Exterior and Setting:      The single most stunning attribute of the Porter House at Monument Beach is its location right on the beach in Back Bay of Phinney's Harbor at the very tip of Buzzards Bay.  Since it originally was built as a boat house around 1900 and then converted into a cottage it is located as close to the shoreline as almost any house on Cape Cod.  You don't need to take a trip to the beach.  You just step off the spacious deck at the rear of the house.

Mid tide looking from the west.  At high tide, there is still some beach left in front of the seawall.

The upstairs porch viewing Phinney's harbor to the southwest.

Spacious deck looking to the northeast, with 180 degree view towards the bay as seen from the porch photo on the left.

PORTER HOUSE "TOUR" (Click on images to enlarge.)

Interior and First Floor:      Remodelling after Hurricane Bob in the early 1990's opened up the entire first floor, so that the living room, dining room, and kitchen spaces all communicate functionally, and can comfortably accomodate at least 10 people for dinner, although groups larger than that are not uncommon.  A large bathroom with shower is located on the first floor.  There is also an outdoor shower with privacy partitions.

The large living room  has a panoramic view of the harbor looking to the west and to the north, and is served by a large stone fireplace in the center of the space.

The dining room, which is open to the kitchen as well as the living room, is the perfect gathering spot at meal time, with spectacular sunset views over the water.

Interior Upstairs:      There are four main bedrooms on the second floor (as well as a small bedroom on the third floor).  These have been named after the four Porter sisters, and range from a rustic natural wood bedroom connected to the outside porch, to a "dormitory" style room at the opposite end of the house, ideal for children.  A centrally located bathroom has a bathtub and no shower..

"Mary's" Room connects to the porch and has another single bed located at the point where the photo was taken. (1 double, 1 twin)

9/29/06 3/24/08

"Jane's" Room has two twin beds and faces north. (2 twins)

"Louise's" Room has a queen sized bed and connects the hallway to Suzanne's room. (1 queen)

"Suzanne's" Room has dual connections through the bathroom access and through Louise's room.   Three sides of the room are all windows.  (4 twins)

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The kitchen connects to the dining room over a small counter, and has an open view to the harbor.

Aerial view of the house, located in the middle of the picture.

"The View"       Spectacular sunsets are probably the most photographed aspect at the house, but the bay is frequented by all sorts of waterfowl, including snowy egrets, ospreys, and a variety of others.  (All of these photos were taken within steps of the house itself.)

Amenities: *There are 2 kayaks available, along with a small rowboat, a Sunfish and a canoe. *An excellent seafood store and adjoining restaurant is a short drive away, but can also be reached on foot or by paddling up Back River. *Several small deli's and an ice cream shop are in Monument Beach, about a 10 minute walk along the shoreline.  *A Grand Union supermarket is about 2 miles from the house. *We currently do not have internet access, but hope to set that up in the near future. *Also, there is no cable, and the only TV is an old B&W model with rabbit ears. *Public boat launch in nearby Monument Beach. *Also please see our Porter House Guest Information Manual.

During some phases of the moon, high tide comes up to the seawall.

Attic:  Can be used for sleeping quarters - 2 twins in one room, 2 cots in open attic space.