$2,527,355Average Value$1,367Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Dramatic cliffs on the edge of Martha's Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard is known for its beaches, from Squibnocket with its crashing waves to Lambert’s Cove with its quiet waters. But Aquinnah, which translates to “land under the hill” in Wampanoag, has cliffs along the shoreline that change shape and color as time passes. Standing on the gray wooden staircase overlooking the Aquinnah cliffs, looking out into the endless Atlantic Ocean, feels like standing at the edge of the earth. Waves crash softly into the sandy shoreline below rugged, mossy cliffs with shades of red, tan and yellow, depending on how the sun hits. “The coastline up there is very dramatic,” says Win Baker, vice president of operations at Point 5 Realty in Edgartown. “They have the colorful cliffs, and that’s the only place that looks like that.”
Aquinnah is the most remote town on the entire island. It’s hard to get to. Driving there from Oak Bluffs takes 35 minutes, and it’s half an hour from Edgartown. But those who venture or live there can enjoy complete and total solitude. “It’s a very specific people that like that because it’s not very convenient,” says Baker. “It’s much quieter.” Roads are windy and hilly, and the landscape includes ocean, cliff and countryside views. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis owned 340 acres in Aquinnah called Red Gate Farm; it was sold to Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank, which preserves the island’s rural character through land acquisition. Two percent of every home sale on the island goes toward funding the land bank.
The stunning cliffs of Aquinnah draw visitors from around the world every year.
The relenting Atlantic Ocean slowly eroded the Aquinnah cliffs every day.
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Wampanoag heritage
More than 500 acres of undeveloped land in Aquinnah belongs to the Wampanoag tribe, the island’s first inhabitants. Naturally occurring cranberry bogs, a natural herring run and the brick Gay Head lighthouse all sit on Wampanoag land. Cranberries are particularly important to the tribe. Members gather for Cranberry Day, where they harvest and feast on the bitter fruit each October. Kids in Aquinnah Wampanoag families are excused from school to participate. Members of the tribe fish and farm in Aquinnah to this day.
The land of Aquinnah is sacred to the Wampanoag tribe.
Shop for hand-made American Indian jewelry at Stony Creek Gifts in Aquinnah.
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Houses in rural neighborhoods on acres of land with beach pathways
Houses in Aquinnah are large and secluded, and many have water views. Post-and-beam style houses sit behind wood fences and tall trees, and contemporary, gray-shingled homes sit at the end of private dirt roads. Some houses on Menemsha and Squibnocket ponds have docks, and oceanfront homes have private pathways to the beach. “Squibnocket Pond is a very exclusive area,” says Baker. People tend to buy in Aquinnah and stay there. “If there are five sales in Aquinnah in a year, you’ve had a busy year,” he says. The average home value is $2.5 million, and the property tax rate is $6.40, the second-highest of the six island towns.
A row of beach cottages sits along Lobsterville Rd in Aquinnah.
Grey shingle homes with white trim are very popular in Aquinnah
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Gorgeous cliffs and Atlantic Ocean beaches
The big draw to Aquinnah is its majestic clay cliffs. They’re the reason visitors drive to the western edge of the island. The cliffs stand about 100 ft. tall, overlooking the ocean. They are sacred to the Wampanoag, who believe Moshup, a giant who shaped the entire island, made them. The red hue on the cliffs comes from the blood of the whales he hunted, according to Wampanoag lore.
On Wampanoag land is Lobsterville Beach, a two-mile sandy stretch popular with fishermen. It’s a public beach, but parking is limited, and the surf is still as it sits on the Vineyard Sound. At the westernmost point of the island is Moshup Beach, another public area where locals can relax on the beach and enjoy cliff views.
The views of the Aquinnah cliffs are jaw-dropping.
Lobesterville beach is one of the best places to fish in Aquinnah
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Be sure to stop and say hello to the shop keepers by the Aquinnah Cliffs.
Tiny shops and lobster and clam shacks
Near the public viewing spot for the cliffs is a small village of one-story gray houses. Here, people can grab clam chowder, a lobster roll or ice cream from Cliffhangers during the summer season and buy jewelry and T-shirts from Bowen’s Arrow. From there, they can walk up a brick pathway and follow signs that say “to the cliffs” to an elevated overlook spot. Aquinnah has a tiny public library inside a red cottage, open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It sits across the street from the town hall and the Aquinnah Police Department.
Get some food at Cliffhangers before taking in the stunning views at the Aquinnah.
Young kids go to school in nearby Chilmark
Aquinnah is the only Vineyard town without an elementary school. Kids there generally attend prekindergarten through fifth grade at the Chilmark School, grades 6-8 at West Tisbury School and 9-12 at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School in Oak Bluffs. Chilmark School has a B-plus rating from Niche and is known for its multi-age approach to education. Kindergarten and first grade are combined, as are grades 2-3 and 4-5. West Tisbury School is rated B by Niche, and the high school is rated B-plus.
Dense ocean fog dissipates as it makes land fall in Aquinnah.
30-minute drive to Vineyard Haven ferry
A car is essential to getting in and out of Aquinnah. It’s a 30-minute drive to Vineyard Haven, home of the year-round ferry, and Martha’s Vineyard Airport is 25 minutes away. The airport offers seasonal service via JetBlue, American Airlines and Delta and year-round service on Cape Air.
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The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Aquinnah
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Aquinnah Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Aquinnah, Marthas Vineyard sell after 172 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Aquinnah, Marthas Vineyard over the last 12 months is $2,750,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy coveted access to one of Martha's Vineyard’s most stunning sandy beaches, located just off Moshup Trail in Aquinnah. This secluded beach is shared with only seven other members, ensuring a peaceful and private coastal experience. Located near Aquinnah’s iconic “Painted House,” the property includes use of a private gated parking area for 1 vehicle and a picturesque stretch of shoreline
Alyssa HaliskyWallace & Co. Sotheby's International Realty
Perched on 2.7 acres in one of Aquinnah’s most breathtaking settings, this beautifully sited coastal retreat offers sweeping views over the Atlantic and Noman’s Land from its elevated position. Designed to embrace the light and scenery, the main level features an open living/dining/kitchen area wrapped in walls of windows—an airy, sun-soaked space where ocean views take center stage. The
12 Lobsterville Rd in Aquinnah is a uniquely designed contemporary home set on 2.6 acres of lush grounds with large tracts of conservation land nearby. Open concept living, dining, kitchen on the second floor with unobstructed ocean views of Vineyard Sound. Spacious deck for sunset viewing and grassy lawn for sundown games. Walking distance to Lobsterville Beach and a short bike ride to the
The nearby roar of the Atlantic can be heard from this pristine two-acre building opportunity in Aquinnah, ideally located at the end of Old Field Road with easy access from Moshup Trail. A storybook walking path through woods and fields over an easement bordering a majestic beetlebung grove and over a bubbling stream, leads directly to the entrance of cherished Philbin Beach. A thoughtfully
Katie Donahue & Rachel Serwa GroupSandpiper Realty, Inc.
Enjoy coveted access to one of Martha's Vineyard’s most stunning sandy beaches, located just off Moshup Trail in Aquinnah. This secluded beach is shared with only seven other members, ensuring a peaceful and private coastal experience. Located near Aquinnah’s iconic “Painted House,” the property includes use of a private gated parking area for 1 vehicle and a picturesque stretch of shoreline
Spectacular property in Aquinnah, featuring a newly installed and town-approved 6-bedroom septic system, ready to support your vision for expansion and renovation. Located on 4.7 acres filled with rolling meadows and stone walls, this property boasts a truly remarkable barn that was transported from Maine, and rebuilt on the Island. The grandfathered-in barn spans approximately 61' by 45' with
Spectacular, private beach lot located just off Moshup Trail. Gated entry, parking rights and a deeded 1/5 acre of beach on the Atlantic. This is not a buildable lot, no structures of any kind are permitted. Map 10, Lot 7-5
Ranch style home & Guest camp situated on 1+/- acre lot. The Main House offers distant views of Lobersterville beach and the Vineyard Sound beyond. Located in the desirable Lighthouse Road area, which offers walkable/close-by beach access and quiet roads. The view can be enjoyed from the Kitchen/Living/Dining as well as the wrap-around deck. Enjoy the open concept main living area, two bedrooms,
Tucked along the south shore of Aquinnah on Martha's Vineyard, this beach lot presents a chance to enjoy true oceanfront ownership. Accessed via Moshup Trail, this lot features a private gated entry with a pea stone parking area. A boardwalk, that winds through natural coastal vegetation, connects to a sandy trail that brings you over the bluff to the expansive shoreline. Secure your own stretch
Stunning waterview living with an active view that will never disappoint. Wake up every morning to breathtaking 180 degree water views in this beautifully appointed 4-bedroom, 3-bath coastal retreat. Perfectly situated to capture sunrise to sunset vistas, this home offers a blend of summer vibes with year-round living amenities. Step inside to find an open-concept living space filled with natural
This elegant architectural home is set within a lovely rolling meadow on four and a half generous acres, surrounded by stone walls, blue sky, and tranquility at all times of year. 12 East Pasture is a peaceful retreat on the westernmost side of Martha's Vineyard, known for the beautiful beaches and quiet privacy. The house features multiple large windows and sliding glass doors, which flood the
Spacious contemporary set high off Lighthouse Road with unobstructed, amazing water views of the Vineyard Sound and Elizabeth Islands. Open concept design with soaring ceilings and modern architecture. A retreat for all seasons this house is fully insulated, heated and has central air. A center island in the kitchen ensures the cook of the family does not miss out on the amazing sunsets. Ground
THIS IS A WEEKLY SUMMER RENTAL ONLY. PRICES ARE WEEKLY NOT MONTHLY. Down a private country road, this bright and breezy post and beam home sits on a 3-acre rolling wooded parcel. With southern views of the Atlantic Ocean, it's just a short drive or bike to Philbin and Lobsterville beaches and Gay Head cliffs. This very Vineyard house offers three levels of living space, chef's kitchen, spacious
THIS PROPERTY IS A WEEKLY RENTAL PROPERTY!! Windy Knoll is a 3BR, 2Bath home located in Aquinnah on a secluded lot off State Road with 160 degree views of the Atlantic Ocean. Approximately 1 mile to Philbin Beach similar distance to Moshup Beach and Lobsterville beach. Take the bike ferry over to Menemsha and enjoy sunset on the beach. Outdoor shower with multiple shower heads to wash off the
This family-friendly, three-bedroom retreat on Lighthouse Road in Aquinnah offers all the comforts of home with stunning water views of the Vineyard Sound and the Elizabeth Islands. It is beautifully decorated and nicely furnished. The home features stylish post-and-beam architecture. The main level features cathedral ceilings, wrap-around picture windows and skylights. The main level opens out
THIS IS A WEEKLY RENTAL NOT A MONTHLY!!!!Windy Knoll is a 3BR, 2Bath home located in Aquinnah on a secluded lot off State Road with 160 degree views of the Atlantic Ocean. Approximately 1 mile to Philbin Beach similar distance to Moshup Beach and Lobsterville beach. Take the bike ferry over to Menemsha and enjoy sunset on the beach. Outdoor shower with multiple shower heads to wash off the sand
THIS PROPERTY IS A WEEKLY RENTAL PROPERTY!! Charming three bedroom cottage set on a hill overlooking a tranquil meadow just 1 & 1/2 miles to Aquinnah Cliffs. Enjoy access to both Philbin and Lobsterville beaches. There is a front and back porch with rocking chairs to take in the landscape and enjoy the breeze. This sunny property is easily accessible as well as peaceful and relaxing. Owner is
THIS PROPERTY IS A WEEKLY RENTAL PROPERTY!! Breathtaking water views from this contemporary home located on Menemsha Pond and recently renovated with new kitchen and baths. This four bedroom retreat offers the perfect place to come during the summer months or even enjoy during the shoulder season while sitting by the fire with a warm cup of your favorite hot beverage. PLEASE TAKE NOTE!!!!!THIS IS
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