Entire home

Magical House in the Trees with Water View - Secluded Area

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Windows EVERYWHERE!
Exterior
Entry way
Living room opens onto screened porch.
Living room - attached to screened porch and open to dining area and kitchen.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Aquinnah, MA
  • Place, Gay Head Lighthouse
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Aquinnah Cliffs
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Inkwell Beach
    ‪48 min drive‬
  • Airport, Vineyard Haven, MA (MVY-Martha's Vineyard)
    ‪35 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Bathroom 3

Outdoor shower

Spaces

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

About this property

Magical House in the Trees with Water View - Secluded Area

Our home is a simple, quaint beach house on a quiet dirt road. We are the first house on the right so no long, bumpy dirt road to navigate. Windows everywhere looking over the treetops. Sun filled great room with open kitchen, living room, and dining area. Kitchen features a Bertazonni stove where the gourmet cook can continue chatting with the guests or family while whipping up dinner. Living room/ dining room areas flow in spacious style perfect for family hanging out or entertaining guests. Screened porch extends the main floor to allow meals or lounging in the shade - bug free!

Two upstairs bedrooms connect to a sunny deck with views of the Vineyard Sound when leaves are sparse. Private sunbathing way above the treetops. Primary bedroom has it's own small deck for private moments in the sun and an attached master bath. Outdoor shower with changing area plus shower. Large fenced yard with a fire pit ready and waiting for Smores at night.

We are not pet friendly in general but we are open to discussing some exceptions for extremely conscientious dog owners. Please talk with us about this.

This Sandcastle is just off Lighthouse Road - quiet and private, yet just minutes away from three beautiful beaches, the Gay Head Cliffs with shops and food stands, nationally known Orange Peel Bakery (Wednesday night make-your-own pizza nights are popular with islanders and summer folks alike). Quick access to Philbin Ocean Beach: one of the most beautiful ocean beaches on the island. Town permit will allow parking at all Aquinnah beaches.

Or bike down to Lobsterville pond for a kayak or sailing lesson, and then take your bike across the tiny bike ferry to Menemsha, the Vineyard's one of a kind fishing village. Quaintness on steroids. Eat fried clams at The Galley, or buy a hot lobster-to-go at The Homeport and feast on the beach.

The Sandcastle is a magical retreat but has easy access to the many delights of up-island living. Fifteen minute drive will take you to Chilmark's General Store (groceries, the best pizza on the island, a front porch full of rockers that are filled from 6AM to dusk with folks eating, reading, chatting, and people-watching.) In Chilmark you can also find the gorgeous Chilmark Library, the Community Center for kids and family events, with basketball and tennis courts available to the public. The Chilmark Tavern is a top island restaurant but with a relaxed atmosphere. BYOB - Chilmark is dry.

Aquinnah is 30 minutes away from the bustle and traffic of down island towns - but still close enough to head in for fine dining, movies, shopping and exploration of other island beaches.

WIFI IS AVAILABLE. (Note: There is no TV. But great wifi for watching stuff on your laptops!)

The house also has a state-of-the-art Bluetooth speaker called a Phantom. (See www.en.deviolet.com/phantom/discover). Link your device to the Phantom and play your music (Pandora, Spotify, your itune selections) with an amazing sound. (Just please don't blast out the neighbors! The Phantom can get LOUD - with no distortion.)

The house is stocked with baby-toddler equipment - a travel crib, high chair, toddler booster seat to strap onto a chair at the dining table, baby gate to block the stairs, and toddler plates, cups and utensils. Also a couple of toy wagons and large push trucks stored in the basement.

Come have a vacation you will remember. Fall in love with a house as we did. Sandcastle is a really special spot.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed, service animals permitted
Fenced yard.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please: No smoking. Clean towels and linens provided - please launder when you leave.
Always accompany children on the upper decks for safety. Please replace pantry foods and paper products if you consume/use them up.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number C0210331040
Property # 864441vb
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
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Aquinnah

Located in Aquinnah, this holiday home is in a rural area and near the beach. 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. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cycling.
Map
Aquinnah, MA

What's nearby

  • Gay Head Lighthouse - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Aquinnah Cliffs - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Oak Bluffs Harbor - 47 min drive - 40.1 km
  • Oak Bluffs Town Beach - 48 min drive - 41.2 km
  • Inkwell Beach - 48 min drive - 41.1 km

Getting around

  • Vineyard Haven, MA (MVY-Martha's Vineyard) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Home Port Restaurant - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Orange Peel Cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Club 2099 MV - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Sand Castle Espresso Bar - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Cliffhangers - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Magical House in the Trees with Water View - Secluded Area pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Magical House in the Trees with Water View - Secluded Area?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Magical House in the Trees with Water View - Secluded Area?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Magical House in the Trees with Water View - Secluded Area?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Magical House in the Trees with Water View - Secluded Area located?

This family-friendly Aquinnah holiday home is located by the sea, within 2 mi (3 km) of Gay Head Lighthouse and Aquinnah Cliffs. Edys Island is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) away.

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. 72 out of 79 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 79 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 79 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 79 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 79 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

ERICA H.

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

Beautiful, private getaway

This was our second stay at this beautiful home, very closely located to the beaches of Aquinnah. We could see the ocean from the bedrooms and loved every part of our stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jul 2025
So glad you enjoyed it! Come back again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thanks again Lisa … we had another great stay at your home in Aquinnah! The weather cooperated and we did some kayaking. Always enjoy the view and walks to the lighthouse, and visits to Menemsha.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Sept 2025
Always happy to have you back! Enjoy your Fall and hope to see you next year. 😊
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leah C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical vacation rental! Great open first floor -I was able to make food while watch my kiddos play in the living room. The views from the second floor were lovely. Plus the owner is very responsive & helpful with my thousands of questions.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2025
You were great guests!! I hope you will return someday.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Magda R.

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

Excellent spot if you are looking for quiet beach vacation! Great location for pets.

Great communication with owners, clear institutions and tips that were so important during the pandemic.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jul 2020
We are so pleased you enjoyed your vacation. You were great guests.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael F.

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

The perfect house with a dog

We loved the house. All the necessities there and a great fenced in yard for the dog
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Nov 2022
Glad it all worked out!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Simone L.

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

Excellent

Beautiful home, excellent owner, fabulous location.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Oct 2020
Thank you so much!!! Hope to see you some day in the future. --Lisa
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catherine T.

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

Great escape

Well appointed with everything you need. Enjoyed the quiet and beautiful Aquinnah beaches! Loved our time on the porch, campfire, the general store and visits to down island towns. Would stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 May 2024
Thanks so much for staying! Glad you enjoyed the property and Aquinnah. Come back any time. — Lisa
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristina R.

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

Wonderful

Had a great time.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
Glad you enjoyed your vacation!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ERICA H.

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

Beautiful retreat

We absolutely loved our stay. It was the perfect home base for our family vacation with our young daughters. The house was beautiful and private. Access to the nearby town beaches was included which was amazing because the beaches weren’t crowded at all and the kids had a blast. We hope to come back soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jul 2024
So pleased you enjoyed Aquinnah and the house! I love hearing that children are creating Vineyard memories! I hope you all return some day.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Abbey B.

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

Relaxing Stay!

We had a great experience staying at this property with two kids and a dog. The backyard is fully fenced in and the property is very friendly for families. Great launching point to explore upisland! Lisa was very helpful and responsive. Highly recommend staying here for families.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2023
Wonderful! So glad you and the family ( and pup) enjoyed the property. Thank you for choosing to stay at our home. Lisa
Verified

8/10 Good

Sheron W.

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

Stay was good

Process was good
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jun 2022
I hope you enjoyed your time in Aquinnah and that you were comfortable in the house. --Lisa
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy T.

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

Treehouse Paradise

We love staying here for it’s remote island location and proximity to both the beach and lighthouse. It’s also a plus as it’s super pet friendly and has an awesome outdoor shower! Lisa is always very responsive and we will be coming back!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2022
We love having repeat guests, and you are always welcome back! Glad you enjoyed your time in Aquinnah. You are always wonderful guests. --Lisa
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Craig N.

Charming Martha's Vineyard Home

Well kept , quiet, great escape and surrounded by nature. Lisa, the owner was wonderful. Always available to answer any questions. We enjoyed ourselves very much !
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
Thanks so much! I am so glad you had a good vacation. -Lisa
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy T.

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

Treetop Getaway

We always enjoy staying at Lisa’s peaceful home up island with the perfect location for biking, walking to either the lighthouse, Lobsterville beach, Red Beach or West Basin. We also enjoy the views from rooftop deck.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Sept 2023
Thank you Amy! Always pleased to have your family return.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca L.

Wonderful Home!

We found the home and location to be beautiful, quiet, private, with spectacular breezes, birds and stargazing. Homenwad well-appointed with everything we needed. We would happily return!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
I am so pleased you enjoyed the place and the home! Come back any time. -Lisa
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Holly G.

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

Beautiful bright sunny home! Loved it!

Absolutely loved this house! Bright quiet and close to so many beaches. Really enjoyed the bike ferry. Used it often. One of our best vacations on the Vineyard!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
Sounds like you found lots of fun stuff to do in Aquinnah! Glad you enjoyed your time there. Lisa
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Michelle S.

Loved the open floor plan of the house! Beautiful setting!

My entire family enjoyed our stay in the treehouse! My husband was able to fish to his heart's content at Lobsterville Beach! My kids loved doing activities on the many porches, and I read a lot! Would love to return again in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
I'm glad the house worked well for you all. Sounds like a perfect vacation. Hope to see you again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary R.

It truly is a “Magical House” on a magical island.

To be in Aquinnah off season in such a beautiful and comfortable home was exactly the vacation our family needed. The fenced in yard was a major plus for our dog who also enjoyed the many trails and beaches that Lisa was kind enough to suggest. Our family is hoping it will be the first of many visits to this wonderful light-filled home
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
It's great that you had such a good time...and your dog too! Thank you for your comments and do come back. --Lisa
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Holly L.

Great house in a nice quiet area. The layout is open and airy, great for hanging out.

The house has an awesome kitchen, great decks and a big screen porch. The home sits off a quiet street and has a fenced in yard. The beaches are close by and there are a couple of restaurants not too far from the house. The beds were very comfortable. This is a great rental without the high cost.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
Holly- it's great you were able to get up to the island in the fall, and still get in some beach time! We are pleased you felt the house was a good value. Have a good year! -Lisa
Verified

8/10 Good

Glenn B.

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

Quiet, lovely up island

It’s roomy and quiet, and seems like it’s in the trees. House has everything you’d need. Lisa is easy to communicate with.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Oct 2023
So glad you found the place relaxing. I hope you can return some time in the future for a longer stay. --Lisa
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy F.

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

Heavenly Hideaway

This is the perfect place for a peaceful, relaxing vacation! The main floor is nestled in the tress with plenty of windows. The upper floor is light and airy with views over the treetops and out to Vineyard Sound! Plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy and very comfortable inside. Our dog was especially happy to be able to join us. Would definitely return to this delightful retreat!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jul 2023
Always happy to have your family as guests. Very glad this visit was a success!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily O.

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

Beautiful stay

Lisa’s home truly is unique. Located in a very beautiful part of the island. It’s far from the ferry (and the crowds :)) so it would be best to stay here if you have a car on island. Ubering could be difficult and expensive. The privacy and fenced in back yard are unbeatable. Comfortable beds, well equipped kitchen, close to gay head and lobsterville beaches. We had such an amazing stay!!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept 2024
So glad you enjoyed yourselves. It sounds like you really appreciated Aquinnah! Come back sometime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel R.

Well maintained, unique space, a wonderful get-away-from-it-all house

My wife and son had lots of fun and relaxation. Very quiet, lots of wildlife, views of the sound from the top floor. All the amenities we wanted, especially a great outdoor shower and yard space. This was our first stay up island and loved the change of pace. Lisa was helpful, prompt in responding and provides great info at the house. We can't wait to go back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
Wonderful to hear it all worked well for everyone! Lisa
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy T.

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

Never Disappoints

This was maybe our 5th stay here and just as relaxing as always. I love the early sunrise, birds, and the overall treehouse vibe you get here! It’s so nice being able to walk the dog down to swim early at Lobsterville Beach, or ride bikes to Philbin or West Basin then take a dip at Red Beach. Don’t forget to visit Chilmark Flea Market and the Farmers Markets!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jul 2023
We are always happy to have you come back! I am very happy to hear you enjoyed the place once again. Have a great rest of summer. See you in the Fall! -Lisa
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles K.

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

Up Island Treehouse

Perfect place for our family of four. The house is so we’ll stocked for a stay in Aquinnah. Kid’s toys, beach toys, beach chairs. Great location. Quick access to Lobsterville, west Basin with kayaks! and the lovely Philbin. The screened in porch was a delight. Especially during the couple of t-storms that rolled through. Awesome place.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jul 2023
Really glad you had such a good time! Thank you for your thoughtful review. Have a great summer. Lisa

About the host

Hosted by Lisa Herrick

Host profile image
I (Lisa) am a psychologist in Washington, DC and my husband, Drey Samuelson, is a political activist. Our family enjoys spending time on the Island each summer and has fallen in love with this house, which we purchased in 2016. We are a dog loving family and we are open to our tenants bringing their dogs, as long as they love our house the way we do, and insure their dogs behave themselves!

Why they chose this property

Lisa grew up summering in a house about 1/4 mile from Sandcastle. Her parents purchased beach property in 1960 and built a house right on Dogfish Bar on the Sound. The family spent time there every summer, and then, very sadly, they had to sell the house when Lisa's dad died in 2004. Lisa and Drey invested and saved, and in 2016 were able to purchase this special house on the Vineyard.

What makes this property unique

The house is amazing for its light, airy feel. The windows, and maple wood floors, are enchanting. The screened porch is a place to live all day - when you're not out in the sun on the beach. The upstairs bedrooms, while tiny, feel like tree house rooms, and look out over the Sound - the best views in the house. The kitchen is big enough to make room for several cooks at once, and the dining table can seat 10. Every bedroom has it's own deck and the outdoor shower is... let's just say memorable....a truly indoor-outdoor house. We love every corner of Sandcastle.

Languages:

English, French

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