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Peaceful, Private Island Home On Tuckernuck, Nantucket

Photo gallery for Peaceful, Private Island Home On Tuckernuck, Nantucket

Exterior
On the beach
Fireplace, books
On the beach
Fridge, oven, stovetop, coffee/tea maker

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Peaceful, Private Island Home On Tuckernuck, Nantucket

TUCKERNUCK IS A PRIVATE ISLAND ADJACENT TO NANTUCKET.

Exclusive Rental Opportunity located on Tuckernuck Island. This exclusive rental property offers an unexpected opportunity for peace and serenity in a private setting. Spectacular views of ocean, this property is located on the beach, on the north shore of Tuckernuck.

Location: Tuckernuck Island, Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, USA (Tuckernuck Island is a small island off of Nantucket)
Accommodations: Summer House, 5 Bedrooms + 1 full Bath + 1/2 bath upstairs + kitchen + dining area + sitting area (Sleeps 8)
Non-smoking only, please.
During your time on this beautiful island, enjoy yourself snorkeling, clamming, swimming, fishing, hiking or just relax and bask in the tranquility. Rise with the sun and sleep under a blanket of stars as you immerse yourself into the rhythm of the island, and let the tides govern your day.

To get to Tuckernuck from Nantucket, you can hire us to bring you over in our boat and ride up to the house with your belongings. The boat ride to Tuckernuck from Nantucket takes 20-30 minutes. The house on Tuckernuck is just a minute walk from where we land our boat.

You must bring all your food to the island. There are no stores here, so be sure you bring enough for your stay. You should bring any condiments that you want (mustard, ketchup, etc) and whatever you would like to drink (coffee, etc.)

Bring your own bed linens and towels.

There is some cell phone reception with your own personal cell phone.

Our house has a fully-equipped kitchen (gas refrigerator, gas stove, pots and pans etc.) Inside the house is a full bath with shower off the bedroom downstairs, which sleeps 2 in a tempurpedic queen bed. Upstairs, there are 2 bedrooms, each with two twin beds, and two more bedrooms, each with one twin bed, along with a half bath.

Optional possibility of weekend and rentals shorter than 7 days, please contact owner with questions.

Property manager

John Phinney

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Oven
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Paper towels
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Lobster/crab pot

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms

Bathrooms

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Dining room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Location highlights

  • Near the ocean
  • Near the sea
  • On the waterfront
  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed
Note from host: Please ask in advance!

Children and extra beds

This property welcomes adults only

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 8
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number C0179181970

Property is also known as

Peaceful, Private Island Home on Tuckernuck, Nantucket Nantucket

About the neighborhood

Map
Nantucket, MA

What's nearby

  • Children's Beach - 18 min drive - 11.1 km

Getting around

  • Nantucket, MA (ACK-Nantucket Memorial) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • Millie's
  • West End Madaket Market

Frequently asked questions

Is Peaceful, Private Island Home On Tuckernuck, Nantucket pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Peaceful, Private Island Home On Tuckernuck, Nantucket?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Peaceful, Private Island Home On Tuckernuck, Nantucket?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Peaceful, Private Island Home On Tuckernuck, Nantucket located?

Nestled on the beach, this Nantucket vacation home is 6.9 mi (11.1 km) from Children's Beach and 18.5 mi (29.8 km) from Coatue Beach.

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Peaceful, Private Island Home On Tuckernuck, Nantucket Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Escape
We stayed 4 nights at The Decoy. This island and John's house is a bit of heaven. If you are looking for nightlife, AC, Netflix, restaurants, and wifi don't bother. If on the other hand you are looking to escape an increasingly stressful world and you love quiet, nature, beach combing, clamming, and time to really enjoy who you are with, this is the place for you. We brought a large rolling cooler full of good food and drink from Nantucket that was perfect for our stay. There were a few bars of cell service which kept our internet addicted teens connected to their friends. John is generous and helpful and lives nearby to help with anything you may need. Tuckernuck is truly what Nantucket must have been like 100 years ago. When we returned to Nantucket for the rest of our vacation it felt like the big city, crowds, noise, traffic. If a place like Tuckernuck is what you are craving, it does exist, and we were so happy to have found it. Thank you John!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Most enjoyable trip back in time!
We met John, our gracious host, at the dock in Madaket. He took us to Tuckernuck by boat past and through the many natural wonders of the area. Our group had plans to surf cast every day and John made sure to point out some great spots as we approached. Once landed it was a short walk up to “The Decoy,” his family’s historic cottage. Getting on the island does involve getting your feet wet so bring some water shoes or sandals. Once there, John gave us a tour of the house and a brief history of the island. He walked us through the operational procedures for maintaining all the important modern amenities in “life without electricity,” which were surprisingly few. Though we did not have air conditioning or a television, we did not want for them. Exploring the island, fishing, and enjoying the company of our party (and that of our new friends John and Paisley) provided all the entertainment we could ask for. The cool breeze off the Atlantic crossed through the house and kept everyone cool and comfortable. We caught lots of fish, saw abundant wildlife in this unspoiled natural environment, and were immersed in the history and traditions of the island. The perfect adventure for surfcasters, birders/naturalists, history buffs, or anyone looking to unplug and reconnect with nature and their companions. My only regret was having to leave so soon. Thank you John! Till next time my friend!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible
Everything about this place is amazing. The history, location, seclusion is wonderful. Star gazing at night was unreal The beaches are pristine Our host was delightful We will be back
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

alecia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hidden Paradise
My husband and I just left the Decoy and we’re looking to book again for next year. Incredible from start to finish! The island, the house, the beach, the host, all amazing. I’ve never slept so well or relaxed so much on a vacation. The house is FULL of history as is the island and the host John knows everything and will help with anything you need. The house/cottage is rustic and cozy, with plenty of space for a family to stay. Everything that you need to cook and prepare meals is there. You need to bring your own food but we just brought a few coolers full of food and we had plenty for 4 nights and days. It was so fun and I’m usually very picky about cleanliness and comfort. The sunsets from Potluck cottage right up the hill are better than I’ve ever seen - even better than on our trips to Italy. This place is an absolute must! Thank you John and sweet Paisley girl!!! Mark and Alecia
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

John C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Adventure
Our family was seeking a adventure and John Phinney came through! His home is a gem with beautiful ocean views and the stars are breathtaking Peace and quiet is exactly what you will get at the decoy! Thank you John
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stacey G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If you are looking for something very special…
My husband and I reserved the Decoy with our adult children for a much needed break from pretty much everything. Our experience far exceeded our expectations from start to finish. The journey to get there, our host, the history, the house and this magical island will be most precious memories. Each side of the island has it’s own unique charm, from the tranquil beach just steps from the Decoy, to the south point where we saw many seals to the east and west, where we went clamming. The trails are beautiful, the history is rich and the disconnection was heaven. The house has everything you need and more. If you’re lucky, John’s dogs will pay you a visit as you lounge in the Adirondack chairs. You definitely don’t want to miss the brilliant sunrise and sunset from your own private beachfront. Our vacation filled our hearts and recharged our batteries. We can’t wait to visit again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Don S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun Family Adventure
My family and I were looking for a fun beach adventure, and The Decoy did not disappoint. The house is located on the northern part of Tuckernuck about a 1 minute (if even that long) walk to a beach on Nantucket Sound. The house is off grid, but we found we had everything we needed. We visited on an unusually cold weekend. However, there was plenty of firewood to keep us warm. John, the owner, stayed in a cottage next door and was readily available to assist with anything we needed. John also offered to take us on a number activities, including clamming, fishing and hunting for arrowheads at low tide. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans. We loved our stay here. The island is like nowhere else we’ve been, and we look forward to coming back. Keep in mind that this is a remote island with few amenities, so bring a sense of adventure and a little flexibility. If you do, you will love this place. Also, the beds were very comfortable and the house was clean, two major pluses.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Linda B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Off the Grid in Tuckernuck
My husband and I stayed at The Decoy to celebrate our 30th anniversary. We were looking for a quiet, serene, off the grid getaway, and weren't disappointed. This historic, rustic, and quaint house is truly from another time. We spent our days walking the beach or exploring the island, and our nights sitting by the fire. This is not for amenity seekers; there are no restaurants or grocery stores here, so you need to come prepared. But for us, the tranquility and beauty of Tuckernuck was enough. From booking through departure, John, the owner, was responsive, informative and kind. He offered to take us bass fishing, and entertained us with stories about summers spent as a kid on the island. Tuckernuck is special place, which we feel grateful to have experienced and look forward to returning to.

10/10 Excellent

Meridith F., Rhinebeck, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing from beginning to end!
During the pandemic, I was looking for a place that was on the beach yet far from crowds. I happened to find The Decoy online and was instantly intrigued. I booked a 4-night stay and never imagined that I'd love the experience as much as I did. From the get-go, John was amazingly helpful - sharing everything I needed to know to be comfortable and more than flexible as plans were up in the air due to COVID-19 restrictions. He was willing to do what we needed to make sure that we arrived safely and had the opportunity to enjoy every second on the island. He arranged for a cab to pick us up at the ferry and take us to the grocery store before taking us to meet him at the dock for the trip over to Tuckernuck which was something I never would have thought of. The Decoy is exactly as described - but what you don't realize is that you're stepping into history. John's obvious love for the island and his family's history comes through as he shares details of the island, his childhood spent there, and the many fascinating items in the house. The kitchen has everything you need to prepare a meal, the shower is warm, the bed is a dream, and there is more than enough space in the home to steal some privacy if you're traveling with a large group. To spend a few days removed from modern life was a dream. There's light cell reception should you need to make a call - and though there isn't television, radio, etc. you really don't need it and by the time you're leaving - you don't miss it. The island can entertain you for days on end whether you're walking the inland paths or spend half a day walking around the entire circumference of the island on the beach. The sunsets are amazing to behold from any location and the beaches themselves are sandy and great for swimming at one point or rocky and full of shells at another. It's the best of everything! We wound up extending our stay a day because we didn't want to leave - and if we didn't have to get home to "real life" we would have stayed another night, and then another . . . We plan to return in October if possible and again next summer - it's just a magical place where time stands still and you truly get to relax and recharge without the pressure of "doing" things. John's entire family is lovely and we really feel so lucky that they willingly shared this treasure with us. We cannot wait to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Andrea D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Like pushing the reset button on life
Our week on Tuckernuck at John's home was nothing short of perfect in it's simplicity. Imagine taking 3 boys, 2 who are teens and bringing them to a place with no TV, video games or phones (little blips of cell service in some spots)...totally unplugged for an entire week. Well, they didn't want to leave. Life on Tuckernuck is as it once was long ago. You live by the daylight, eat when you are hungry, sleep when you are tired and just breath the sea air. True fulfillment from the time the sun breaks the horizon to the time it slips away on the other side, both by the way are visible from your own private little oceanside retreat. The shoreline on John's side of the island is calm and rocky. Watershoes or flipflops are a must, but the water is clear and the rocks that shine below your feet are like gemstones, the shells are abundant and the wildlife and birds are breathtaking. A short walk through beautiful tree lined paths to the other side and you can behold the wild surf and seals of the open Atlantic. The lagoon is calm and clear and a great spot for a swim. We sometimes walked for over an hour on the beach and only saw one or two other people in the distance. The islanders are a protective and private bunch, and within a day or two you can understand why. Places like Tuckernuck are special and rare and almost untouched by human development and that makes it a place that anyone who loves it would want to fiercely protect. A truly wonderful experience. We will most definitely return.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Brian L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Island Getaway
Fantastic. This was just what we were looking for. A bucolic escape in what could be a 1800's sailing museum. John was gracious in his hospitality: he opened his doors to us but gave us the privacy we were looking for on Vacation. The island is a rare find with plenty of stuff to do from biking, swimming, birdwatching. We hope to return. Is you are looking for Nantucket scene, island cocktail parties smothered in vineyard vines...this may not be for you. We had a fantastic time disconnecting with modern life and reconnecting with ourselves. Thanks John.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020