The Sullivan House is Block Island’s best place to stay for seaside elegance
and historic charm. Set on a 26 acre peninsula, surrounded by the ocean, The Sullivan House is the perfect place to relax, take in the sunset and enjoy your time on Block Island. The main house of The Sullivan House was built in 1904. Our 6 guest rooms blend antique décor with modern comfort. Guests enjoy our majestic wrap-around porch and the elegance of our Cypress Dining Room. In 2021 our sister property, The Seaview Suites @ The Sullivan House, added 2 new luxury suites to our collection – The King Seaview Suite and The Queen Seaview Suite. Both Suites feature private terraces with ocean views, oversize bathrooms, and elegantly appointed rooms. As for activities, we have on-site kayaks, SUP boards, bicycles, beach access and more.
Welcome to The Sullivan House, an Island original.
History
The Sullivan House is a much-admired architectural gem. It was built in 1904 for Col. LU Maltby, the owner of the Continental Hotel in Philadelphia.
During WWI, a naval base was established on Block Island to hunt German U-boats and protect the coast. A dispensary was set up at The Sullivan House, which was staffed by Red Cross nurses.
In 1929, Cornelius Sullivan bought The Sullivan House. Sullivan was a Wall Street lawyer and his wife, Mary Quinn Sullivan, was an artist and art teacher in the New York City public schools. They were both children of Irish immigrants. With their passion for modern art, the Sullivans amassed a collection that included paintings, sculpture and manuscripts by now-famous artists such as Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, Cezanne and Yeats. Mrs. Sullivan was one of the three founders of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
In 1993, The Sullivan House was lovingly restored by Ellen Ball O’Brien whose grandfather, Simon Ray Ball, built the house in 1904. The Sullivan House continues as a family business.
Building & Grounds
The Sullivan House is a critically acclaimed architectural gem. Built at the turn of the last century, The Sullivan House is remarkable for its design and superb craftsmanship. The majestic wrap-around porch is made of solid mahogany and features exterior walls made of local beachstone. Lovingly renovated, The Sullivan House retains its historic character with features such as artisan woodwork and transom windows in all the bedrooms.
The Cypress Dining Room & Al Fresco Dining High ceilings, a distinctive beachstone fireplace, and cypress wood paneling create an atmosphere of elegance and charm. Large picture windows overlook the ocean in all directions. The Cypress Dining Room seats 50 guests. Additional seating available on wrap-around porch. Events up to 350 under marquee white tent. Our Chef’s Tasting Menu events are a perfect opportunity to dine in the splendid atmosphere of The Sullivan House.
The Snug @ The Sullivan House features cypress wood paneling, a custom built oak bar, custom stained glass window, French doors and picture windows overlooking the sea. It is an ideal spot to unwind and watch the sunset into the ocean.
The Grounds Set on a 26 acre peninsula, with panoramic views of the ocean and Great Salt Pond, The Sullivan House is an Island landmark. From its hilltop location, The Sullivan House is surrounded by green fields and the stone walls that make Block Island distinctive. Events of up to 350 guests take place in our Grand Marquee Tent. Private, yet close to everything, The Sullivan House is the perfect destination for your Block Island experience.
