Set on the crest of a hill and offering 180 degree views of Sengekontacket Pond and Nantucket Sound this compact 2 bedroom year round home abuts Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. Walk to the shore to kayak, shellfish and enjoy the tranquility of this private setting.

Wonderfully quaint Lagoon-front cottage with bright, clean, cheerful interior is located on Hines Point. Dine on the deck to the sound of the water lapping on the sandy beach. Very private setting with an expanse of lawn to the sandy beach.Walking distance to the Village.

Take a dip in the sound or fly a kite at Ocean Park. Then kick back on your porch with your coffee or cocktail and watch the boats sail by. This RARE vacant waterview lot sits in the heart of the historic Copeland District, within a few steps to town, beach, bike paths, parks and ferries.

For My Fair Weather Friends and Other Friends, Too

At long last, the White House has confirmed the Vineyard’s worst kept secret of 2009:  The First Family will vacation here on- island during the last week of August.  The brief swarm of Secret Service and press people notwithstanding, Vineyarders are honored to attract yet another summer White House to its shores.  A few tips for the Obama family:

1.        Make ferry reservations.  Adding your caravan to the standby line will only tick off other travelers and jeopardize your chances of re-election in 2012.        

2.       Sneak onto the island early for the annual Possible Dreams Auction on August 3 for the benefit of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.  This year’s event moves to scenic Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs.  Regrettably, you will not be able to bid on a sailboat cruise with long-time Dreams supporter Walter Cronkite.  But why not donate a dream yourself?  I’m thinking a weekend at Camp David . . . .

3.       Visit the Decorator Show House & Gardens at the historic Captain Thomas Mellon house in Edgartown.  Tours and events at this fabulously restored home benefit Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard.  (I have discount coupons.  Call me.)

4.       Michelle:  Enter the women’s skillet throwing contest at the Agricultural Fair.  With those killer arms, you’re a contender!        

5.       Shop for your dinner fixings on Tuesdays at the new Down-Island Farmers Market at Tisbury Wharf.  No, you may not hawk veggies from the new White House kitchen garden.  It’s a “locally grown” thing.         

6.       After the SPCA shelter was shut down this spring, Vineyarders rallied to establish and locally support the new Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard.  Sasha and Malia:  You’re dying for a second dog, right?  Or a cat?  A bunny? 

7.       Read the July issue of Martha’s Vineyard Magazine (www.mvmagazine.com) to get the lowdown on the “Best of the Vineyard” for 2009.  Best ice cream, best fried clams – oh, and best real estate company!  (Thank you for voting, everyone.)  Read the August issue to learn how previous First Families spent their time on-island. 

8.       Relaaaax . . . . .

A tip for the rest of you: 

I do hope to see you when you’re on-island this summer.  If you’d like to see some properties, terrific!  But please, pleeze give me some advance notice.  The busy season is upon us. 

Have a wonderful summer with the FIRST first family -- yours!

Shelley Christiansen

P.S.     When you’re here and when you’re not, you can hear my commentaries on Vineyard life  every other Friday morning on the Cape & Islands NPR station.