Conservation Lands:
The house is literally surrounded by extensive conservation lands that are wonderful for hiking, walking, and even some fishing. The Land Bank's Ripley's Field is on our street and is approximately 60 acres of a mixture of woodland trails and open fields. It connects to two more Land Bank properties - Tisbury Meadown Preserve and Wompesket, both with extensive acreage. The house is part of the Vineyard Open Land Foundation's Cranberry Acres which includes a 25-acre series of kettle ponds (which include Flat Bottom Pond behind the house, Duarte's Ponds, and Seth's Pond) and cranberry bogs. The VOLF is in the process of rehabilitating the old cranberry bogs and had its first harvest in the fall of 2005. Connecting to Cranberry Acres is the Hoft Farm, a very large (more than 100 acres) working farm owned by The Nature Conservancy which has large fields and ponds that are great for wandering. The Land Bank's Duarte's Pond is also in walking distance and has a stocked pond for fishing.
A Brief History :
The house was built almost single-handedly by an artist and his family. Dubbed 'Woods House' because of its seclusion in the beautiful woodlands of Lambert's Cove, the central part of the house was built in 1965. The family was among a group of talented Vineyard artisans, craftsmen, and musicians, who came to the island in the '60's. He is an accomplished sculptor and, inspired by the work of Wharton Esherick, took great pleasure in imagining and creating the house in his own studio (a barn also on the property). The style can best be described as Craftsman. Particularly interesting details include the handmade doors, door fixtures, kitchen, cabinets, woodshed, decks, and numerous interior details. The barn and two cottages on the property were built in the '70's to house a growing family and creative output. To preserve his legacy, we have found a carpenter who worked with the artist in the '60's. He has worked on the house both refurbishing existing features and creating new ones.
The artist was influenced by Japanese art, which is evident in the house and the many unique trees planted 40 years ago which have grown into a mature grove. According to an experienced island arborist, the quality and variety of the trees are second only to the Polly Hill Arboretum in West Tisbury. In 2003, we acquired 2.2 acres of vacant land which was once part of Duarte's Campground and is now part of the Vineyard Open Land Foundation's Cranberry Acres and includes 25 acres of common land, 3 ponds, and a cranberry bog. In 2006, we acquired the 3.5 acre lot adjacent to the main house which includes most of Flat Bottom Pond and extensive woodlands in order to preserve our privacy and to expand the arboretum of unique and beautiful trees and plants. Our guests have universally remarked upon the terrific feel of the house - the comfortable yet simple layout, the bright and cozy rooms, the wonderful outdoor spaces overlooking the pond, and the incredible collection of trees.
