The photos and description do not exaggerate. Located quietly away from the Vineyard summer crowds on Katama, looking across to Edgartown, this is a classic late 19th century seaside house, a relaxed collection of rooms, each with its own distinct character, filled with light, sea air and ocean views. A little gem of a guest house was added last year. Your own beach with good swimming or fishing is 100 feet away and some of the most unspoiled open ocean beaches on the east coast are within a mile or so. Katama Bay is sufficiently protected for great small boat sailing or kayaking and, unexpectedly, there's a beautiful Japanese garden nearby (maintained in part by the owner of the rental) that we visited twice. The house is private, at the end of a long driveway, but just a mile from the short ferry crossing to Edgartown. It's very convenient to leave your car in the ferry parking lot, cross on foot and walk around Edgartown without the hassle of a car and parking.

All the expected amenities are included, clean and well-maintained. The owners are great. And yes, we'll be going back.

Stuart H from Starksboro, Vermont, who vacationed in August 2011.

We have always loved the Vineyard, but staying at the Allison house on Chappaquidick was even better than we had imagined. The house is big enough for a large family, yet has a coziness and warmth that's instantly welcoming. We all loved sharing our meals in the generous kitchen, watching the parade of boats go by, having drinks outside as the sun went down. The master bedroom was perfect for us, our daughter and husband loved the "red room" and our grandchildren, and friends they brought with them, were thrilled to have the "dormitory" all to themselves. And the brand new guest house (I think we may have been the first to use it) is a boon for friends who want to get away from the family hubble-bubble in the big house. The combination of rambling beach house, lovely grounds, wonderful views of the water makes it feel like the essence of summer. We can't wait to go back next July.

Sukey H from Deep River, CT, who vacationed in July 2011.

Staying for five days in the lovely beach house on Chappaquiddick was a dream!! Beautiful weather, long beach walks, ferry rides to Edgartown, quiet time in My Toi Garden, sunsets at Menemsha! All perfect. So perfect, in fact, that I returned in September of the same year and did it all over again.

This "big house" is a terrific place for large family gatherings - enormous kitchen with two big tables that will accommodate 20 people. Plenty of room to spread out.

There is also a separate "outside" bedroom cottage.

The smaller house nearby is also a perfect place for a smaller gathering.

Both houses have spectacular views of Katama Bay and beach access.

Lots to do or do nothing at all!! It's all magical and makes for an unforgettable vacation experience!!

Daisy W from Okatie, South Carolina, who vacationed in June 2011.