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.  Transform it into your custom habitat, a magnet for summer rental income or even a B&B. 

This charming compound near Long Point Beach offers many options!  No shortage of space for family and guests here.  The thoughtfully renovated main house has 3 bedrooms plus a loft; the sweet and efficient guest house has 2 bedrooms and full bathroom; and the 2-bay garage/barn has an in-law apartment above; all totalling 3500 square feet of living space to use according to your needs.

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.

Happy New Year!

Indian Summer ’09 held on nearly through Thanksgiving, followed by a sparkling white Christmas season.  Now the Vineyard is deep into its long winter nap. 

Not!  The Vineyard may slow down but it never grinds to a complete halt.  Some of us are working off those Scottish Bakehouse holiday goodies at the fitness centers or on nature hikes with the conservation groups.  Others are showing off their triple loops on Seth’s Pond or their Latin moves on salsa nights. 

Alas, it’s all for naught:  The 24^th annual WMVY Chili Contest happens January 30, drawing the usual sellout crowd from on-island and off.   The off-season round of potluck parties is in gear.  And (drum roll, please) for the first time ever, lobster rolls have made a winter comeback at Grace Episcopal Church the first Sunday of every month, right after worship service.

Big Dig Update:  At long last, the temporary Lagoon drawbridge opened to traffic in January.  Brave motorists have been crossing the waters without incident, as the old bridge gets demolished beside them. 

We’re feeling the love:  Valentine’s Day and President’s Day converge on the same long weekend this year, and we look forward to the usual up-tick in visitors taking advantage of special offers at island lodgings and eateries.   If you’re among them, you’ll have plenty to see and do:  Stop by Featherstone Art Center for the opening of the “Kiss, Kiss, Hug, Hug: The Art of Love” exhibit (rated PG-13, I presume?).  Join hundreds of runners braving the chill for the 13^th annual MV 20 Miler Road Race.   Or take in a more leisurely guided walk at Polly Hill Arboretum.  Or trek across Chilmark’s wetlands with the Vineyard Conservation Society.  Then wind down over a romantic dinner.     

Some Valentine’s visitors will be courting the hotties they’ve been swooning over on our website – a veritable "Match.com" for homebuyers.   Others will be prowling island properties during winter school break.   Why not join them and get a head start on those Lotharios who’ll start making their moves in the spring?  At this time of year, most homes are empty and easy to get inside and see.  Island traffic will be a breeze, and you’ll be less distracted by the beach and golf course.   

If you’re thinking about listing your home for sale this year, now's the time to plan and prepare, before Lothario season is in full swing.  I’ll be happy to help guide the way!

Be well,

Shelley "Cupid" Christiansen

P.S.  My latest article in Martha's Vinyeyard Magazine features Deon Thomas of Deon's Restaurant.