Real Estate Confidential is a weekly chit-chat about new listings, sales, or other insider info on the Martha’s Vineyard Real Estate market, presented by Fred Roven owner/broker of Martha’s Vineyard Buyer Agents. It appears each Friday in The Minute.
The first historical mention of Starbuck’s Neck is in a deed dated 1735, although the same 35 acres that still is known by the same name apparently was purchased in 1678 by Nathaniel Starbuck, then recently of Nantucket. Sorry, but I have not determined exactly from whom he purchased the land but history suggests that land was divided at group meetings of the new visitors without consultation with the Wampanoags.
Edgartown became Martha’s Vineyard’s most affluent town during the height of the whaling industry in the 1830s and 1840s. After the Civil War, when whaling ceased, Edgartown continued to be a prominent summer destination. Local investors soon took the initiative to build a resort at the end of North Water Street to lure summer visitors to the Vineyard, where the ranks of the whaling captain’s homes came to an end.
The land in the northeast corner of Edgartown after you pass the Harbor View Hotel is where certainly the most prestigious address on Martha’s Vineyard exists in a world all its own. There are only five properties between the lighthouse and Fuller Street Beach consisting of shingle style cottages that retain the original dormer style. (Yes, I know one is actually a historically sensitive renovation). This was a significant break in the late 19th century from the then more common whaling captains homes in the Greek Revival style. Here’s a fact that those homeowners like to keep secret: You can walk the bluff behind these homes to view all five. If you would like the instructions to access this path with a walk you will never forget, give us a call. One of my favorite walks with my dog Nico is from the Edgartown Lighthouse to Little Beach on Eel Pond on the outer harbor beach also with views of these historic style homes and views across the harbor to Nantucket Sound.
Again, I have to use a term I hate to over-use: There is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own and live in Edgartown’s most prestigious and coveted neighborhood. A very private and quiet location yet a short waters-edge walk, or past historic, Greek Revival whaling captains homes, to Main Street. The home has front row seats to watch the activity of Edgartown Harbor, Edgartown Lighthouse, the Chappy Beach Club and Nantucket Sound, offering a 180-degree waterview from three sides of the house.
This classic Shingle Style 3,355 square foot main house on 1.2 acres built in 1890 was meticulously restored in 2000 to preserve its exquisite design details. The main residence has four bedrooms and a master bedroom ensuite office overlooking the water and a guest suite with private sun porch. The grand living room with brick fireplace and dining room feature extensive wood detail and have expansive views of the pond and ocean along with an oversized family room and a spacious gourmet kitchen with a breakfast bar. So, what else do you need to know? There are a total of seven bedrooms, four full baths, two half baths, wet bar/pantry, central A/C, antique fir floors, and multiple porches to enjoy the views and exquisite landscaping.
The first time I toured the exclusive property at 7 Starbuck Neck Road, I was most taken by the luxurious paneled billiards room with views across Nantucket Sound. Enjoy all that Edgartown has to offer with the ease of this location and historic beauty of this home. As you tour the property, be certain not to miss the finished basement with its 1500-bottle wine cellar.
Click here for additional information about this Starbuck Neck offering.
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