Many years ago, when I was a student, and no one was particularly interested in the property my house sits upon, I bought 7 acres of land and developed it. It had nothing, no access road, no water, no sewer, no electric. I cleared the scrub pine acres with my bare hands and planted what have now become magnificent, huge white pines.
The story of how I went about building this house and figuring out how to pay for it is poetic. Allow me to use a comment from a return renter as a good comment upon the character of the place. A return renter once said to me, ''When we drove up to the house, I asked my wife, 'Are we in the right place?''
You see, they were used to cookie cutter properties, which is what you usually get at the rental price I am asking.
What is special about this property?
This property has been a labor of love for many years. It is efficient and livable, but it presents the ''hand made'' feel for which the island and West Tisbury are famous. I actually cleared the property with my own hands. No machines. My Dad, who was a builder, helped me to build it. Then, there is my love of antiques. You will find Victorian ice cream parlor stained glass doors setting off the bedroom from the rest of the house. You will also find an antique stained glass triptych extending across the dining room. The post and beam construction depends upon huge, reclaimed farm house beams. My love of nature also finds its place here. I am a naturalistic landscaper, something which the educated eye and the visiting birds appreciate. But I also love flowers passionately. And I have allowed them entry into a contained natural landscape. The stone walls: oh, well isn't that something a New England property should have? If you are a bird lover, I can explain the historic importance of the land my house sits upon. But everyone, just come and enjoy it as much as I do.
What is special about your town?
West Tisbury, a town of farming people since the colonial area, was ''discovered'' by artists, writers, and others who loved its rural character, beautiful landscapes and woods. The town's character and culture leans towards the artsy, casual, and preference for low density housing. The town's unique culture distinguishes it from Edgartown's whaling town nautical feel and formal residential architecture. If residents want hustle and bustle and a honky tonk spot populated with charming cottages on small plots, we visit Oak Bluffs. Chilmark, noted for its rolling hills, large, country style estates and beaches is lovely but real estate prices have always outdistanced West Tisbury artists, writers, nature lovers, and just plain folk who, of course, always enjoy a trip to rugged Aquinnah. Visit West Tisbury and enjoy our folksy people, their friendly and casual attitude, and the town's incredibly lovely nature preserves and beaches. You won't be disappointed. Come on down! Or, as the local nautical direction would say: ''Come on Up-Island and see us.''