Nantucket’s Spookiest Places on the Island
Known as the “Gray Lady of the Sea,” Nantucket has long been associated with fog, shipwrecks and maritime lore. With a history stretching back hundreds of years and stories passed down through generations, it comes at no surprise that the island has its fair share of ghostly legends.
Whether you’re a believer or simply enjoy a good Halloween story, here’s a list of Nantucket landmarks with particularly spooky histories.
The Old Mill
Standing on Prospect Street, Nantucket’s Old Mill dates back to 1746 and is the oldest operating windmill in the country. According to local lore, the spirit of Timothy Swain, who met an untimely end at the mill, never quite left.
Some say his ghost can still be found at work inside, supposedly turning the mill’s gears so quickly that the entire structure seems to shake. Today, the Old Mill remains one of Nantucket’s most recognizable historic landmarks… and certainly one worth seeing on an October walk.
The 1800 House
Now part of the Nantucket Historical Association, this historic home has also become part of the island’s ghostly folklore.
The story goes that an alarm system installed at the house repeatedly went off on Tuesday and Thursday nights, always revealing the same interior door mysteriously open. When an electrician eventually stayed overnight to investigate, he claimed to have seen a strange, shimmering bubble move through the doorway and up the stairs.
Whether supernatural or simply unexplained, it makes the 1800 House an intriguing stop for those exploring Nantucket’s historic architecture. If you fancy staying in close proximity to the 1800 House and the Old Mill, 23 Prospect Street, a three bedroom home built in the early 1800s is a great fit for spooky enthusiasts.
The Unitarian Church
Nantucket’s Unitarian Church dates back to 1809 and is another historic building with its own alleged ghost. The spirit reportedly associated with the church is Seth Freeman Swift, its first minister, who was known for his lengthy sermons and strict adherence to tradition.
Parishioners have reported hearing footsteps throughout the empty building, while some stories suggest that Seth isn't particularly fond of modern technology (or loud music)!
The church’s history and striking architecture alone make it worth a visit, not to mention it’s in a great spot to grab a coffee downtown.
For those looking for a spot in town, 10 Lyon Street is a seven bed rental in a close enough proximity to the church, without being too close to risk a Seth sighting at home!
The Jared Coffin House
Built in 1845 for whaling merchant Jared Coffin, this brick mansion reflects Nantucket’s prosperous whaling era. The Coffin family only lived there briefly before moving to Boston, and the house was later converted into a hotel.
That’s when stories of unexplained happenings began to circulate. Guests have reportedly encountered rocking chairs moving on their own, shifting blinds and other unexplained occurrences. One particularly persistent legend involves a Puritan woman who supposedly takes issue with unmarried couples sharing a room…
Today, the Jared Coffin House remains one of Nantucket’s best-known historic buildings, definitely worth a stop by! If you’re not quite feeling brave enough to stay at the hotel or be confronted by the Puritan ghost, 45 Easton Street is a six bedroom house only a short walk away.
11 Baxter Road, Sconset
One of the most photographed houses on the Sconset Bluff, 11 Baxter Road, also known as Idlemoor, has an unmistakably mysterious presence. Local legend says the home is haunted, and with its weathered facade and perch overlooking the ocean, it certainly looks the part! But beyond the ghost stories, the house was one of the early summer residences to take shape along the Sconset Bluff. Today, Idlemoor remains one of Sconset’s most recognizable homes, and a particularly atmospheric sight on an October walk along the Bluff Walk.
If you’re feeling particularly brave, why not stay at one of our rentals on the same street, 98 Baxter Road. This is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom rental with stunning views of both the Atlantic and Sankaty Lighthouse.
The George C. Gardiner House
Located at 141 Main Street, the George C. Gardiner House has long been surrounded by rumors of a haunting. The home fell into disrepair during a contentious divorce, leading to years of speculation about its mysterious condition. Stories of rattling silverware and other unexplained occurrences only added to its reputation. After the historic home was renovated in 2005, reports of strange activity reportedly became less frequent, but its place in Nantucket’s ghostly lore remains.
Looking for a property nearby? Why not check out 8 Howard Court, a two bedroom cottage built in 1850 that’s also close to town.
The Chicken Box
The Chicken Box has a different kind of spooky history. One of Nantucket’s best-known live music venues, the building is rumored to have served as a Prohibition-era speakeasy, with stories of bootleggers and their lingering spirits becoming part of its lore. Whether or not there’s any truth behind the tales, there’s something fun about visiting a place with such a storied past, especially after dark in October!
How to Take Advantage
If you prefer a slightly more structured way to explore Nantucket’s spooky side, join an evening walking ghost tour that gathers at the top of Main Street. Alternatively, for a daytime adventure, the Boo on the Dunes interactive ghost tour offers another fun way to discover Nantucket’s haunted history with stops at local landmarks and puzzles to solve along the way.
For an exhaustive list of what Great Point Properties has available, explore the fall rentals available this spooky season.