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Sullivan House

4.6
·68 reviews·New Shoreham, United States

Charming early 20th-century inn on Block Island with ocean views, kayak rentals, and exceptional hospitality.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Perfect for coffee with ocean views

CrowdHigh
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The Sullivan House - Image 1

Sullivan House

Best Time

Summer mornings

Perfect for coffee with ocean views

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Charming early 20th-century inn on Block Island with ocean views, kayak rentals, and exceptional hospitality.

4.6
(68 reviews)

"The hosts were unbelievably amazing and went beyond and out of their way to make us comfortable."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Suites for Privacy

Suites offer extra space and privacy, ideal for couples or families.

🛶 Kayak Adventures Await

Utilize on-site kayak rentals for a fun way to explore the coast.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Ocean Views

Panoramic Ocean Views

Wake up to stunning vistas of Salt Pond and the ocean. Perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks.

Private Suite Retreat

Private Suite Retreat

Enjoy the privacy and extra space of a suite, located slightly apart from the main house.

On-Site Kayak Rentals

On-Site Kayak Rentals

Explore the coastline at your own pace with convenient kayak rentals right from the property.

Delicious Homemade Breakfast

Delicious Homemade Breakfast

Savor personalized, delicious breakfasts, from omelets to quiches, accommodating dietary needs.

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Planning Your Visit

Ocean Views & Island Charm

Experience Block Island's beauty from Sullivan House, offering ocean views and direct beach access. Book suites for extra privacy and space. Kayak rentals are available on-site for exploring the coast.

Historic Stay, Modern Comforts

Sullivan House is a historic inn with Victorian charm. While rooms are cozy, some may have slanted roofs. Enjoy excellent breakfast and attentive service that makes guests feel at home.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Perfect for coffee with ocean views
Crowd
High
When
Afternoon
Why
Ideal for kayaking adventures
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Relaxing with sunset vistas
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This home, the Sullivan House had won the award in the ‘Best Luxury Home Design’ category at the @bildawards a few years back. It is now ready to shine!✨✨ #housing #awardwinning #gta #interiordesignideas
acorndev
69 likes • 1.9K views

🎯 Book Suites for Privacy

Suites offer extra space and privacy, ideal for couples or families. Reddit

🛶 Kayak Adventures Await

Utilize on-site kayak rentals for a fun way to explore the coast. Reddit

Dedication gets rewarded 🏆 Congratulations to our student of the week at Sullivan House! Nominated by the entire staff. ❤️ Campus: @sullivanhousebulldogs #explore #studentappreciation #yccs #chicagohighschools #alternativeschool
youthconnectioncharterschool
159 likes • 2.9K views
It’s been busy in the Sullivan House 🏡 - New windows installed only 3 more to go😍 - Wasps nest found (NOT IDEAL) - Boards delivered ready to be plastered - 5th skip being collected (NOT THE LAST EITHER)🤦🏽‍♀️ - FINALLY the back has been opened up ready for the doors to be delivered 🥳 #fyp #renovation #homeimprovement #renovationinspiration #freshwalls #freshwindows
the_sullivan_home
96 likes • 1.5K views

🍳 Dietary Needs? Just Ask!

The hosts are happy to accommodate gluten-free and other dietary requests for breakfast. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Town Beach

The town beach is a short, convenient walk across the street. Reddit

The Sullivan House is Madison history! The beginning photo is from 1960 around the time the house was put up for sale. HMI was founded to save it from a likely sad fate. It’s been preserved and protected for 65 years since. This year it got some much needed updates, but we have lots more to come! Make sure you’re following along to see its progress. #historicmadison #historicpreservation #thenandn...
historic_madison_inc
22 likes • 512 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Suites for Privacy

Suites offer extra space and privacy, ideal for couples or families. Reddit

🛶 Kayak Adventures Await

Utilize on-site kayak rentals for a fun way to explore the coast. Reddit

🍳 Dietary Needs? Just Ask!

The hosts are happy to accommodate gluten-free and other dietary requests for breakfast. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Town Beach

The town beach is a short, convenient walk across the street. Reddit

🚲 Bikes & Beach Gear

The property provides bikes, beach chairs, and towels for guest use. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(68 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Guests consistently praise Sullivan House for its stunning ocean views, exceptional hospitality, and delicious, personalized breakfasts. The convenient location near the town beach and on-site amenities like kayak rentals are major draws. While the historic charm is appreciated, some rooms may have quirks like slanted ceilings. Overall, it's a highly recommended spot for a peaceful and memorable Block Island stay.

"My teen daughter and I had a wonderful stay at the Sullivan House. We stayed in a suite, which was down a little from the main house. I liked the privacy and space of the suite. The inn keeper was very helpful and thoughtful. We had fun kayaking from their property. The town beach is a short walk across the street. I can't wait to go back! I will definitely return to the Sullivan House!"

Marlana Borgos

"My room had a slanted roof that I kept bumping my head on but hardly a deal breaker for me personally. Other rooms seemed fine. Room and property was clean and everything worked as expected. The location was great. the view was delightful . Property offered bikes and beach chairs/towels. The staff was polite and helpful. Provided breakfast each morning was excellent. Hoping to visit the island again one day and will look into Sullivan House first for lodging when I do."

brian bailey

"The Sullivan House and Block Island Catering were tremendous!! We got super lucky with a beautiful (although hot) day for the wedding! The Sullivan House looked fantastic and provided the beauty we wanted for our wedding. Linda was very helpful for the planning process and day of wedding stuffs, and the entire staffed knocked it out of the park! Definitely recommend this venue for a BI wedding!

The rooms for our wedding party were also great and very comfy!"

Julia Nault

What People Like

Stunning ocean views
Exceptional hospitality
Delicious breakfast

What People Dislike

Slanted ceilings in some rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access to Block Island is primarily by ferry from various mainland ports like Point Judith, RI, and Montauk, NY. Once on the island, Sullivan House is accessible by taxi, moped rental, or a scenic walk depending on your arrival point. Many guests opt for moped rentals to explore the island easily. Reddit

While specific parking details aren't extensively mentioned, Block Island is generally walkable and moped-friendly. If arriving by car, inquire directly with Sullivan House about available parking options. Reddit

Moped rentals are a popular and convenient way to explore Block Island, with Sullivan House being a short moped ride from town. Bicycles are also provided by the house, and walking to the town beach is easy. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Sullivan House is an inn, so you'll need to book a room or suite in advance, especially during peak season. There are no specific 'tickets' required for entry beyond your accommodation booking. Reddit

Standard check-in and check-out times for inns typically apply. It's best to confirm the exact times directly with Sullivan House when making your reservation to plan your travel accordingly. Reddit

Generally, inns like Sullivan House do not have strict age restrictions for booking, but you must be of legal age to make a reservation. Specific policies can be confirmed with the property. Reddit

Information regarding pet policies is not readily available in the provided content. It's recommended to contact Sullivan House directly to inquire about their pet-friendliness. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Sullivan House offers kayak rentals for exploring the coast. They also provide bikes, beach chairs, and towels, making it easy to enjoy the nearby town beach and ocean. Reddit

The house is perched on a hilltop offering amazing views of Salt Pond on one side and the beach to the other. Guests rave about the delightful views from the property. Reddit

Yes, Sullivan House is described as a stunning wedding venue, with past guests praising its beauty and the catering services provided by Block Island Catering. Reddit

The atmosphere is described as peaceful and quiet, offering a retreat location. It's a historic inn with Victorian charm, providing a cozy and comfortable stay. Reddit

One guest mentioned bumping their head on a slanted roof in their room, which is characteristic of older, historic buildings. However, they noted other rooms seemed fine and it wasn't a deal-breaker. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Breakfast is not a buffet; it's a personalized and delicious meal. Options have included omelets made to order, homemade quiche, fruit, yogurt, granola, danishes, and sausages. Reddit

Yes, the hosts are very accommodating. They happily prepared gluten-free options, such as omelets, for guests with dietary needs. Reddit

Sullivan House is a short moped ride into town, where numerous dining options are available. The inn itself focuses on providing an excellent breakfast experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic ocean and Salt Pond views from the hilltop are prime photography locations. The historic architecture of the house itself also offers charming photo opportunities. Reddit

Absolutely. The location provides direct views of the beach and ocean, making it easy to capture stunning coastal scenery right from the property. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sullivan House offers a wonderful family-friendly experience on Block Island. The proximity to the town beach makes it easy for kids to enjoy sand and surf, and the on-site kayak rentals provide an exciting activity for older children and adults. The inn also provides bikes, which can be a fun way for families to explore the island together. Reddit

While the historic nature of the inn means rooms might have unique features like slanted ceilings, the overall atmosphere is welcoming and comfortable. Families can appreciate the delicious breakfast that accommodates various tastes and dietary needs, ensuring everyone starts their day fueled for adventure. Booking a suite can offer extra space for families to spread out and relax. Reddit

💍 Couples & Honeymooners

For couples seeking a romantic getaway, Sullivan House is an ideal choice. The stunning ocean views from the hilltop location create a picturesque setting for relaxation and connection. Enjoying morning coffee or afternoon beverages on the back porch with these vistas is a highlight. Reddit

The inn's historic charm, combined with the attentive and personalized service from the hosts, fosters an intimate and memorable experience. Many couples have celebrated honeymoons here, appreciating the peaceful atmosphere and the thoughtful touches, like a special going-away gift. The private suites offer an added layer of seclusion and comfort for honeymooners. Reddit

💍 Wedding Parties & Event Planners

Sullivan House is a highly recommended venue for weddings and events on Block Island. Its breathtaking ocean and Salt Pond views provide an unforgettable backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. The venue works seamlessly with Block Island Catering to ensure a successful event. Reddit

Guests and wedding parties can enjoy comfortable on-site accommodations, adding convenience to the celebration. The dedicated staff's commitment to exceptional service ensures that planning and execution are handled with care, making it a stress-free experience for event planners and couples alike. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Embracing the Historic Charm

Sullivan House is a testament to Block Island's rich history, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century innkeeping. The architecture reflects a Victorian Queen Anne style, common on the island, providing a unique and atmospheric stay. While the rooms are described as comfortable, guests should be prepared for the quirks of historic buildings, such as potentially slanted ceilings in some areas. This charm is part of what draws many visitors back year after year. Reddit

The innkeepers, Rosalie and Sean, are frequently praised for their exceptional hospitality, going above and beyond to ensure guests feel welcome and comfortable. Their attentiveness, personalized service, and willingness to assist with any needs, like arranging transportation, significantly enhance the guest experience. This level of customer care is a standout feature, making visitors feel truly valued. Reddit

Beyond the rooms, the property itself is designed for relaxation and enjoyment. The back porch is highlighted as a perfect spot for morning coffee and afternoon beverages, offering unparalleled views. This focus on communal spaces and scenic enjoyment contributes to the tranquil retreat atmosphere that guests seek on Block Island. Reddit

Activities and Island Exploration

Sullivan House makes it easy to enjoy the natural beauty of Block Island. Kayak rentals are available directly on the property, allowing guests to paddle along the coast and explore the waters at their leisure. This is a fantastic way to experience the island's marine environment up close. Reddit

For those who prefer land-based exploration, the inn provides bicycles, perfect for leisurely rides around the island. The town beach is conveniently located just a short walk across the street, offering easy access for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze. Beach chairs and towels are also supplied, so you can pack lighter. Reddit

While Sullivan House offers a peaceful escape, it's also a great base for exploring the rest of Block Island. A short moped ride can take you into the main town area, where you'll find shops, restaurants, and other attractions. This balance of serene retreat and accessible adventure is a key appeal for visitors. Reddit

A Premier Wedding and Event Venue

Sullivan House has established itself as a premier venue for weddings and special events on Block Island. Its picturesque hilltop location, offering stunning views of both Salt Pond and the ocean, provides a breathtaking backdrop for any celebration. The beauty of the property itself contributes significantly to the desired ambiance for memorable occasions. Reddit

Beyond the scenic setting, the venue is supported by excellent catering services, particularly Block Island Catering, which has been lauded for its performance at events held at Sullivan House. The staff's dedication and professionalism are frequently mentioned as key factors in the success of weddings, ensuring smooth execution and guest satisfaction. Reddit

Accommodation for wedding parties is also a plus, with rooms described as great and very comfy. This allows guests and the wedding party to stay on-site, enhancing the convenience and communal feel of the event. The combination of stunning views, dedicated service, and comfortable lodging makes Sullivan House a highly recommended choice for island celebrations. Reddit

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