Martha's Vineyard Real Estate Spotlight Property
A Lightkeeper's View of the Sound
Perched on a bluff and looking out to sea is a house right next to the East Chop Lighthouse that enjoys spectacular, sweeping views of Nantucket Sound and Cape Cod in the distance. The 40-foot high lighthouse built in 1875 makes a quiet neighbor in its small, parklike setting.
Built in the early 1900s as a carriage house for the large summer home next door, the one-story property has been in the same family for generations and has undergone several expansions and renovations, most recently in 2006. The U-shaped configuration, designed by architect Geoffrey Thors of GT Design in Edgartown, creates exceptional water views from almost every room. An eclectic mix of rooflines sets the house off from more traditional New England style houses in this East Chop neighborhood.
“The most delightful thing about the house is the light,” the owner said. “I’ve never been in a house where the light is so magical morning or afternoon.” Double-hung windows with transoms above insure the most light possible can enter each room.
She and her husband spent many years in Singapore and Hong Kong and her decorating reflects it. But more than just Asian influences are evident; there are French, English and American pieces in her collection that could lead a new owner in many directions. “I chose the décor colors to go with the lighthouse and with the Sound,” she said.
Her first request was for a large entrance hall and what a spot it is – the view starts at the front door, goes right through the hall, out the back door and down the lawn to the Sound. To the right is a light-filled gallery leading to the living room. Windows all across the back of the house are open to the view and French doors lead to the wooden deck.
The large living room with gas fireplace is a delight any time of year. Adjacent is a library with built-in bookcases and a full bathroom. This room can be closed off from the living room with pocket doors to create a bedroom.
To the left of the entrance hall is the dining area with an open kitchen that also takes advantage of the view. The kitchen has a breakfast bar with a wood countertop, while the rest of the kitchen countertops are granite. There are state-of-the-art appliances, a double sink and ample cabinetry.
A hall from the kitchen leads to the spacious master bedroom with woodburning fireplace and a water view. A French door leads to the deck. The large bathroom has double sinks with granite countertops, a claw foot bathtub, and two walk-in closets with bureaus.
The rest of the hall leads to another full bath with a tub/shower combination, a laundry area, and a second large bedroom. The hallway can be closed off from the rest of the house with pocket doors for privacy. The hall has an outside door to the front lawn and is adjacent to an outdoor shower.
One side of the basement is finished and has an outside entrance; it is currently used as an office but could be a media room or children’s playroom. The other side is a storage/utility area.
There are cathedral ceilings and cherry floors throughout, central air conditioning, an alarm, and an irrigation system. A small garden shed could be a writer’s retreat or playroom.
The rolling lawn has private seating nooks on either side tucked around 100-year-old cedar trees that are trimmed in such a way that they resemble topiary. Next door, the lighthouse flashes its green light for three seconds every six seconds and, combined with the uplighting in the cedar trees, makes a magical effect in the garden any time of year.
Offered at $3,150,000
For further information, please contact:
Kerry Quinlan-Potter
Lighthouse Properties
508-292-0314 • www.lighthousemv.com
Text by Susan Catling
Photography by Bob Gothard
Photo styling by Kathryn Tate Interiors
