Charming and comfortable custom home. Private ocean beach/pond access + kayaks
House in Menemsha, MA
8 guests · 4 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Top-tier experienceOne of the higher cost properties in the area
About this house rental
Welcoming Hillside Cottage is a delightful custom-built, 3 bedroom family home in a quiet, private, country setting. This sun-drenched house has panoramic views of the surrounding area, as well as enticing glimpses of Menemsha & Squibnocket ponds and the ocean.
Enjoy a stroll to a shared private Menemsha Pond beach (5-7 minutes by foot) or use your own key to a shared private beach on the south shore (5 minute drive & no Philbin town beach parking hassle or expense). Use of 3 sea kayaks (1 double & 2 singles) is included in the rental.
The open concept living area has a wood-burning fireplace. The kitchen is ample, well-equipped and a pleasure to work in.
Two full bathrooms.
Three Bedrooms
•Upstairs Bedroom: The primary bedroom has its own full bath and private balcony with views. Sleeps 2.
•Lower Bedroom: Furnished with lovely antique Danish beds that can be set up as two twins or a queen, depending on your needs. Sleeps 2.
•Main-floor Bedroom: This space has a new queen bed and is conveniently located next to second bathroom. Sleeps 2.
•The living room has a sleeper sofa that can fold out into a bed for 2.
Ample storage throughout the house
Added features include: gas grill, a large screened porch with eating and lounging areas, a spacious upper deck with views, and a delightful outdoor shower.
Keywords: light & airy house; private (shared) access to ocean beach & to Menemsha Pond beach; kayaks included in rental; water views; quiet & serenity.
Enjoy a stroll to a shared private Menemsha Pond beach (5-7 minutes by foot) or use your own key to a shared private beach on the south shore (5 minute drive & no Philbin town beach parking hassle or expense). Use of 3 sea kayaks (1 double & 2 singles) is included in the rental.
The open concept living area has a wood-burning fireplace. The kitchen is ample, well-equipped and a pleasure to work in.
Two full bathrooms.
Three Bedrooms
•Upstairs Bedroom: The primary bedroom has its own full bath and private balcony with views. Sleeps 2.
•Lower Bedroom: Furnished with lovely antique Danish beds that can be set up as two twins or a queen, depending on your needs. Sleeps 2.
•Main-floor Bedroom: This space has a new queen bed and is conveniently located next to second bathroom. Sleeps 2.
•The living room has a sleeper sofa that can fold out into a bed for 2.
Ample storage throughout the house
Added features include: gas grill, a large screened porch with eating and lounging areas, a spacious upper deck with views, and a delightful outdoor shower.
Keywords: light & airy house; private (shared) access to ocean beach & to Menemsha Pond beach; kayaks included in rental; water views; quiet & serenity.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Wheelchair accessible
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Menemsha, MA
££££
Reviews
10.0
We loved Victoria's sweet home, and the lovely spot in Aquinnah. Everything was perfect in this comfortable, well-supplies home. We loved the house and love Aquinnah. Victoria was great, and we hope to come back again.
10.0
10 out of 10!
Thank you Victoria and family for an outstanding vacation! Their beautiful home is well situated, close to multiple bodies of water. You can reach Menemsha pond in a 4-5 minute walk, you can drive or bike 5-10 minutes to the ocean, you can kayak, or you can take a short drive to the public beach or the Aquinnah-resident beach. The first few days of our vacation, it was quite rainy and cold. However the Brown family’s well-appointed and beautifully designed house made it a delight to simply enjoy the home. I cannot say enough about how well-stocked, comfortable and beautiful this house is. I kept up my yoga practice in the screened-off front room while facing bucolic greenery ahead of the pond. When the rain ceased, a charm of hummingbirds flocked to the hibiscus bush beside the entrance. On a warmer day during our stay, I noticed 5 distinct types of butterflies and colorful moths delighting in the many pollinator flowers behind the house. Since my sister is very allergic to mosquitoes, yet loves the outdoors, we all brought plenty of protection that we never even needed to use. The nature-forward treatment of the grounds somehow repelled mosquitoes yet invited pollinating butterflies. Every kitchen tool I could imagine, was already stocked, from a rolling pin, baking dishes, pots and pans and the like. The cross breeze regulated the temperature so well, on our hottest day there, we didn’t break a sweat. I cannot wait to return. Thank you!
10.0
A lovely home, well located in Aquinnah. The owner was available for any questions. I would highly recommend this property. The description captures its essence well.
10.0
To celebrate a birthday Party.
10.0
Loved this house and the location. It's wonderfully private but close to everything we wanted to do. The owner was extremely helpful and accommodating. We had an absolutely fabulous vacation in Martha's Vineyard!
10.0
This home was perfect for our long weekend stay to celebrate Father's Day. It is well appointed, clean, and the kitchen was great to prepare family dinners together. The roof deck has gorgeous views and amazing breezes. We took advantage of all the special perks that came with the house, including a lovely stroll down to Menemsha Pond, a swim at Key Beach, and kayaking at Red Beach. Victoria was very quick to respond and extremely helpful throughout our stay. We would absolutely recommend this home and we hope to return for another family gathering!
10.0
Victoria's home was just right for our family of five, with kids aged 1, 5, and 7. Tucked away in a private spot, it felt very secluded. It was a short walk to a pond and quick drive to a private beach, both of which we had all to ourselves. The kids had a blast at the pond, even on rainy days. We spent a lot of time on the screened porch, playing games and lounging in the rocking chairs. My husband and I are thinking of returning for a quieter getaway, just the two of us. Victoria and Mara were both a pleasure.
10.0
This home is very comfortable. We visited in the off season so some of its amenities were unavailable to us but the setting and location on the island did not disappoint. Victoria was a very responsive host and kept us informed before and during our stay.
10.0
Victoria was a responsive and an accommodating host. Mara was kind and informative. The cottage is exactly as described, quiet, quaint with all necessities and excellent wifi. The accesses to the beaches (plural) were amazing which we took full advantage of. Wonderful stay!
10.0
We had a wonderful, relaxing time at this comfortable house in Aquinnah. It was so quiet and peaceful, the deck and screen porch were perfect places to relax. We would highly recommend renting this house.
10.0
We have visited MV for over 30 years and almost always stay in Chilmark. We decided to venture further up island and I’m so glad we did!
The property is so beautiful and the house is very well equipped. It was the perfect set up for myself, husband, and sister and her 18 month old (parents: there is a tub!)
Victoria provides a binder with a lot of helpful tips about the house and the area. We took advantage of the beach access and the kayaks - highly recommend!
There are two balconies which is just lovely! Also a gas grill.
If you’re looking to disconnect (don’t worry, there’s still wifi) and relax, this is the place for you.
You definitely need a car so make sure to book a ferry reservation.
10.0
Our party of eight included 2 seniors, 4 millennials and 1 toddler and 1 baby, and everyone loved their stay. When asked, folks gave high rankings to the screened in porch (fun playing with toys and eating), the upstairs porch (quiet place for reading and talking and star gazing), the kitchen (plenty of space and everything needed for cooking), a clean house, a beach within walking distance with a shallow area for small children, and a parking pass to beautiful local beaches. And a very responsive landlady!
10.0
Our family of four had a wonderful stay at this quint, yet spacious home. Beautiful spot. Wonderful kitchen and awesome roof-top deck. Victoria and Mara were very helpful and kind. You’ll fall in love with this home!
10.0
This house was so secluded and quiet. We loved the beautiful wood and unique design. The upstairs deck was my go to spot! ❤️
10.0
This is indeed a "calm and charming" home, and we enjoyed our stay! Aquinnah itself is beautiful (loved the ride to the house from Vineyard Haven), although if you're bringing along teens, you might want to emphasize ahead of time the quiet (and the beauty of the beaches and other natural areas) as opposed to anything they might experience in town. That being said, the wifi worked perfectly, so nobody felt too isolated. ; )
My only suggestions are: making sure to update the binder of information in the house so access to the private beach and kayaks is accurate, and maybe adding a broom and dustpan to the (otherwise well appointed!) kitchen just to make daily clean-ups easier. That being said, the owner was extraordinarily responsive, so these little "issues" weren't really problems at all.
Bottom line: If you enjoy the beauty of the ocean and the wooded areas of MV, as well as peace and quiet, this is the spot for you!
10.0
Location was perfect for getting away and disconnecting for a bit. Home had all the necessary amenities and the view was great. Downstairs patio was the perfect place to enjoy meals.
10.0
had a lovely time - house was great and it was very quiet. the view from the deck and bedroom is wonderful. beware of the bumps in the road if you have a small car -other than that - great place
10.0
House is a nice rural vineyard house up island in Aquinnah for four adults. Location is relaxing and private beach wonderful. Upper deck enjoyable for star gazing. It is a bit of a drive to other towns if that is where you intend to spend your time. Beds are on the smaller size but main living/kitchen area is comfortable. Outdoor shower has noteworthy high water pressure. Perhaps once weekly garbage pick up with overflow stored in basement not ideal for avoiding wildlife in the house.
8.0
Easy rental experience, Victoria was great to communicate with. Easy check in/out and spacious cottage with large kitchen. We enjoyed the kayaks on red beach! Highly recommend this location to enjoy the beauty of the island away from the hustle/bustle of Oak Bluffs.
10.0
Peaceful Hillside Cottage
This sweet hillside cottage had a lovely screened in porch for breakfast and a rooftop deck for evening sunsets. The property owner was so kind and accommodating. We look forward to renting again next year!!
10.0
Nice house in a quiet location
Rented this property for our young family to stay for a week in June 2022. The open kitchen and screened in porch make meals very enjoyable. The location is away from all the hustle and bustle of the larger towns, but still a short drive to places like Gay Head Light and Meneshma Harbor. Speed bumps are quite large and require careful navigating. Roof deck is nice, as is the outdoor shower. Great place to get away from it all.
5.0
Charming and secluded home in a beautiful location, exactly what I needed for vacation!
10.0
Wonderful stay!
Wonderful stay at Victoria's lovely and comfortable home in peaceful Acquinnah. Thanks so much for your hospitality.
8.0
Great place!
Great place to stay - great owners! Highly recommend!
10.0
Wonderful house and setting
We enjoyed a wonderful week at this hidden gem in Aquinnah! The house was perfect, with great space inside and out to relax and enjoy the peaceful setting. The open kitchen was well stocked and we made lots of great meals. We love the screened in porch and the roof deck; also wonderful view from the bedroom that was great for watching the sunrise. Victoria was incredibly responsive both before and during our visit. This is the best home we have ever rented on the island and wish we had found it earlier! Highly recommend.
10.0
Perfect, Just Perfect
My wife and I went away for 5 days for out 30th and were fortunate enough to find this amazing property in Aquinnah. The entire trip went seamlessly. Communication was exceptional and check couldn't be easier. The house is set high on a hill and is surrounded with forest. Views were wonderful from every room with the Master Bedroom and Roof deck providing distant views of the Atlantic. Available for use were kayaks (which we did use!) and bikes as well as a private gated beach which was about a 5 minute drive from the property. The house itself has a wonderful floor plan with a full stocked kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and an outdoor shower. My wife and I have stayed at many VRBO as well as other rentals, and while all have been wonderful, this one is our favorite. If your looking for quality, privacy, and a peaceful time away look no further. Thank You Mr. & Mrs. Brown for helping make our 30th so memorable! Nico & Morley
10.0
Vineyard Gem
Property is located up-island with private grounds, manicured landscaping, and stunning vistas. Home is beautifully constructed and well appointed. Looking forward to visiting again.
10.0
really lovely spot
We had such a lovely weekend in Aquinnah. This house was indeed friendly- had everything we needed and more! We loved the roof deck, kayaking on the pond and the beautiful nearby beach. The house is really beautiful and the hosts are great!!
10.0
Perfect!!!
Wicked awesome.
10.0
beauty and privacy
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the hillside cottage. The home had everything we needed and I especially appreciated all of the small details that were provided such as paper products, spices, beach chairs, etc. The owners were very accommodating and were responsive to my questions before and during our stay. The rooftop deck and swimming at Menemsha pond were two of my favorite things about this property.
10.0
Absolutely Perfect!
Our stay at this wonderful get away couldn’t have been better. The house is very well appointed with everything one would need to relax, cook great meals and recharge. We enjoyed the small rocky beach at the pond and the private beach as well. Our hosts were responsive and thoughtful and we would absolutely recommend this home to anyone looking in Aquinnah. We definitely will be back!!!
10.0
Absolutely Fabulous
We could not have enjoyed our trip more. This is a wonderful and comfortable property in a secluded and beautiful location. The house has everything you will need, including a well-equipped kitchen and a screened porch with a dining table and rocking chairs. The master bedroom is light and airy with lovely views to wake up to. A particular highlight is the sunny roof deck, with views all around, and from which you can glimpse the pond and the sea as well as some spectacularly lovely old oak trees and much birdlife. We spent part of every day on the roof deck.
You can walk down to a small beach on Menemsha Pond where there are two kayaks available and you have access to a really lovely gated beach on Moshup Trail. Access like this is a rarity on the Vineyard. We took our own bikes (although some are available in a shed on the property) and biked locally a lot and could easily get to Aquinnah and Menemshah via the bike-ferry.
When we arrived the house was beautifully clean and a friend of the owners was extremely helpful in showing us around and helping out with anything we needed, when we did. The owners were extremely helpful and very responsive during the booking process and as we prepared to travel. We would not hesitate to recommend this lovely place and very much hope that we'll be able to make many more visits in the future
5.0
We could not have enjoyed our trip more. This is a wonderful and comfortable property in a secluded and beautiful location. The house has everything you will need, including a well-equipped kitchen and a screened porch with a dining table and rocking chairs. The master bedroom is light and airy with lovely views to wake up to. A particular highlight is the sunny roof deck, with views all around, and from which you can glimpse the pond and the sea as well as some spectacularly lovely old oak trees and much birdlife. We spent part of every day on the roof deck.You can walk down to a small beach on Menemsha Pond where there are two kayaks available and you have access to a really lovely gated beach on Moshup Trail. Access like this is a rarity on the Vineyard. We took our own bikes (although some are available in a shed on the property) and biked locally a lot and could easily get to Aquinnah and Menemshah via the bike-ferry.When we arrived the house was beautifully clean and a friend of the owners was extremely helpful in showing us around and helping out with anything we needed, when we did. The owners were extremely helpful and very responsive during the booking process and as we prepared to travel. We would not hesitate to recommend this lovely place and very much hope that we'll be able to make many more visits in the future
10.0
Wonderful vacation!
We had a lovely stay at the Hillside Cottage this past July. The cottage was extremely comfortable and well appointed and the grounds were beautiful and well maintained. We loved the quiet and serene location and the beautiful views of the pond from the second story deck. We enjoyed using the kayaks every day as well as the keyed beach access. Victoria and Gardner were wonderful hosts and assured that we had a wonderful stay. The washing machine had malfunctioned just prior to our checking in and they ensured that a new machine was installed immediately to prevent us from being inconvenienced in any way. We look forward to staying at this lovely property again!
10.0
Beautiful up island location
Wonderfully secluded and private retreat with easy access to the ocean, beaches, and pond. Wonderful owners made it an easy, welcome stay.
8.0
Labor Day 2019
Lovely property. Beautiful key beach, pond and roof deck. The stars were amazing! Well equipped and comfortable.
10.0
Beautiful up island cottage
We loved our stay at Victoria's cottage during August 2019. My wife and 2 small children absolutely loved the house and location. Victoria was incredibly responsive and communicative. We really couldnt have asked for much more. We hope to come back next year!
10.0
Comfort, peace and wonderful amenities
We had a wonderful week at the Vineyard in large part due to the comfort, location and amenities associated with the Brown's cottage. Sitting above Menemsha Pond, this lovely cottage has all of the comforts of home AND its provides access to all of our favorite places on the Vineyard. We celebrated our 25th anniversary on this trip, we couldn't have asked for a better experience!
8.0
Super sweet stay
We were in for work so didn't spend much time at the house. But it was lovely to come home to each night. perfectly equipped for the four of us to feel at home and relax in comfort.
10.0
A Perfect Up Island Retreat
It's tough to put into words how wonderful a retreat Hillside Cottage is, but I will try. The location is up island and for those looking for a quieter pace with stunning beauty it is perfect. The house is on a well groomed dirt road, on a hillside that provides a view out over a pond to the ocean in the distance. The house is comfortable, well appointed and has a kitchen stocked with all the necessities for cooking a meal. The owners live just up a dirt road nearby and are very nice and helpful. We had the chance to run into them on their walk on the beach and enjoyed chatting and learning about their Vineyard experiences.
We took advantage of all the amenities the house has to offer - kayaking on the pond, biking (we brought our own but bikes are available) and the beach. The ocean facing beach (keyed) is incredible - uncrowded and scenic. You can also go to the sound beach (Lobsterville). I highly recommend going to the West Basin (can drive or ride bike) to watch the sunset. It is much more enjoyable than the crowded Menemsha beach. There are restaurants an easy car ride away and the Chilmark General Store for grocery items and sandwiches.
Overall - you cannot go wrong with Hillside cottage if you are looking for an up island retreat.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Menemsha?
The average price for a rental in Menemsha is £563 per night. This rental is £163 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Charming and comfortable custom home. Private ocean beach/pond access + kayaks . For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Charming and comfortable custom home. Private ocean beach/pond access + kayaks pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Charming and comfortable custom home. Private ocean beach/pond access + kayaks ?
We found 12 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, and parking.
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