Real Estate Confidential is a bi-weekly chat about new listings, sales or other insider information on the Martha’s Vineyard Real Estate market, presented by Fred Roven, owner/broker of Martha’s Vineyard Buying Agents. It appears every other Friday in The minute.
Every fall, with the first significant chill in the air, my real estate thoughts turn to fireplaces. We’re tired of those warm early fall days to fool us, but today we thought about the warmth and comfort that a fireplace provides. I added the word “fireplace” to my search today, and to my surprise, there are currently 51 homes with fireplaces for sale. Adding the “s” brought the total to 10, and what a breathtaking group it is. Many are carefully restored antiques, and others await your personal touch to restore homes to their historic glory.
In addition to the warmth provided, there is the joy of the fire that lights up the first time, the smell of burning wood and the crackling to enhance the romanticism of the moment. Imagine your family and friends arriving for Thanksgiving by the glow of a fireplace with the smell and crackle of burning logs. Maybe add the nutmeg and cinnamon flavoring of simmering cider and you’re good to go. Don’t forget to pick some scallops that day, maybe even popped over your open fireplace.
Many of these homes have fireplaces in the dining rooms (my personal historical favorite) as well as several bedrooms, libraries, and family rooms. I’ve lost count of the number of homes in some, and you get the idea.
Looking at the vineyard market, as interest rates climb homes are taking longer to sell and discounted prices are being seen in many homes that were priced too high at the start of this year and who have trouble finding the bottom. New, well-priced homes on the market are still selling at similar averages to last year (and without those terrible bidding wars). Unless there is a significant increase in the number of homes coming on the market, prices remain stable for now.
The Edgartown House at 8 Atwood Circle has recently undergone a thoughtful renovation. Restored antique wood floors, painted fireplaces and original built-in cabinets maintain the warm and inviting character of this historic home. The location offers quick and easy access to Edgartown’s shops, fine restaurants and the harbor at the end of Beach Street. New hedges and landscaping provide privacy for outdoor entertaining. This house has lots of character and is being sold fully furnished. You will fall in love the moment you step inside.
Traveling up the island from Vineyard Haven to Lambert’s Cove, it would be hard to miss the sweeping lawns and stone walls of Tashmoo Farm at 31 Anse Lambert Road. The farmhouse, originally built before the Revolutionary War, has been lovingly and tastefully restored to preserve the historic character and grandeur. The newly built pool house is accessible to both the Har-Tru tennis courts and the Gunite pool, and includes a well-equipped grill area and wet bar, changing room and full bathroom. The title includes access to Tashmoo Lake and the association dock.
The Grande Dame of the West Chop waterfront in 1115 Main Street overlooking Vineyard Sound, the Elizabeth Islands and Woods Hole is named “Pierside” for obvious reasons. This Victorian home features many original handcrafted architectural details, including the spacious great room with exposed beams and windows on three sides offering panoramic water views with truly magnificent sunsets. The completely remodeled basement addition – with an underground hallway and a door leading to the beach path – also includes two bedrooms, totaling eleven in the entire house. Outside, beautifully crafted stone walls and mature perennial landscaping create a tranquil seaside retreat close to West Chop Club and Mink Meadows Golf Club.
The escape complex in town at 77 Cooke Street has been modernized by successive owners, and the property still honors the original 18th century farmhouse grace of the site. The landscaping was upgraded to garden visitation levels and reopened street views for neighbors and passers-by to enjoy. A downstairs suite directly accesses the back patio through French doors. Perfect for that dip right out of bed in your 11 x 27 foot heated pool and spa. The freestanding shed with storage spaces and additional laundry room on the lower level has a game room above with a custom stone fireplace, wet bar and half bath. Dining in town is close to your door, as is the South Beach Bike Path.
Click here for a list of other vineyard homes with multiple fireplaces.
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