Location is peaceful and serene. Fun walking trail to the water. Rooms amply sized. The experience was what I would call rustic...repairs were in order in the rooms. My screen door was off its hinges, faucet leaked, phone did not work. In absence of cell signal we could not depend on the internet service or even a land line. If you are not expecting luxury you can be comfortable here. The staff was friendly and somewhat apologetic about the need for repairs. Breakfast was served daily but the menu was the same daily as well.
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It has been more than a decade since we stayed here. The first two years we had such an enchanting experience I thought we would do it every October forever and ever. But the third year, the ownership was expanding the property and it seemed as if they would take a buck in any way they could. At the same time, they weren't nearly as friendly or accommodating as they had been. They also didn't spend a dime on repairs, at least not in our cottage. The leaky sink faucet and the spring-spike sofa were the same year after year. None of that mattered, given the solitude and the view. I would've slept on rocks to stay there.
What really killed it for us was the wedding weekend. Instead of the dark night sky and the ringing of the bell buoy in the distance, we were blasted by a Wedding DJ on a very loud speaker, glaring white lights, and drunken guests on the grounds. We did not intend to eat at the Beach Plum, and had a car (and a full provision of groceries) but not all guests were that lucky. One young couple had come to the island for one of the Menemsha Inn "getaway weekend specials". They had no car, and obviously not a lot of extra cash. They had been lured with the promise of a quiet, romantic weekend...and a world class dinner at the Beach Plum. What no one bothered to tell them was that because of this wedding, the restaurant was closed. I heard the hotel management tell the young man "you can take a taxi into Edgartown" (which would cost a fortune) or "you can get a lobster to-go from Larsen's and eat it in your room". It was cruel. I still think about that exchange and wish that I had been able to loan him our car or give him $100. I felt so bad for that couple...even worse than I felt for ourselves. Each of our visits was 8 or 9 nights so we still had a few good days and nights remaining to soak in the quiet after the wedding people left.
I don't know if it's the same ownership or management but I would caution all potential guests to inquire about other events and get in writing just exactly what services will be available during your stay. If you're lucky like we were most of the time, it has the potential to be one of your best memories of all time.
If you ever need an escape from city life, stay here. I have lived and grown up in big cities my whole life and it wasn t until I came to Menemsha that I understood the beauty of simple living. I learned a new word while on this trip bucolic . In one word it describes my entire experience. From seeing wild turkeys roaming the property, awakening to cows and the sound of over 15 different types of birds in the morning I was surrounded by nature.
My highlights included: the beautiful stroll to the beach, gathering fresh farm eggs, an adventure with two escaped cows (my first cow herding experience), the amazing WiFi (where I was able to work remotely), the oyster shells on the driveways, amazing sunset BBQs, baking croissants in the morning, visiting local farms for the best fresh produce, meats and cheeses, walking to the fishing village to buy the freshest seafood right off the boats, having a fully equipped kitchen, and that amazing wood burning fireplace.
The staff is amazing. Jonias taught us how to build a great fire and helped us set up our bbq. Bob (owner) personally helped us with setting up our WiFi to ensure everything ran smoothly! Sarah our angel who was our guide and wonderful host. Thank you for your generosity and for showing some hardened city folks the beauty of country life.
We hope to return soon and bring our families. Thank you again!
We spent 2 weeks at Menemsha's Cottage at Ruth's House. We absolutely loved everything: the peaceful nature, being located in this beautiful farm cottage by the sea surrounded by friendly cows, chickens (free fresh eggs every morning :-)), ducks, goose, etc. There is a little trail through the forest and dunes that leads straight to Menemsha's village and beach in less than 10mins. There you will find the famous fishmarket for fresh lobsters, oysters and fishes. Menemsha's beach has the most beautiful sunset on the whole island and we could witness it from our cottage everyday. We loved how well equipped was the cottage with a full kitchen, 2 BBQ's (one gas and one charcoal/wood), a fireplace and tons of woods, perfect for Smores at night. This is a perfect place for foodies like us. There is a least 5 amazing beaches at less than 10mins drive from the cottage. They are all different, some includes a little hike from the forest. Other have direct parking next to the beach. We loved them all and made sure to switch beach everyday for a different experience. The cottage itself was super luxury and spacious. The beds are super comfy so we had great nights sleep especially in this peaceful nature. We loved Menemsha cottages and we cannot wait to come back. We travelled the world and this is a truly special place. We want to thank Sarah Nixon the owner for her exceptional hospitality. She was wonderful and gave us great tips every of fun things to do, we followed them and we had the time of our life.
Nice place, but we kept finding various bugs in our room. Moths and ants and some bug I didn't recognize. Also, our ceiling vent kept leaking, and the hot water took ages to come on in the shower. Views were lovely, though.
We stayed in a cottage, lovely and charming. One thing to keep in mind, if you stay in the cottages, you must get your parking pass through the town hall on Martha's Vineyard and pay for a para (extra charge). If you stay in a room at the Inn, it is available to you without charge. Makes no sense. The walk to Menemsha beach takes 5-10 mins: but wear water shoes, the rocky beach and water edge is brutal. The Inn supplies beach umbrellas and chairs, really a nice extra.
An amazing quaint property hidden amongst lush flora. Best thing about it? The Proprietors, Sarah and Bob Nixon!! Oh, and Chef John. Food was exquisite! Rooms in the Carriage House were lovely. Nice balcony with amazing views. Staff met every one of our needs. Felt like home, but way better. Hated to leave. Can't wait to return!!!
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