Entire House – Stylish Historic Melville Mansion - New Bedford

*Top 10 Best Overnight Getaway in the South Coast & Rhode Island – South Coast Almanac. Featured on NYT Travel, A&E, Hulu, DiscoveryID & more.*

Experience modern victorian living at The Whalehouse – a grand mansion in the heart of New Bedford's historic neighborhood. Built in 1855, it's the former home of Herman Melville’s sister, Catherine. This rental is for the Main House - enjoy 5,200sqft of antique character and charm of this beautifully appointed home.

Located minutes from the Whaling Museum, ferries to Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard & Cuttyhunk, Zeiterion Theatre, and downtown's galleries and restaurants. Free parking included at the house.

The Whalehouse (Entire House) is thoughtfully designed with soaring 11.5 ceilings, gorgeous painted ceiling medallions, and antique accents abound, giving the space a historic feel with modern amenities, so you'll feel right at home.

The Whalehouse sleeps 8 comfortably, and has two spaces – the Main House and the Guest Suite.

The Main House sleeps 6. It has its own private entrance, and comes fully furnished. The first floor has a full kitchen, dining room with curved glass bay window, living room, billiard room with 9.5 1890's pool table, sun-filled solarium and half bath. On the second floor you will find 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Bedroom 1 and 2 have queen beds, bedroom 3 has two twin beds.

The Guest Suite sleeps 2, and has its own private entrance as well. The first floor has kitchenette, living room with a sofa bed, and a dining nook. On the second floor you will find a bedroom with a queen sized bed, a beautiful sun-filled bathroom with small stand up shower, and walk in closet.

The Whalehouse is located in this historic West End of New Bedford – conveniently walkable to downtown's amenities. Please note that while it is not directly in the city center, it is a bustling area – street noise is not uncommon.

As you arrive to The Whalehouse, you will be blown away with the ornate detailing of this historic home. The Italianate house was built in 1855 by Henry Taber, as a wedding present for his daughter Abby Taber Hunt. She and her husband and their daughter, Sarah, lived here through the 1860s. Upon moving to Western Massachusetts, they rented the home to Herman Melville's sister, Catherine Melville. The author was close with his sister and would frequent the home for visits, about 10 years after writing his famous novel, Moby Dick. As you look upon the estate, and the surrounding neighborhood, you can see how perfect Melville's words feel as he vividly describes the homes' facades. It's easy to see how he described New Bedford as "the dearest place to live in, in all New England."

During the 1950's the home was transformed into part of the Swain School of Art and Design campus, serving as the painting studios for the school. If you happen to go on a tour of the Main House, the host can show you the 3rd floor and widows walk/cupola where many of the students wrote notes that are now a part of history. In 1983 the home was transformed into a popular Bed & Breakfast for about 30 years. When the current owner purchased the home in 2015, she promised to restore the home to its former glory, and has been working on the renovation since. Laura & Tom are happy to open The Whalehouse to visitors so they can stay in a piece of history.