Let’s start with Woods Hole, an often overlooked but uniquely satisfying spot on the Upper Cape. Part of the town of Falmouth, Woods Hole, a beach village in the woods that hosts science and art communities, nature lovers, some wonderful eateries and the Martha’s Vineyard ferry, has its own identity and feel.
Then add a traditional Cape Cod cottage with weathered shingles on the outside and pine paneling on the inside. The cottage, passed down the generations of one family, is a living museum, meticulously furnished with antiques, beautiful artwork and mementos. But that does not make it feel old. The beds are new and comfortable, the kitchen updated for some serious cooking. The owner appears to be an enthusiastic home cook, leaving for the renter an incredible supply of cookware and serving utensils. There is even a good supply of cookbooks, quite a few local to Woods Hole. Every drawer and shelf is labeled to show what goes where. A big help to the visiting cook who can’t remember where things came from!
Nearby small, private beach is a two or three minute walk. Another five minutes down the hill brings you to a life-guarded town beach. The center of town is just under a mile from the house. As you would expect from the appearance of the house, the owner is attentive and responsive.