ON ISLAND

• Posted January 13, 2022

2021: Record Breaking Real Estate Sales

What a year. Home sales on the Vineyard in 2021 continued at a frenzied pace with just over one billion dollars in sales - a record for Martha's Vineyard. LINK, the Vineyard MLS, has issued their annual property sales report....you can view it by following this LINK: Martha's Vineyard Annual Sales Summary. To summarize, the average selling price in 2021 was $2.147M with days on the market averaging 171 days. Prices are up, days listed on the market are down. Many listed properties received multiple offers, often above asking price with no contingencies. It wasn't unusual to arrive at a listed property and see a line of buyers waiting to have a look. Some properties received multiple offers on day one, making for some very disappointed buyers and happy sellers. Will the real estate market continue this upward trajectory in 2022? It's difficult to know. An easing in the Covid pandemic coupled with rising interest rates may slow the market down. Stay tuned.

• Posted July 5, 2020

The Child Farm and the Children

As you travel down Lambert's Cove Road in West Tisbury an open meadow comes into view on your left at the northen end. This is the site of the Child Farm, so named after the owners, the Childs. The property holds the meadow, the family homestead and 17 acres of rising woodlands and hiking trails. A portion of the property had been previously sold to the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank which provided a view easement across the meadow and an agricultural restriction across most of the remaining acreage.

The Child Farm is now under agreement to be sold and three groups are working together to acquire the property: The Martha's Vineyard Land Bank, The Island Autism Group and the Island Housing Trust. Their goal is to continue conservation and agricutural use of the land and to provide housing for children and adults with autism. You can read more about this property and the Land Bank, The Island Autism Group and The Island Housing Trust by following this link: Island Autism Group will have a new forever home

My special thanks to my client, Hal Child and to James Lengyel, Kate DeVane and Derrill Bazzy for making this my most personally rewarding real estate transaction.

• Posted May 29, 2020

James Cagney on Martha's Vineyard

A hashtag find. While scrolling thru #marthasvineyard on Instagram I came across the photo included here. That’s James Cagney standing at our front door talking to his friend Paul Mayhew. Paul lived in our house in the 1950s and helped Cagney on the farm. Our house was part of the Cagney estate. Cagney’s farm and house on 69 acres is currently listed for sale. The property holds Cagney's house and barn still today. The house is said to date to the early 1700's and is one of the oldest houses in Chilmark. You can view the listing for the Cagney farm here: The Cagney Farm on Martha's Vineyard

• Posted May 8, 2020

Lucy Vincent Beach

The photo with this post was taken in September 2007. Lucy Vincent Beach and the south coast of Martha's Vineyard is very different today than it was in 2007. Rising sea levels and strong storms have battered the coast causing what seems like rapid erosion. The last of the majestic cliff at Lucy Vincent succumbed to erosion this week. Photos of the beach today and the cliff collapse can be read here: Vineyard Gazette and here: MV Times

• Posted March 23, 2020

Life During Wartime

Today the governor of Massachusetts, Charlie Baker, issued a "stay at home" advisory and the closing of all businesses except those that are deemed to be essential. We've seen an influx of seasonal homeowners escaping the cities and urban areas in order to reduce their chance of exposure. The downside of escaping to Martha's Vineyard is that we have very limited medical facilities, namely just one hospital with two dozen beds. Our year round population is approximately 17,000 so it is easy to see how our resources can quickly be overwhelmed. Stay safe, stay home and be well. We have no drugs, no vaccine, no tests. The only way to prevent from getting this dreaded disease is to assume everyone is infected and to stay away from as much public contact as you are able.

• Posted March 11, 2020

Zaccheus Cooper Homestead, Aquinnah

This house dates to 1853 which makes it 167 years old. It has only had three owners in all of its lifetime. Now available for the first time in nearly 60 years, this Vineyard farmhouse in the Greek Revival style, has 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths and 2 fireplaces. The property is bounded by ancient stone walls and the house is sited in a grassy meadow. Distant water views of Vineyard Sound can be seen from the upstairs bedroom and baths. Easy to show, call for an appointment. More photos forthcoming.

Details here: 71 Lighthouse Road

• Posted January 2, 2020

New Barn for a New Year

The old barn looked great from the outside, not so much inside. Riddled with powder post beetles, termites, nesting birds, and other members of the animal kingdom, it was time to go. We started the rebuild in September 2018 and are nearly complete for the New Year 2020. We are thankful for the talent and hard work of all of the craftspeople that made the barn happen and encourage you to keep them in mind for your projects: Builder: D.Best Construction, Architect: Gabe Stadecker, Foundation: Concrete Bill, Demolition/Excavation: John Keene Excavation, Engineering: Vineyard Land Surveying, Mason/Stone Walls: Morgan Stone and Landscaping, Plumbing: Fullin and Bettencourt, Electrician Best Electric, Timber Frame: Vermont Timber Works, SIPS Panels: Foard Panel, Trench/Drilling Fenner Construction, Tile: CB Tile, Irrigation: Automatic Lawn Sprinklers, Building Supply: Vineyard Home Center, Shingles: Arroyo & Carroll Hand Nailed Shingles, Landscape Design: Carly Look, Crane: Tashmoo Crane, Landscaping: Teles Landscaping, Portable Thrones: Araujo Brothers, Well Drilling: Island Water Source

• Posted November 25, 2019

Martha's Vineyard Beaches

The beaches of Martha's Vineyard are unlike most beaches on the East Coast: uncrowded, unspoiled and free from commercial amusements and residential development. As such, one can truly enjoy the natural setting and wildlife so often lacking along the eastern seaboard beaches. The south side of the Martha's Vineyard has wide Atlantic Ocean beaches running the length of the island from Edgartown to Aquinnah. The northern and eastern sides of the island are lined with the calm waters of Vineyard Sound, perfect for children and adults wanting a calmer surf in which to swim and recreate. Some of the beaches and the land necessary to access the beach are privately owned. These properties are locally known as "beach keys" which can be bought and sold. One of the privately owned beaches can be found at Stonewall Beach in Chilmark. This private association beach enjoys access to Stonewall Pond (pictured here) and Stonewall Beach at the Atlantic Ocean. Kayaks and small craft can be kept at the pond which provides access to Menemsha Pond and the sound beyond. Parking is provided and a path leads along the pond edge to the ocean beach just ahead. Please contact me for more information regarding this unique beach property and other "beach keys" that are available for sale. Stonewall Beach

• Posted September 29, 2019

55 Bijah's Way, Chilmark

Bijah's (ryhmes with Elijah) Way is located in the center of Chilmark. The road is a bluestone macadam mix, no asphalt, which lends to the rural setting. Tall, fragrant pine and oak trees abound providing a private, wooded setting bustling with wildlife. The first house I rented on the Vineyard was on Bijah's. It was a hot summer month of August and I was captured by the sense of escape from city life. Miles of hiking trails in the neighborhood and close proximity to Chilmark's renowned beaches had me hooked; so much so that I stayed well past my summer rental and continued to rent throughout the winter before eventually buying our first home in the spring of 2004. My latest offerring at 55 Bijah's is a well designed post and beam, 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home with wood burning fireplace and large screened porch set on 3 private acres bounded by centuries old stone walls. Have a look inside at the following link, or better yet, give me a call to tour this move-in condition home: 55 Bijah's Way

• Posted July 5, 2019

100 Beach Plum Lane, Chilmark

I don't think I will ever forget the first time I drove up the winding driveway of my newest listing at 100 Beach Plum Lane. I stepped out of the car and was immediately awestruck by the wide views of the both the Elizabeth Islands and the village of Menemsha. There is a cluster of five cottages on the property and some of them date back to the 1930's...a simpler time and way of life on Martha's Vineyard. The homeowner renovated the property in 2007 under the direction of a well known Cape Cod and Islands architect, Joseph Dick. Their efforts were featured on the cover of Architectural Digest, see here: Seaside Sanctuary. To learn more about this special property and to make an appointment to visit, please follow this link:100 Beach Plum Lane

• Posted April 9, 2019

78 Hines Point, Vineyard Haven

My listing at 78 Hines Point is being featured in the May issue of the Martha's Vineyard Real Estate Guide. You can get a sneak peak at the article here: MV Real Estate Guide. This waterfront property features 4BR/4.5BA, 2 fireplaces, screened porch and dock for launching of small boats. 78 Hines was the first of two homes designed by Breese Architects for my clients. The neighboring property at 104 Hines was the second, smaller house for family and guests. 104 Hines recently sold at a record price for Hines Point Road. You can see the listing for 78 Hines Point here: 78 Hines Point and you can see the listing for neighboring 104 Hines Point here: 104 Hines Point

• Posted February 7, 2019

MV Land Bank and Hannah Malkin

I recently had the pleasure of working with a client who had spent the last 50 years at her summer home in Aquinnah. Hannah Malkin and her husband Moses acquired 17+ acres in 1969 and built their home on a small rise in order to take advantage of the wide views across Vineyard Sound and Menemsha. Now 98 years young, Hannah asked for my help in selling her home and land parcels. She generously gave nearly two waterview acres to the town of Aquinnah and 13+ acres to the University of North Carolina. The University hired me to sell the property and I was fortunate enough to broker the deal with the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank. The land that Hannah and her husband so loved will soon be open to the public for their enjoyment. You can read more about Hannah and her generosity here: Conservation Patchwork Protects Morainal Lands in Aquinnah

• Posted January 13, 2019

Sometime in New York City

Winter weekends on the other island, steel on the skyline.

• Posted November 24, 2018

Going Up!

And so our long planned barn house is going up. The Douglas Fir frame pictured here was up in two and a half days. The exterior of the frame will be covered with structured insulated panels (SIPS) starting Monday morning. We hope the barn will be weather tight by the end of this week. Thank you to Doug Friant at Vermont Timber Works, our architect Gabe Stadecker, Kim Baptiste of Tashmoo Boatyard and Crane Service and the crew of Doug Best Construction who, as usual, did an amazing job. Stay tuned.

• Posted October 25, 2018

One of Those Days

Chilly, sunny, driving to the bank, pulled over to the side of Middle Road in Chilmark and snapped this photo of the Keith Farm. My favorite island view. The Keith Farm is also a beautiful vacation rental. Have a look inside here: Keith Farm in Chilmark

• Posted August 21, 2018

A Place for Guests

I see a lot of houses. A lot. And I take pictures of a lot of houses. And every once in a while I find myself opening yet another front door with camera and tripod in hand and I smile because I know what a pleasure it will be to photograph this new listing. 56 Old Courthouse Road is three separate buildings on three idyllic acres in West Tisbury. There is the three bedroom main house, a converted garage studio, and a guest cottage all lovingly cared for and colorfully decorated. This property didn't last long and was sold in late fall to a newlywed, island couple who are first time home-buyers. Have a look inside here: 56 Old Courthouse

• Posted June 29, 2018

Slice of Life

It's funny where life sometimes takes you. Years ago I attended the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan as I once thought I wanted to quit Wall Street and open a New York restaurant. It was at this time that I was offered a new job at a premier investment firm and I couldn't bring myself to say no. Life moves on and I eventually moved to Martha's Vineyard. And I found myself entertaining the restaurant idea again. So, one summer I took a job in the kitchen at Slice of Life in Oak Bluffs. I lasted all of two months in the 100+ degree August heat in the kitchen. Life moves on again and now I'm selling real estate and my new listing, the Slice of Life. Have a look inside here: Slice of Life

• Posted May 12, 2018

Jethro Athearn House

At one time James Cagney owned quite a bit of land from North Road to the North Shore, well over 100 acres. Our house is on some of Cagney's land and just across North Road we can see the fields of North Tabor Farms and through the trees alongside the fields we get a glimpse of the Jethro Athearn House. This house was originally built in 1735 in the town of West Tisbury. Jump ahead 250 plus years and the house was dismantled board by board and moved to Chilmark where it was painstakingly reassembled. Have a look inside here: 14 Ben's Way

• Posted March 17, 2018

Old Farm Road

Sometime back in May I met a woman who lived in a very unique house which was designed by her architect son. The home is small, just 800 square feet and is made up of two 400 foot structures. One structure holds the kitchen, powder room and upstairs, a master bedroom and bath. The second structure is reminiscent of a classic New England barn and provides a living room with fireplace, sleeping area and powder room. Old Farm was my most popular listing and deservedly so.

15 Old Farm Road has sold, selling price $1,050,000. You can see more photos of this special property here: 15 Old Farm Road

• Posted February 17, 2018

Two Houses in Two Towns

New to market - This three acre property is found in both West Tisbury and Vineyard Haven. There are two beautiful homes, one in each town. Two towns and two beaches to choose, one just down the path and the other at Lambert's Cove. Learn more about this special property here: 162 Gay Head Avenue

Update 2/25/2018 this property is under agreement.

• Posted January 18, 2018

Stairway to Vineyard Sound

The trails at Menemsha Hills are a terrific place to walk all year round. Follow one of the trails to the end and you come to this new staircase that leads down to the beach. Get to the staircase at just the right time of day and you can snap a beautiful picture...just aim the camera, the view does the rest.

Ferry reservations for summer travel are now being accepted online. Book your vacation rental here: Russell Maloney Real Estate - Vacation Rentals

You can read more about the Menemsha Hills Trails here: Trustees of the Reservations

• Posted January 5, 2018

Menemsha

I'm often asked what it is like in the winter on Martha's Vineyard...and I always answer..."Beautiful!"

• Posted December 20, 2017

Quitsa Pond

The light and clouds put on quite a show this last day of fall afternoon. Heading up island to show a property in Aquinnah I drove past this view, thought better about that, turned around and snapped this pic of Quitsa with my phone. I need to start traveling with the Nikon.

• Posted November 30, 2017

Sometimes New York

Sheep Meadow in Central Park

• Posted November 26, 2017

Blazing Sunset

If you've been to Martha's Vineyard you are familiar with the spectacular sunsets that occur here. There are one bazillion photos of a Vineyard sunset available online or on your favorite app of the moment. Here's Vineyard sunset photo number 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,001 that I snapped in our yard as I was taking the other half to the airport. We had a very enjoyable five days together here for the Thanksgiving holiday. The blazing sunset was a fitting end. For more, less interesting sunset photos, simply search #martha's vineyard sunset.

• Posted November 16, 2017

Squibnocket Cairns

Big changes coming to Squibnocket Beach....new causeway will provide access to Squibnocket Farms and consequently the town of Chilmark will have a new public beach at Squibnocket. Here's hoping all goes according to plan. You can read about the Squibnocket project here: https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2017/10/05/work-begins-long-debated-squibnocket-causeway The tower of beach stones (pictured here) is known as a cairn. Some think they are a work of art, others think they are beach graffiti or litter. You can learn more about beach cairns here: Is it art?

• Posted September 27, 2017

Three Faces of Ewe

I'm often asked to go have look at properties and I'm always surprised at the places I've never seen in the 15 years I have been living here and selling real estate. Here's a photo of my Wednesday morning.

• Posted September 3, 2017

Crowds and Clouds are gone

It's been a somewhat cold and rainy summer on Martha's Vineyard. Today was no exception. Just as the day was ending the skies brightened a bit. The throngs of tourists and traffic on the island has thinned considerably. And so I hopped in the car and went to my first Menemsha sunset of 2017.

• Posted July 4th, 2017

Happy 4th!

• Posted May 31, 2017

Renovate, renew, and repair...

We're very near the end of renovating this old house and to celebrate we hosted a party last week, catered by Jamie Hamlin and Sons, to thank those that have poured their blood, sweat and tears into this project. Sometime in the fall we plan to take the old barn down and rebuild it...before it falls down.

Here's a list of the tradesmen and women and suppliers who worked on our renovation and we highly recommend them for your projects.

• D.Best Construction
• Vineyard Home Center
• Rockwell Masonry
• Marvin Design
• Fullin and Bettencourt Plumbing
• Mary Ann O'Connell Painting
• Kurt Charlton, Electrician
• Arroyo & Carroll Hand Nailed Shingles
• Cape & Islands Glass
• CB Tile

• Posted February 23, 2017

Summer Vacation Rentals

Bright sun and upper 50s today in Chilmark...perfect for a morning walk on Lucy Vincent Beach. I ran into my friend Harriet on the beach. We spoke of many things besides the glorious weather and how lucky we were to be on Martha's Vineyard on this day. Harriet owns a terrific summer rental home with a pool in Chilmark and she wanted me to know she has a few prime weeks available. You can see Harriet's place here: Trail's End.

Summer rentals on Martha's Vineyard come in all sizes, home styles and prices. Some homes will have every amenity and some will, instead, keep the focus on the outdoor spaces, the wondrous seascape and landscape found on the island. Here's a sampling of the wide range of rentals available: Sugar Mill, East Pasture, Squibnocket Pond, and Farm Neck.

• Posted February 10, 2017

Winter storm Niko on MV

Snowy day on the island. I dug myself out of the driveway, scraped the windows and headed to the post office to see if Amazon had delivered today's necessary implement for the seemingly never ending renovation at our house. Amazon delivered. I rode past everyone's favorite island view, the Keith Farm, on my way home. Snapped this photo with my iPhone. This property and the house that sits on it is beautiful any time of year....and, yes, it's a terrific place to rent in the summer. Details here: Keith Farm

• Posted January 17, 2017

Our house in the press

Valerie Sonnenthal, a columnist for the Martha's Vineyard Times, stopped by recently to take a tour of our house and office. You can read Valerie's article here: http://www.mvtimes.com/2016/12/29/home-russell-maloney-jay-schmidt/

• Posted January 16, 2017

2017 Ferry Reservations

The Steamship Authority is now accepting reservations for travel to Martha's Vineyard in the summer months of 2017. It's best to reserve a spot for your automobile now and be sure to wait list for trips that are already sold out. You can book your 2017 summer reservation at this link: Steamship Authority