Inside Big Bluff: The Stunning Martha’s Vineyard Home Transformation
Big Bluff, one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most recognizable residences, recently got a new lease on life. Once a weathered old Shingle-style beauty perched on the bluff, the Martha’s Vineyard home was lovingly rebuilt by Hutker Architects to honor its past while making it fresh and livable for today. With airy porches, salvaged details, and sweeping ocean views, the eight-bedroom retreat is now the perfect spot for family gatherings year-round.
The home’s wide and welcoming wraparound porch is adorned with white rocking chairs and blue-striped pillows, creating the perfect spot to relax, catch a breeze, and soak in the Vineyard views.
Dining in Colorful Style
Inside the Martha’s vineyard home, unexpected pops of color occur, as evidenced in the matching dining room chandeliers. A red and white checked pillow on the adjacent window seat adds another shot of red among the rooms blue and white color scheme.
Kitchen & Breakfast Nook
The kitchen is bright and timeless, with crisp white cabinetry, glass-front uppers, and a soft patterned tile backsplash that adds subtle texture.
A deep blue island anchors the room, while oversized glass pendants and white spindle barstools bring a breezy coastal feel. Pops of color come through in fresh flowers, patterned rugs, and accents that keep the space inviting.
Just off the kitchen, the breakfast nook adds a playful twist. A built-in banquette dressed in red and white fabric pairs with patterned Roman shades, while a round pedestal table and mix-and-match chairs keep the space casual. It’s the perfect spot for coffee in the morning or a relaxed family meal, with plenty of charm to spare.
Casual Family Room for Lounging
The family room blends casual comfort with natural textures, making it the heart of the home. A striking stone fireplace, faced with rounded cobbles from the original house, grounds the space and adds a rustic, Vineyard feel. Blue-trimmed French doors flood the room with light and connect it seamlessly to the porch, keeping the atmosphere airy and open.
Neutral sofas and chairs are layered with patterned pillows, while a woven side table and textured rug add warmth underfoot. A bold piece of abstract art above the fireplace introduces a modern edge, balancing the traditional stonework. With its built-in bar tucked to one side and plenty of cozy seating, the family room is the perfect place for relaxing by the fire on a rainy day – or any day for that matter.
Martha’s Vineyard Home Gathering Space
This inviting corner of the home pairs comfort with timeless character. Wingback chairs with patterned pillows flank the fireplace, while built-in bookshelves lined with colorful spines add warmth and a sense of history. Natural textures, from the woven mirror frame to the soft area rug, balance the room’s traditional details with relaxed coastal charm.
Beside the seating area, a round wooden game table creates the perfect spot for cards, puzzles, or a casual family meal. Paired with classic wood chairs and framed by patterned drapes, the table sits under a statement light fixture that brings a touch of elegance. It’s a versatile nook that encourages connection and conversation.
Porch with a Million-Dollar View
The porch is designed for soaking up the island’s natural beauty, with expansive screened windows framing sweeping ocean vistas. Comfortable wicker seating layered with striped and patterned pillows makes it an inviting spot to lounge, whether you’re sipping morning coffee or enjoying a summer sunset. The blue-and-white rug underfoot ties the space to the coastal palette, while casual touches keep it relaxed and breezy.
At the other end, a long dining table sits beneath lantern-style light fixtures, creating the perfect setting for alfresco meals with family and friends. Surrounded by greenery and salty sea air, this porch celebrates the island lifestyle of the Martha’s Vineyard home —open, connected to nature, and always ready for gathering.
The staircase offers unique views of the home, from the dining room’s window seat at the bottom of the steps to glass windows at the top looking into surrounding rooms. A lantern style pendant light casts a soft glow in the evening.
Bedrooms Full of Personality
Five of the eight bedrooms in this Martha’s Vineyard home brings its own sense of charm while staying true to the home’s breezy coastal style. This charmer features playful wallpaper and a blue-painted bed, paired with vintage touches.
Another has a nostalgic nod to summer fun, with vintage wooden water skis propped by the vintage vanity and a colorful throw draped across the bed for a cozy layered look.
Elsewhere, a serene window seat invites daydreaming, with baskets tucked underneath for storage and a wall of pillows for curling up with a book while admiring the seaside views outside.
Another bedroom pairs patterned textiles with a tailored upholstered headboard and classic spindle-leg nightstand, striking just the right balance between elegant and relaxed.
Finally, a corner bedroom doubles as a lounge space, with a sofa layered in striped and geometric pillows set against shiplap walls and an ocean view. Together, these bedrooms create inviting retreats for family and guests, each with its own story and style.
Spa-Like Bathroom Retreat
This bathroom in the Martha’s Vineyard home feels like a private sanctuary with its freestanding soaking tub perfectly framed between two windows overlooking the ocean. Shiplap walls and simple café curtains keep the space light and airy, while built-in shelving adds both storage and charm with neatly stacked towels and a collection of books.
Double vanities on either side provide balance and functionality, while the soft glow of modern sconces enhances the calming atmosphere. A vintage-inspired rug and woven hamper add warmth and texture, grounding the otherwise crisp palette. It’s a serene space designed for unwinding, whether it’s a quick refresh after the beach or a long, indulgent soak.
Classic Martha’s Vineyard Home Exterior
A second floor balcony provides iconic and breathtaking views of the ocean. It’s the perfect spot for catching a quiet moment while communing with nature and watching boats float by.
The exterior of the expansive Martha’s Vineyard home captures the timeless appeal of classic New England architecture. Weathered gray shingles wrap the structure, while crisp white trim and deep blue shutters add a pop of contrast. Wide porches lined with rocking chairs invite leisurely afternoons overlooking the sea, and screened-in sections provide year-round comfort.
From the side garden, the home’s gambrel rooflines and sweeping façade create an impressive silhouette against the sky. A welcoming gate and trellis frame the approach, adding charm and a sense of arrival. Altogether, the exterior blends coastal tradition with a warm, inviting presence that feels perfectly suited to its bluff-top perch.
The renovation of this amazing Martha’s Vineyard home (aka “Big Bluff”) by Hutker Architects was a true labor of love for both the homeowners and trades people. Due to disrepair, the original home was demolished and rebuilt on the existing foundation. Whenever possible, materials from the home were salvaged and reused.
