Vineyard Haven: Deep on this 1.42 acre lot on the woodsy end of the road sits a lovingly maintained Cape, offering a spacious first-floor master bedroom plus two upstairs bedrooms and a bonus room.  The family room and skylit kitchen open onto a sunny deck with built-in benches.  The expansive, private yard is expertly defined by wood beam terracing and mature, irrigated landscaping. 

Oak Bluffs:  The sweetest outdoor shower in town can now be yours!  It comes with an historic home, refurbished and expanded by the present owners.  Convenient to town and within a quick walk to the Oak Bluffs School, the winterized house sits on a wooded and landscaped lot exceeding a third of an acre.  The house stays true to its traditional charms, even with 1990s upgrades.  Solid vacation rental history, too!

West Tisbury: This Lower Makonikey estate is sited on over 3 landscaped acres with stone walls, patios and private tennis court.  The kitchen is a gourmet cook's delight.  This 4 bedroom/3.5 bath home offers multiple living areas and a master bedroom suite with private deck and hot tub.  Enjoy the private Makonikey Association beach or nearby Lambert's Cove beach.

For my fair weather friends and other friends, too . . . .

Is this . . . Martha’s Vineyard?   When you get back to the island this year, you just might wonder.  The Big Digs of off-season have wrought some big, in-your-face changes.  To name a few:  

The new YMCA, across from the MV Regional High School, is set to open at the end of May.  Under soaring ceilings and behind a whole lot of glass, the bright facility houses fitness and exercise spaces, a teen center, a public café and the “wow” factor: a sparkling 25-meter swimming pool.  Alas, your Y membership in America won’t get you in carte blanche.  However, seasonal memberships and day passes will be available, and you’ll get to enjoy the outdoor basketball court and children’s playground for free.       

If you overwork the knees on the basketball court, hobble into the expansive and eco-friendly new MV Hospital – the building that was sheathed in that loud yellow raincoat last summer.   Now it’s handsome and dignified in brick.  Rest assured, the emergency area is designed to expand during the summer months to accommodate overactive vacationers.   Even if you’re not ill or injured, the harbor view, roof garden and well-appointed interiors may entice you to book a room.       

The Steamship Authority’s Oak Bluffs new terminal and covered pier are nearly completed and ready for the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony.  The terminal building is a true Cottage City charmer, complete with a little tower.  It replaces the old building that was torn down during the pier demolition last fall.  (Without the town’s permission.  Whole other story.)    

The recent test-draw of the new temporary Lagoon drawbridge was a complete success.   The test-closing, on the other hand, flunked.  The engineers went back to the “drawing” board and decided to cut off a piece of the bridge.  When the next test takes place, I will not be the first one to cross. 

LAST BUT NOT LEAST:   The historic demolition of Tisbury’s “dry laws” took place in April, and the beer and wine menus at Vineyard Haven eateries are under construction as we speak.   No longer will you need to BYOB!  But don’t go carousing up Main Street singing frat songs.  Tisbury doesn’t play that . . . .

However, you’re always welcome to carouse (soberly) into our offices to say Hi!  Spring is a glorious time to be on-island, amongst the lilacs and dogwoods, as the new season begins to get perky.  Whether you’re on the verge of buying or selling property or just mulling over the possibilities, I’m happy to help.  You could tell a friend . . . .              

All the best!

Shelley Christiansen