Siasconset (‘Sconset)
A tiny village on the eastern tip of Nantucket, famous for rose-covered cottages, dramatic ocean bluffs, and the Sankaty Head Golf Club. Ground zero for the island’s coastal erosion crisis.
History & Overview
Siasconset — universally known as 'Sconset — is a tiny, picturesque village on the eastern tip of Nantucket. Originally a remote fishing outpost with small shacks used during the offshore season, 'Sconset developed in the late 1800s into a fashionable summer colony that attracted actors, artists, and writers from New York and Boston.
The village's signature features are its rose-covered cottages, many dating to the 1700s, with characteristic "wart" additions that were built onto the original tiny fishing shacks as they were converted to year-round homes. The Siasconset Casino (not a gambling establishment, but a tennis and social club built in 1899) is the village's social center.
Today 'Sconset faces the most dramatic environmental challenge on Nantucket: severe coastal erosion along its eastern bluffs. The ocean is claiming land at an alarming rate, and several homes have already fallen into the sea. The community has been deeply divided over proposals for seawalls, managed retreat, and other interventions.
Key Locations & Landmarks
Sankaty Head Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse built in 1850 on the eastern bluff. Moved 390 feet inland in 2007 to save it from erosion. The red-and-white striped tower is visible from miles at sea.
Siasconset Casino
A historic social club built in 1899 featuring tennis courts, a movie theater, and community events. Not a gambling casino — the name reflects the original Italian meaning of "gathering place." The heart of 'Sconset social life.
Rose-Covered Cottages
The cluster of tiny historic cottages along Broadway and surrounding lanes, covered in climbing roses each summer, is the most photographed scene on Nantucket. Originally 1700s fishing shacks, now some of the most coveted addresses on the island.
'Sconset Bluff Walk
A dramatic walking path along the eastern bluffs with sweeping ocean views. The walk passes grand summer homes perched on the eroding cliffside — a vivid illustration of Nantucket's coastal erosion challenge.
Local Issues
Coastal Erosion Crisis
The eastern bluffs of 'Sconset are eroding at rates of 5–10 feet per year in some areas. Multiple homes have been lost to the sea. The community remains divided on solutions — with fierce debates over geotextile tubes, seawalls, managed retreat, and property rights. This is arguably the most pressing environmental issue on Nantucket.
How to Stay Involved
- Select Board Meetings — Town-wide policy decisions affecting all of Nantucket.
- Sconset Trust — Community organization working on village preservation.
- Conservation Commission — Wetlands, coastal, and environmental oversight.
- Back to Nantucket Town Page →