31 S. Water Street , Edgartown , Massachusetts 02530

Sold Price:$4,702,500

Square Footage:3,537

Bedrooms:6

Bathrooms:5 full

Year Built:1920

Listing Agent:LandVest, in cooperation with Wallace and Company Sotheby's International Realty

Historic Inner Harbor Estate 
The Whaling Captains' homes on Edgartown's prestigious North and South Water Streets are renowned, and this Inner Harbor estate is no exception. Built in the 1920s and cared for since 1928 by generations of the same family, the historic main residence offers six bedrooms, five baths and four levels of direct harbor views across an expansive lawn with a large swimming pool and outbuildings. Renovation plans have been developed by renowned architect Patrick Ahearn..

History. Heritage. Harbor Frontage.
Located in the heart of Edgartown's historic district, mere steps from the quaint shops and restaurants of the Village, lies this enviable harbor front gem. Displaying the quintessential Martha's Vineyard historic architecture of wood shingle siding and crisp, white trim, the main residence is perfectly situated for direct views from all four levels of living area across the expansive lawn and to the harbor. Ideal for extended family and guests alike, there is ample parking and the ground level of the home has been designed as a separate apartment with a convenient, private entrance.

The current owners have completed an extensive research and development program with renowned architect Patrick Ahearn, whereby a detailed renovation plan was devised to enhance and expand upon the current structures — all in tasteful keeping with the Village theme and historic style. The plan includes updating and addition to the main residence, rebuilding the existing swimming pool, and new landscaping. Approvals have already been received from the Edgartown historic district and the conservation commission. 

Carry on the Tradition.
"Growing up, our father would visit the Vineyard with his parents, our grandparents. My father loved the sea and the summers he spent as a child growing up on the island so much that he and my mother were drawn to Edgartown, and in particular the Harbor and purchased this home in 1928. Our family has lived and spent summers here ever since — our "summer camp". We are now into our fifth generation with upwards of 60 of us. This home is a true gathering place, and the pool in particular is a very important aspect. It is where we all sit together, talk and share experiences. It would be hard to physically build a pool like this today, and it was one of the first private pools ever built on the island."

"What I love most about the Vineyard is not just the friendships that I have made over the years, but the friendships that our entire family has made over the generations. I don't know of many other places where you can have that bond. And it's not exclusive. You can buy a house here and be part of this multi-generational Vineyard family within minutes. This is a warm, welcoming community where you become part of the fabric very quickly and are woven in for life."

"What I love most love most about the Vineyard is the sheer typographical beauty of this place. I have been lucky enough to sail all over the world, and there are very few harbors that are like Edgartown's Harbor at night. The panorama of the boats coming and going. The full moon rising, reflecting on the Harbor waters. The marvelous evenings one spends here. There are very, very few places in the world with this kind of beauty."

"The town has grown from when we were children and when our children were children. There are more people. It is more active. It is a diverse community taking advantage of all that the North East has to offer. But there are things that have stayed the same. You still have privacy and quiet, with the convenience of being close to everything. As soon as you step into this house, and out onto the lawn, it's hard to believe you are near the center of a bustling village. Children still have the independence to wander around and can become an active part of the town, and parents have peace of mind about their safety. And perhaps one of the nicest things about this island is that you can be a water person, a beach person, a golf person — whatever it is that you like to do, you will find it here." 

About Martha's Vineyard, Massachucetts
A haven for some of the most elite artists and minds looking to relax, Martha's Vineyard combines modern charm and island history in a way completely unique to its 100 square miles. Once you wash ashore (residents refer to people who move from the mainland to the island as "wash-a-shores"), you easily could spend days traversing the island's diverse, tight-knit communities by foot or car.

Chilmark and West Tisbury, along with Aquinnah, draw fewer tourists to its public beaches, with proof of residence required, and maintain a charm unique to their inhabitants. Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven attract a heavy summer crowd, swelling the island from 15,000 year-round residents to more than 100,000 people from June to Labor Day. The only large stretch of ocean beach open to the public is in Edgartown, in contrast to the upland beaches. But it's a bit of a stretch to say "hot" on the island — it's temperate summer climate rarely leaves the 80s, making Martha's Vineyard a destination of choice.

Being a "wash-a-shore" isn't unusual on this East Coast jewel, but becoming a "Vineyarder" is. Many communities around the island have family connections that have grown through the years, creating a culture of good friends and neighbors. Some of those neighbors will look familiar — among the most well-known are the Kennedy family, which has stewarded hundreds of acres of natural habitat. They join the ranks of other Vineyarders eager to preserve their piece of this exquisite island for generations to come.

The tiny communities offer some of the most unique local fare and flair, but much of the social activity takes place at people's homes, where relaxation and the pleasant feeling of being home underscore the hustle and bustle absent from this island destination. 

About Edgartown, Massachucetts 
To view and appreciate this town fully, you must walk its streets. North Water Street has a row of captains' houses not equaled anywhere. Study the fanlights and widow's walks by day and stroll down the streets after the lamps are lit.

South Water Street is dominated by a huge pagoda tree brought from China as a seedling by Captain Thomas Milton in the early days of the last century. The house beyond it was that of Captain Valentine Pease, on whose ship Herman Melville made his only whaling voyage.

Many houses in Edgartown predate the whaling era. Most are private residences, but three notable ones are serving other needs. The Vincent House (built in 1672, the oldest known house on the Island) and the Thomas Cooke House are museums. At 34 South Summer Street, you'll find the home built by Benjamin Smith in 1760. It is now the office of the Vineyard Gazette.

Across from the Gazette is the Federated Church, built in 1828. It still has the old box pews, which are entered through little doors and have narrow seats around three sides.

The famous Old Whaling Church with its six massive columns commands Main Street. Built in 1843 at the height of the whaling industry, the Church was given to the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust in 1980. It has been transformed into a performing arts center. Next door is the Dr. Daniel Fisher House, built three years before the Old Whaling Church.

There are excellent public beaches in the township of Edgartown. Norton's Point, known as South Beach or Katama, is a barrier beach providing surf bathing and the opportunity to explore Katama Bay on the other side of the dunes. Wasque and Cape Poge on Chappaquiddick are both unspoiled areas owned and maintained by The Trustees of Reservations. They are favorite spots for bluefish and bass fishermen. Lighthouse Beach, located off North Water Street near the town center, offers calm water and views of harbor activities. Bend-in-the-Road Beach, part of Joseph Sylvia Beach, has ample parking and is accessible by bicycle trail.

Felix Neck is about three miles outside the center of town on Vineyard Haven Road. The 200 acres, owned by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, provide marked trails and a program of wildlife management and conservation education throughout the year.

(Text courtesy of the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, www.mvy.com)

About the Vineyard Sound  
The seven-mile stretch of water between Cape Cod's southern edge and the Vineyard lapping at ocean's shore is a gentle nudge to get in the water. Whether strolling knee-deep, swimming or fishing, the ever-present Sound and its place in this community's history can't be ignored. Kayak or canoe along the calm waters that pond inland, or let the wind rip through your hair as you fulfill the need for speed when you open 'er up across the Sound. Hunting striped bass and bluefish, among an abundance of undersea residents, will keep anglers happy on the water.

From your lookout deck at home, keep an eye on the Aquinnah Lighthouse and the comings and goings of ships and personal crafts. Stroll along the jetties and pull up fish curious about following boats in, or simply admire their jagged path.

Disclaimer: This property is listed for sale by Wallace & Co, Incorporated dba Wallace & Company Sotheby's International Realty (Lic#4976), 1 North Water Street, Edgartown, MA, 02539, (508) 627-3313 and South Summer MV, LLC dba LandVest MV (Lic# 6649), PO Box 1056, Edgartown, MA 02539, (508) 627-3757. Concierge Auctions, LLC is the provider of auction marketing services, is not a licensed brokerage, and is not directly involved in selling real property - 777 S Flagler Drive, 800W, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (888) 966-4759. Licensed Auctioneer Frank Trunzo (MA Bond# 03140). The services referred to herein are not available to residents of any state where prohibited by applicable state law. Concierge Auctions, LLC, its agents and affiliates, broker partners, Auctioneer, and the Sellers do not warrant or guaranty the accuracy or completeness of any information and shall have no liability for errors or omissions or inaccuracies under any circumstances in this or any other property listings or advertising, promotional or publicity statements and materials. This is not meant as a solicitation for listings. Brokers are fully protected and encouraged to participate. See Auction Terms & Conditions for full details. © 2008 Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby's International Realty and the Sotheby's International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Sotheby's International Realty office is independently owned and operated. Neither Sotheby's, Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of their affiliated companies is providing any product or service in connection with this auction event.

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