The Nantucket Edit: A Summer House by the Sea
The Nantucket Edit: A Summer House by the Sea
A dream house. A coastal escape. A collection of objects we would never want to live without.
Every summer, we find ourselves drawn to the same places. The sea. The garden. Long lunches outdoors. Salt air drifting through open windows. The feeling of coming home barefoot after a walk along the shore.
Nantucket has always captured our imagination. Not simply because of its beautiful houses and hydrangea-lined lanes, but because it represents a way of living that feels deeply connected to craftsmanship, collecting, entertaining, and the pleasures of everyday life.
Our Summer by the Sea collection celebrates that spirit. If we had a summer house overlooking the water, these are the pieces we would choose first.
Etol Rope Rugs: The Foundation of Coastal Living
A true summer house essential begins at the door.
Made in Sweden, Etol Rope Rugs have become one of our favorite recommendations for coastal homes, summer cottages, beach houses, and everyday living.
Durable, machine washable, wonderfully comfortable underfoot, and inspired by traditional maritime rope work, they feel equally at home in an entryway, kitchen, bath, veranda, mudroom, or covered porch. Their timeless nautical character works beautifully whether your style leans New England, Scandinavian, or somewhere in between.
In our imaginary Nantucket house, there would be one in nearly every room.
The Garden: Erik Bendtsen Pottery
Planting season has arrived, and no summer house feels complete without beautiful containers for flowers, herbs, and greenery.
We are proud to be the only retailer shipping Erik Bendtsen pottery, handmade one piece at a time in Copenhagen. Available in glazed, unglazed, and marbleized finishes, these substantial pots bring a distinctly Scandinavian elegance to terraces, gardens, and entryways.
And then there is the extraordinary Lion Tulip Vase. Part sculpture, part flower vessel, part conversation piece, it transforms an entrance hall or living room into something unforgettable.
Hydrangeas Forever
No flower feels more synonymous with Nantucket than the hydrangea.
Hand embroidered by artisans and rich with intricate detail, the Blooming Hydrangea Brooch captures the romance of summer gardens in a form that can be worn year after year.
Pin it to a linen jacket, straw tote, or summer dress for a subtle reminder of the season.
The Sconset Necklace
Named for one of Nantucket's most beloved villages, The Sconset Necklace feels like summer itself.
Madagascan Rose Quartz, Angelite, Lemon Chrysoprase, Honey Opal, and Orange Quartz are hand-strung on dark blue silk and finished with a handmade 14K gold clasp. The palette recalls hydrangeas in bloom, weathered cottages, seaside gardens, and the golden light that arrives just before sunset.
Like all of Mikkel Brøgger's one-of-a-kind jewelry, it is handmade in New York City and designed to become part of a personal story.
Collected Nautical Treasures
Every memorable summer house contains a few unexpected discoveries.
Vintage nautical trays, maritime paintings, sailor's folk art, ship models, and unusual objects tell stories of travel, adventure, and life near the water. These are the pieces that make a home feel collected rather than decorated.
At BON TON goods, our estate collection is constantly changing, making every visit a treasure hunt.
A Pair of Mermaids
If our Nantucket house had a dining table overlooking the sea, there would absolutely be a pair of Sicilian Mermaid Candle Holders standing proudly at its center.
Handmade in Sicily and full of character, they bring a sense of whimsy and elegance to summer entertaining.
One is charming. Two are essential.
The Ultimate Statement Piece
Every great summer house needs one thing guests never forget.
The handmade Narwhal Trophy Mount is exactly that piece. Crafted from papier-mâché and inspired by traditional trophy mounts, it balances humor, artistry, and coastal charm in equal measure.
It is impossible not to smile when you see it.
Whimsy by the Sea
Our collection of Vintage by Crystal nautical ornaments captures the romance of the sea through hand-crafted spun cotton figures, maritime motifs, and nostalgic details. Whether displayed year-round or saved for holiday decorating, they bring a sense of wonder to any coastal home.
Like Nantucket itself, the best summer houses are never really about the house. They are about the memories created there, the objects collected along the way, and the stories that continue to unfold.
Until we find our own place by the sea, these are the pieces we will continue dreaming about.