The Cleaveland House was built around 1750 by James Athearn. His descendent, Capt. James Cleaveland, added the kitchen wing, the summer cookroom, and the woodshed around 1860. Cynthia Riggs, the present occupant, is the eighth generation of the family to live in the house.

The Cleaveland House entryway, featured on the cover of Martha's Vineyard Home & Garden Fall-Winter 2009-2010 issue, illustrating "The Allure of Mudrooms." Photos courtesy of Donna Wesley.

A fire in the parlor welcomes guests on chilly evenings.

Guests can read quietly on comfortable chairs at the end of the dining room or gather around the piano for an impromptu songfest.

This downstairs room is usually called "Aunt's Room" in honor of Great Aunt Alvida Cleaveland, who was born in Chile. Her mother accompanied her father on a five-year whaling voyage.

The front hall and stairs lead to the three guest bedrooms. One has a king-size bed, and fireplace. The adjoining room has a single bed. The third has two twin beds and a sofa. All three share a bath. Islanders seldom use the front door, which is reserved for grand occasions, such as weddings, funerals, and social teas. The kitchen entrance serves as the main entry to most Vineyard homes.

While the Cleaveland House is large, it has only two bathrooms, shared by guests and residents alike. The downstairs bath has a tub and shower.

The East Chamber, a large room upstairs, has a king-size bed, fireplace, and shared bath. The upstairs bath adjoins the room and has toilet, shower, sink, and a second door leading to a small hall.

The Indian Room is a single room with one twin bed and a shared bath. The room has two doors, one of which adjoins the East Chamber. The two rooms can be engaged as a suite.

The West Room has two twin beds, a sofa, and a shared bath.

North entrance to the Cleaveland House.