Entire home
Magical House in the Trees with Water View - Secluded Area
Photo gallery for Magical House in the Trees with Water View - Secluded Area





Reviews
10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 61450 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Aquinnah, MA
- Place, Newport Mansions
- Place, Gay Head Lighthouse4 min drive
- Place, Inkwell Beach37 min drive
- Airport, Vineyard Haven, MA (MVY-Martha's Vineyard)27 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.
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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Water view
Have a question?
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties

Quiet Aquinnah Escape—Private Ocean Beach Access—Kayaks—Walk to Menemsha Pond
Quiet Aquinnah Escape—Private Ocean Beach Access—Kayaks—Walk to Menemsha Pond
- Ocean view
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dryer
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (60 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed, service animals permitted
Fenced yard.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
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
Property Registration Number C0210331040
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this 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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Aquinnah, MA
What's nearby
- Gay Head Lighthouse - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
- Aquinnah Cliffs - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
- Oak Bluffs Harbor - 35 min drive - 39.8 km
- Oak Bluffs Town Beach - 37 min drive - 41.2 km
- Inkwell Beach - 37 min drive - 41.6 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Menemsha Galley - 16 min drive
- Chilmark Tavern - 12 min drive
- Home Port Restaurant - 15 min drive
- Beach Plum Inn & Restaurant - 15 min drive
- Cliffhangers - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.4/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
8 Jul, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Amy T.
17 Sept, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amy T.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Leah C.
17 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Leah C.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Magda R.
20 Jul, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent spot if you are looking for quiet beach vacation! Great location for pets.
Magda R.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2020
10/10 Excellent
Michael F.
1 Nov, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The perfect house with a dog
Michael F.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Simone L., Cambridge, ma
27 Sept, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent
Simone L.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2020
10/10 Excellent
Catherine T.
24 May, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great escape
Catherine T.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
ERICA H.
14 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful retreat
ERICA H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kristina R.
24 Sept, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful
Kristina R.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019
10/10 Excellent
Abbey B.
19 Jun, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing Stay!
Abbey B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
8/10 Good
Sheron W.
5 Jun, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stay was good
Sheron W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Amy T.
2 Aug, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Treehouse Paradise
Amy T.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Amy T.
17 Sept, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Treetop Getaway
Amy T.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Craig N.
12 Oct, 2016
Charming Martha's Vineyard Home
Craig N.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2016
10/10 Excellent
Rebecca L., Providence, RI, USA
29 May, 2019
Wonderful Home!
Rebecca L.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2019
10/10 Excellent
Holly G.
4 Aug, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful bright sunny home! Loved it!
Holly G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Michelle S.
11 Aug, 2017
Loved the open floor plan of the house! Beautiful setting!
Michelle S.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017
10/10 Excellent
Mary R.
1 May, 2019
It truly is a “Magical House” on a magical island.
Mary R.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019
10/10 Excellent
Holly L.
12 Sept, 2018
Great house in a nice quiet area. The layout is open and airy, great for hanging out.
Holly L.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2018
8/10 Good
Glenn B.
23 Oct, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet, lovely up island
Glenn B.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Emily O.
21 Sept, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful stay
Emily O.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Amy F.
20 Jul, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heavenly Hideaway
Amy F.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Amy T.
26 Jul, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Never Disappoints
Amy T.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Daniel R.
13 Jun, 2018
Well maintained, unique space, a wonderful get-away-from-it-all house
Daniel R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018
10/10 Excellent
Charles K.
7 Jul, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Up Island Treehouse
Charles K.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
About the host
Hosted by Lisa Herrick
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
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback




























