Weekly chit-chat about new listings, sales or other insider info on the Martha’s Vineyard real estate market, by Fred Roven, Martha’s Vineyard Buyer Agents.
More and more often Martha’s Vineyard home buyers and visitors are asking for pools. One reason for buyers certainly is the unexpectedly large increase a pool can add to your rental’s bottom line. At the lower end of the market of luxury homes, a pool can double the weekly income. There was a time when it was more difficult to sell a home with a pool and based on recent sales and the increase of homeowners adding pools, that time has passed.
The advantages of owning a home with a pool are varied.
- They can increase the aesthetic value of your yard.
- People who host a lot of parties utilize their pools as an entertainment center, and kids love pools.
- Pools provide an easy way to instantly cool down on hot days.
- Some people use swimming pools exclusively for in-water exercises and say pools add health benefits.
- Swimming pools can bring added value at resale for buyers searching for homes with pools.
And, what I believe is the number 1 reason for owning a pool: Family time. With all the new technology in today’s information age, families are being constantly pulled apart by a mountain of activities and distractions. Whether it’s TV, iPads, cell phones, etc; it can be tough for a family to truly share quality time; such is the beauty of swimming pool ownership — no distractions, only smiles, games, and the sound of laughter.
So you have found the perfect house; it’s in a great location, reasonably priced, comes with plenty of outdoor living space and it has a pool. The relaxation and the fun activities that the kids can enjoy in the summertime is the appeal. Swimming pools are a luxury for some, and a necessity for others. If you’re considering buying a swimming pool home, or plan to have one built, look at the pros and cons of being a swimming pool owner.
If you are uncertain about a pool, I encourage you to web search for reasons not to own a pool; they are varied and many. Many buyers would argue that the upkeep and safety risks should be taken into account by homeowners before they purchase a swimming pool home. Swimming pools can be a beautiful addition to your home. With proper knowledge and research your home can benefit from a pool. Do your homework on the front end, to find out if owning a swimming pool home is right for your family.
If you will only buy a home on Martha’s Vineyard with a pool, here are some obvious choices.
Imagine having a party around your pool with views over your 300-foot beach overlooking open ocean and serving wine from your 12,000-bottle wine cellar. The listing information describes “…brilliant colors of sunset over the Atlantic Ocean make a perfect backdrop to a cocktail party or al fresco dining on the deck.” This 29 acre south shore estate is listed by South Light Property LLC and priced at $24,500,000.
If a location close to downtown Edgartown is your preference, a good value exists at 15 South Street, which provided $183,000 rental income in 2017. This luxurious property beautifully integrates both indoor and outdoor living and includes a guest cottage and a pool house. The property includes first and second-floor master bedroom suites, air conditioning, and a heated 16′ x 34′ Gunite Pebble Tec pool with stone surround. Listed by Point B Realty and priced at $4,200,000.
Perhaps your preference is to work from home in the private office in your West Chop home overlooking the nearby Mink Meadows Golf Course. This property includes a main house, swimming pool, 3-bedroom guesthouse, 2-story detached dry studio, and 2-car garage, all with peeks at Vineyard Sound and the fabulous landscaping. Listed by Wallace and Company Sotheby’s and priced at $2,500,000.
For some buyers only the hills and beaches of Chilmark will work. A Boston Hill property provides water views of Menemsha Pond, Vineyard Sound, and Squibnocket Point. A creative designed open living, kitchen, and dining areas overlook the pool from every room. Listed by Conroy and Company and priced at $2,850,000.
For a complete list of homes for sale with a pool in place, visit Martha’s Vineyard Real Estate. You can also search for additional homes that have room to add a pool by searching for keyword “pool.”
For more Real Estate Confidentials, click here.
