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Quiet Aquinnah Escape—Private Ocean Beach Access—Kayaks—Walk to Menemsha Pond

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Welcome to our peaceful home in Aquinnah, just above Menemsha Pond!
kitchen & island
kitchen, island & dining area
dining table looking into living room
living room

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Balcony

Explore the area

View in a map
Aquinnah, MA
  • Place, Squibnocket Pond
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Gay Head Lighthouse
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Aquinnah Cliffs
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Vineyard Haven, MA (MVY-Martha's Vineyard)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1 (primary)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Living room

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Quiet Aquinnah Escape—Private Ocean Beach Access—Kayaks—Walk to Menemsha Pond

Welcoming Hillside Cottage is a delightfully comfortable, custom-built, 3 bedroom family home in a serene, private, country setting in Aquinnah. This sun-drenched house has panoramic views of the surrounding area, as well as enticing glimpses of Menemsha & Squibnocket ponds and the ocean.

Enjoy a stroll to a shared private Menemsha Pond beach and a new and secluded Land Bank pond access path (both 5-7 minutes by foot) or use your own key to a shared private beach on the south shore (5 minute drive & no Philbin town beach parking hassle or expense). Use of 4 kayaks (2 double & 2 singles) is included in the rental.

The open concept living area has a wood-burning fireplace. The kitchen is ample, well-equipped and a pleasure to work in.

Two full bathrooms.

Three Bedrooms
•Upstairs Bedroom: The primary bedroom has its own full bath and private balcony with views. Sleeps 2.

•Lower Bedroom: Furnished with lovely antique Danish beds that can be set up as two twins or a queen, depending on your needs. Sleeps 2.

•Main-floor Bedroom: This space has a new queen bed and is conveniently located next to second bathroom. Sleeps 2.

•The living room has a sleeper sofa that can fold out into a bed for 2.

Ample storage throughout the house

Added features include: gas grill, a large screened porch with eating and lounging areas, a spacious upper deck with views, and a great outdoor shower.

Keywords: light & airy house; private (shared) access to ocean beach with a parking spot & walking access to Menemsha Pond beach; kayaks included in rental; water views; quiet & serenity.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Some toys. A couple of young kids' bikes.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights and return the keys
It helps a great deal if you can start one load of laundry, so that the cleaner has time to get everything ready for the next travelers.
The sliding door to the screen porch should be left unlocked.
Please be sure to leave Key Beach key and Resident's Parking Permit on the desk in the living room.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please do not take bathroom towels to beach. Beach towels are provided for that purpose.
On departure, be sure to leave keys and Resident's Parking Permit on glass dish on the living room desk. The town charges $100 to replace Permit.
PLEASE open the damper in the fireplace if you ever make a fire in it. No other fires allowed anywhere on the property, inside or out.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number C0369251040
Property # 174495vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Aquinnah

Located in Aquinnah, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the sea. Gay Head Lighthouse and Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust Historic Buildings are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Middle Road Sanctuary and Wades Field. Travelling with kids? Consider Chilmark Chocolates and Fulling Mill Brook Preserve. Kayaking and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
View more Holiday homes in AquinnahOpens in a new window
Map
Aquinnah, MA

What's nearby

  • Squibnocket Pond - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Gay Head Lighthouse - 7 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Aquinnah Cliffs - 7 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Chilmark Chocolates - 9 min drive - 8.1 km
  • Menemsha Beach - 10 min drive - 5.6 km

Getting around

  • Vineyard Haven, MA (MVY-Martha's Vineyard) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Home Port Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Orange Peel Cafe - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Club 2099 MV - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Sand Castle Espresso Bar - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Cliffhangers - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Quiet Aquinnah Escape—Private Ocean Beach Access—Kayaks—Walk to Menemsha Pond pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Quiet Aquinnah Escape—Private Ocean Beach Access—Kayaks—Walk to Menemsha Pond?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Quiet Aquinnah Escape—Private Ocean Beach Access—Kayaks—Walk to Menemsha Pond?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Quiet Aquinnah Escape—Private Ocean Beach Access—Kayaks—Walk to Menemsha Pond?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Quiet Aquinnah Escape—Private Ocean Beach Access—Kayaks—Walk to Menemsha Pond located?

This family-friendly Aquinnah holiday home is located by the sea, within 3 mi (5 km) of Squibnocket Pond, Long Beach and Gay Head Lighthouse. Aquinnah Cliffs and Stonewall Beach are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 56 out of 60 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 60 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 60 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 60 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 60 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Home- Great Location

We stayed here for the last two years and absolutely loved it. The house is comfortable, well-maintained, and in a fantastic location. It was perfect for our family and truly felt like home. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Victoria was a great host and communication was great, answering any questions we had.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Clifford L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful well-equipped home in spectacular Aquinnah

We thoroughly enjoyed staying at this beautiful home in Aquinnah! I would happily rent it again. The owner, location, and neighbors were delightful.Just don”t forget to wear tick and mosquito repellant when outdoors in this neighborhood.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jul 2025
Thanks for your kind words! I'm afraid these pesky critters will always be with us out in the country to some degree. BUT, throughout the season we do have the entire property treated bi-weekly with an anti-tick and mosquito spray that is non-toxic (to people and pets).
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing place. Location close to all the beaches of Aquinnah. Very private which is what we wanted. Design is very well set up. Three separate bedrooms includes private Master on it's own floor. Wonderful rooftop deck. And all communications with the owner were great!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deb W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay!

Wonderful stay at Victoria's lovely and comfortable home in peaceful Acquinnah. Thanks so much for your hospitality.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jun 2022
You are more than welcome. So glad you enjoyed your stay! Victoria
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lesley O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Aquinna vacation

Loved this house and the location. It's wonderfully private but close to everything we wanted to do. The owner was extremely helpful and accommodating. We had an absolutely fabulous vacation in Martha's Vineyard!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay in Aquinnah

We loved Victoria's sweet home, and the lovely spot in Aquinnah. Everything was perfect in this comfortable, well-supplies home. We loved the house and love Aquinnah. Victoria was great, and we hope to come back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Micheal O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family vacation

Location was perfect for getting away and disconnecting for a bit. Home had all the necessary amenities and the view was great. Downstairs patio was the perfect place to enjoy meals.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenni H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, comfortable home in Aquinnah

We had a wonderful, relaxing time at this comfortable house in Aquinnah. It was so quiet and peaceful, the deck and screen porch were perfect places to relax. We would highly recommend renting this house.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

MV Stay

To celebrate a birthday Party.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teresa F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay!

Victoria was a responsive and an accommodating host. Mara was kind and informative. The cottage is exactly as described, quiet, quaint with all necessities and excellent wifi. The accesses to the beaches (plural) were amazing which we took full advantage of. Wonderful stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maxanne R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful!

A lovely home, well located in Aquinnah. The owner was available for any questions. I would highly recommend this property. The description captures its essence well.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Olive L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Labor Day 2019

Lovely property. Beautiful key beach, pond and roof deck. The stars were amazing! Well equipped and comfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thanks for your private feedback. We'll get a water filter installed on the kitchen sink. Victoria and Gardner
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trish L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Hillside Cottage

This sweet hillside cottage had a lovely screened in porch for breakfast and a rooftop deck for evening sunsets. The property owner was so kind and accommodating. We look forward to renting again next year!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug 2022
Hope to be able to welcome you again next year!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kathryn l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Aquinnah

This home is very comfortable. We visited in the off season so some of its amenities were unavailable to us but the setting and location on the island did not disappoint. Victoria was a very responsive host and kept us informed before and during our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Apr 2024
Thanks, Kathy. Very glad you had a pleasant stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Holmes J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful home & spot

Our family of four had a wonderful stay at this quint, yet spacious home. Beautiful spot. Wonderful kitchen and awesome roof-top deck. Victoria and Mara were very helpful and kind. You’ll fall in love with this home!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet escape

This house was so secluded and quiet. We loved the beautiful wood and unique design. The upstairs deck was my go to spot! ❤️
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tony M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Vineyard in September

We had a wonderful stay in Aquinnah in September 2024! We loved the house, and its design and setting gave us a great base to explore the island. With access to six plus beaches and the use of kayaks, there’s lots to see if you want to, but also lots of great places just to sit and relax. The deck at the house is a wonderful place to watch sunrises, sunsets, and moon rises too! We will be back!
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfort, peace and wonderful amenities

We had a wonderful week at the Vineyard in large part due to the comfort, location and amenities associated with the Brown's cottage. Sitting above Menemsha Pond, this lovely cottage has all of the comforts of home AND its provides access to all of our favorite places on the Vineyard. We celebrated our 25th anniversary on this trip, we couldn't have asked for a better experience!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maureen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home in peaceful setting

This home was perfect for our long weekend stay to celebrate Father's Day. It is well appointed, clean, and the kitchen was great to prepare family dinners together. The roof deck has gorgeous views and amazing breezes. We took advantage of all the special perks that came with the house, including a lovely stroll down to Menemsha Pond, a swim at Key Beach, and kayaking at Red Beach. Victoria was very quick to respond and extremely helpful throughout our stay. We would absolutely recommend this home and we hope to return for another family gathering!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice house in a quiet location

Rented this property for our young family to stay for a week in June 2022. The open kitchen and screened in porch make meals very enjoyable. The location is away from all the hustle and bustle of the larger towns, but still a short drive to places like Gay Head Light and Meneshma Harbor. Speed bumps are quite large and require careful navigating. Roof deck is nice, as is the outdoor shower. Great place to get away from it all.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jul 2022
Thanks for your lovely Review. You're right. The speed bumps are pretty high. I will include that in notes for future renters.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful house and setting

We enjoyed a wonderful week at this hidden gem in Aquinnah! The house was perfect, with great space inside and out to relax and enjoy the peaceful setting. The open kitchen was well stocked and we made lots of great meals. We love the screened in porch and the roof deck; also wonderful view from the bedroom that was great for watching the sunrise. Victoria was incredibly responsive both before and during our visit. This is the best home we have ever rented on the island and wish we had found it earlier! Highly recommend.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul 2022
Thank you, Karen, I really appreciate your kind words. Victoria
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We wanted to stay longer!

Our party of eight included 2 seniors, 4 millennials and 1 toddler and 1 baby, and everyone loved their stay. When asked, folks gave high rankings to the screened in porch (fun playing with toys and eating), the upstairs porch (quiet place for reading and talking and star gazing), the kitchen (plenty of space and everything needed for cooking), a clean house, a beach within walking distance with a shallow area for small children, and a parking pass to beautiful local beaches. And a very responsive landlady!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for our family of 5

Victoria's home was just right for our family of five, with kids aged 1, 5, and 7. Tucked away in a private spot, it felt very secluded. It was a short walk to a pond and quick drive to a private beach, both of which we had all to ourselves. The kids had a blast at the pond, even on rainy days. We spent a lot of time on the screened porch, playing games and lounging in the rocking chairs. My husband and I are thinking of returning for a quieter getaway, just the two of us. Victoria and Mara were both a pleasure.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brooke M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable up-island cottage

House is a nice rural vineyard house up island in Aquinnah for four adults. Location is relaxing and private beach wonderful. Upper deck enjoyable for star gazing. It is a bit of a drive to other towns if that is where you intend to spend your time. Beds are on the smaller size but main living/kitchen area is comfortable. Outdoor shower has noteworthy high water pressure. Perhaps once weekly garbage pick up with overflow stored in basement not ideal for avoiding wildlife in the house.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2022
Thank you, Brooke for your nice review. Very sorry, if you had 'wildlife' in the basement. It's been a particular mousey year in this whole area according to our caretaker. We had the pest control man in just before you came, and I've contacted him again today. Hope next year will be more normal! And we will store the overflow trash outside from here on in. Victoria

About the host

Hosted by Gardner or Victoria Brown

Host profile image
I am a writer of fiction and blogger for Whim W'Him contemporary dance company in Seattle, where I live when not in Martha's Vineyard.

My husband Gardner, who passed away in August 2021, came to the island all his life, as have our sons. I first visited Martha's Vineyard in 1964. While in Aquinnah in the summer, I stay in our old cottage or 'camp,' built in 1954, which is 60 yards away from the Hillside Cottage (built in 2007) and well-screened by trees and shrubs.

In other seasons, when I visit the island, I stay in Hillside Cottage. Other family members use the new house in summer too, so rental dates need to work around their schedules. That is why summer dates are blocked until mid-January or so each year, when they are opened in time for summer ferry reservations.

Why they chose this property

We built Hillside Cottage because our family was growing, we wanted to be able to visit Aquinnah off-season when our old summer cottage is not habitable, and we had always wanted to participate in the design of a house, as well as to sample life on the island year-round.

What makes this property unique

Quiet, seclusion and natural beauty.
Swimming, surfing, and body surfing, in the ocean and Menemsha pond.
Great area for biking and kayaking—use of 3 kayaks comes with rental.
Eating fresh seafood and farm produce.
Enjoying the joys, amenities and quirks of island life.
Being part of the unique community life of Aquinnah.

Languages:

English, French, Romanian

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