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
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 61450 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Aquinnah, MA
  • Gay Head Lighthouse
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Aquinnah Cliffs
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Menemsha Beach
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • 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.

Property manager

Lisa Herrick
Premier Host

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Water view

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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

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 Grange Hall 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.
Map
Aquinnah, MA

What's nearby

  • Gay Head Lighthouse - 5 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Aquinnah Cliffs - 5 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Lucy Vincent Beach - 21 min drive - 11.1 km
  • Menemsha Beach - 22 min drive - 12.3 km
  • Woods Hole Ferry Terminal - 91 min drive - 47.7 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Larsen's Fish Market - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Chilmark Tavern - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Menemsha Galley - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Outermost Inn - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Home Port Restaurant - ‬16 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.

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. 69 out of 76 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 76 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 76 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 76 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 76 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Paul B.

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

Beautiful sanctuary in the woods

Great house, great area. Rent bikes for easier beach access and access to the absolute gem that is the menemsha bike ferry. Easy bike access to the lighthouse shops, menemsha and beaches. You can walk too but beaches are a longer walk if bringing a lot of stuff. House main living area is a nice room for eating together. Sleeping rooms are comfortable and clean. Upstairs decks provide excellent views especially during sunset. A bit buggy since it was so wet and humid when we were there. No AC but a nice breeze blows through the windows so even for someone who prefers sleeping in ice cold environment, fans and windows open did the trick.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

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

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

8/10 Good

Glenn B., New Hope PA

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

10/10 Excellent

Alya R.

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

MVY relaxation

We were there for a family wedding. House was relaxed and plenty of different spaces (it was raining and windy) when we were inside. Loved the kitchen and large table to gather around. Beautiful screened in porch. Good mattresses on all the beds. Everything worked . Loved using the outdoor shower, though the others went for the regular type.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy T., Columbus, Ohio

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

10/10 Excellent

Amy T., Columbus, Ohio

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Anjali K.

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

Lovely escape in Aquinnah

We had a wonderful week at this beautiful home- in spite of the rainy and cold weather (known hazards of New England in early June). The house was clean and well supplied, and it truly does feel like you are in a treehouse with all the windows and the beautiful view. The location is perfect for anyone who enjoys Aquinnah/Chilmark/Menemsha. Communication with Lisa was easy and she was very responsive. Our favorite Vineyard house so far- we would love to return next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Amy T., Columbus, Ohio

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

September Visit

We’ve only stayed on the Island in the Summer, but September is very nice, sunny, quiet and relaxing:). Thanks again Lisa for any great time.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan C., Quincy, MA

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

Relaxing in the treetops

What a great place to unwind & hide away!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy T., Columbus, Ohio

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

10/10 Excellent

Maria S.

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

Sandcastle in the Trees

The problem with a rave review, which is what Sandcastle deserves, is that we may have to compete with more people to rent it in the future. It is ALL that is described in the listing and also words don’t capture it. Loved everything about it. We prefer this part of the island so location is exceptional!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jason C.

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

Aquinnah Awesome

It's a lovely property and a spacious home with an intelligent floor plan in a very quiet, semi-secluded area in Aquinnah. This was our first stay Up-Island and this property didn't disappoint. We regularly made use of the nicely equipped kitchen, the screened-in patio, and tree-top decks for breakfast and morning coffee. You'll find that most of the necessary items to make time spent outdoors easy and enjoyable are provided (i.e., beach chairs and towels, citronella candles, charcoal, lighter fluid, bug spray, yoga mats, kayaks, fishing rods, etc.). Additionally, the proximity to Lobsterville Beach, as well as Moshup and Philbin Beaches is hard to beat. The location was so convenient that I didn't find myself pining for Down-Island haunts as much as expected. I certainly have a new appreciation for Up-Island living thanks to this gorgeous property.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

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

10/10 Excellent

Mark R., Stow

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

A peaceful respite

This was our second stay and this cozy, secluded and comfy property. It is perfect for anyone wanting a peaceful spot away from the hustle bustle of the more populated areas of the Vineyard. We spent our time biking, bird watching, walking, reading and relaxing at this well-appointed home. The fenced-in yard for dogs is a huge bonus, as is the well-equipped kitchen and Phantom speaker for streaming music. Maybe one of these days we'll make it during the warmer weather so we can take advantage of the pretty backyard, amazing porch and two decks, one with ocean views.
Stayed 11 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jaimie F.

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

Offseason Upisland

Amazing location that feels like staying in a treehouse with some winter views of the water. Love being half way between Gay Head Lighthouse & Lobsterville and the West Basin. Some of the most spectacular scenery on the island. House was clean & met all our expectation. I would recommend! Thanks to Lisa!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Simone L., Cambridge, ma

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

Wonderful spot

Great place in fabulous location.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ariana B.

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

Lovely place!

Lisa’s house is lovely and in a calm rural setting. The kitchen is well set up for serious cooking and hanging out. The porches are an extra bonus! Thanks Lisa!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

8/10 Good

reem p.

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

Great Escape

Peaceful and a true retreat. Love the screened in porch and location. So much light. Great communication!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

William N.

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

Good stay

Good location, house nicely appointed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

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

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests