We had a WONDERFUL tour guide. She knows the history of the Coffin House quite well. She took her time telling us all about the history of the house and the concept of full-shares vs. half-shares. I could picture life in the Coffin house when it was 1st built. The gardens were at harvest and looking great. The Coffin name is significant name in the history of Nantucket as an early settlement. A visit to this house is especially important for those who enjoy the historical aspect of Nantucket Island.

Jethro Coffin House, also known as the Oldest House, is a saltbox house built in 1686 and located on Sunset Hill Road in Nantucket, Massachusetts, is the oldest house on Nantucket in its original location and is the only surviving structure from the island's 17th Century English settlement. It is a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Because of the brick design on its chimney, it is also called the Horseshoe House.
The house was built in 1686 as a wedding gift for Jethro Coffin and his bride, Mary Gardner (granddaughter of Thomas Gardner). Jethro Coffin was a grandson of Tristram Coffin, one of the island's original proprietors. It was abandoned by a later owner during the Civil War. The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) acquired the property in 1923. The house was struck by lightning in 1987 and nearly cut in half, but was carefully restored by the NHA.

It was declared a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1968.

It is located on Sunset Hill Road, in Sunset Hill, Nantucket.

The house is a short walking distance from the ferry landing. It is a pleasant walk that gives you a feel for the island of Nantucket. The house is located on a quiet beautiful piece of property. It has an extensive 17th Century Herb Garden behind it. I am sure anyone interested in Botany could enjoy a vist to this garden.