional bathrooms—plenty of space for the whole family.

Step outside to your own private garden—genuinely rare in downtown Nantucket. Space for morning coffee, afternoon reading, evening cocktails, or dinner for eight on the patio. The Weber grill is ready for your fresh catch.

Town Location • Steps from Main Street
21 India Street exterior

Amenities & Features

Everything you need for a comfortable stay

Kitchen

  • Fully renovated kitchen
  • Dishwasher & disposal
  • Keurig coffee maker
  • Blender & food processor
  • Microwave
  • Toaster & toaster oven
  • Lobster pot

Outdoor

  • Large private garden
  • Patio & deck furniture
  • BBQ grill
  • Beach chairs
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrella
  • Cooler

Entertainment

  • Cable television
  • High-speed internet
  • TV in common areas

Comfort

  • Washer & dryer
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron
  • Off-street parking (1 spot)
  • New furniture throughout

Accommodations

Comfortable sleeping arrangements for up to 8 guests

Primary Suite

King Bed

Second Floor

Garden views and the quietest room in the house—parents' retreat

Bedroom 2

King Bed

Second Floor

Original pre-1800s fireplace—a beautiful piece of history

Bedroom 3

2 Twin Beds

Second Floor

Bedroom 4

2 Twin Beds

Second Floor

Oversized, front-facing room

Bathrooms

🛁 Full bath with shower and tub
🚿 Bathroom with shower
🚿 Bathroom with shower

Why Families Choose a House

  • Space to spread out — 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and room for everyone to gather
  • Your own kitchen — Cook fresh seafood, eat on your schedule, dine in or out as you please
  • Private garden — Morning coffee, evening cocktails, dinner on the patio
  • One home base — No juggling multiple room keys and scattered schedules
  • Parking included — Off-street spot in walkable downtown

Perfect For

  • Families who want space to spread out and a kitchen to use
  • Groups who love being able to walk to dinner, shopping, and the harbor
  • Guests who appreciate staying somewhere with real history and character
  • Anyone who prefers a home base over hotel room hopping

Book Your Nantucket Getaway

$10,000 per week

Peak Season Rate

*Rates exclude local (6%) and state (5.7%) taxes

More space than a hotel, more flexibility than a resort—and room for the whole family under one roof.

Rental Permit #022888

Ready to Book?

Prime Town Location

In the heart of historic Nantucket

Leave the car parked and walk everywhere. John Swain House sits in the heart of downtown—Main Street shops, world-class restaurants, the Whaling Museum, and the harbor are all within a 5-minute walk.

  • Main Street shops and boutiques
  • World-class restaurants and cafes
  • Whaling Museum and historic landmarks
  • Nantucket Harbor
  • Ferry terminal

When you want to explore further, your off-street parking spot (included) is ready.