Villa Rosa: Grand Seaside Victorian With Sweeping Water Views $10,000 - $25,000 Per Week

Villa Rosa is one of the most prominent Victorian mansions in Oak Bluffs — known as much for its grandeur and stunning location across the street from Inkwell Beach, as it is for its significant place in island and African American history, where it is often referred to as the Summer White House of the Civil Rights movement. It is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, who was a frequent visitor.

During the Civil Rights era, the home was known as Overton House, named after its well-known owner Joe Overton, a union organizer from Harlem. The current owners have renovated and maintained the classic 1870’s Victorian architecture and design, inside and out. There is grand detailing throughout the three floors of interior living space, as well as an incredible array of covered porches and a huge first-floor wraparound porch. There are water views of Nantucket Sound from many areas in the home. 

From its porches to its formal Living and Dining Rooms to large Chef Kitchen and Billiard Room/Lounge, this is a home designed for grand entertaining, combined with the convenience of walk-to-the-beach and walk-to-town. It’s a unique experience.

The first floor features an ornately paneled Living Room and Dining Room. Each is framed by a wall of glass windows. There is a large eat-in Gourmet Kitchen with center prep island/breakfast bar, cabinet-front and stainless commercial appliances, stone counters, and plenty of room for cooking and entertaining. There is also a TV/Family Room with a Bar Area, plus one of the eight Bedrooms, and a shared Bathroom.

The Primary Bedroom plus four of the other Bedrooms, and two Bathrooms, are up on the second floor. The Primary Bedroom has a massive four-poster bed, a Sitting Area, and a large private porch that overlooks Inkwell Beach and the waters of Nantucket Sound. The other two Bedrooms and the large Game Room/Lounge Area are up on the third floor. With its angular ceiling, the Game Room has a billiard table, multiple seating areas, plus a third-floor porch that looks out over the beach and the ocean.

With its many entertaining and hangout spaces, you may never leave. But just across the street is Inkwell Beach. The ferry terminal and all of downtown OB, with its restaurants, shops, and attractions is a short walk or bike ride away. 

Villa Rosa is also one of the stops on the African American Heritage Trail. We joined the organizers of the Heritage Trail for a unique Vineyard Bucket List video experience, click here for more.