How it Works

Martha's Vineyard/Chilmark Vacation Rental
A Private Island Sanctuary

How it Works

If you haven't yet become a regular on Martha's Vineyard you may be wondering how the whole process works. This page will give you an overview of the rental process, what kind of additional arrangements you'll want to make (especially ferry reservations if you're bringing a car over) and also some tips on getting the most out of your visit to this very special place. While some of the details vary, the general practice has become pretty much the same across the island.

House

First, whether you rent our home or another, you'll want to do it early. This is both because choice properties (and choice times) go early and because you'll want to make ferry reservations early. Vacation rentals are done under a lease agreement which will be mailed to you once we have come to a tentative agreement by telephone or e-mail.

Note: See the "Price & Availability" page for specific weekly rate and current booking status.

Also Note: The weekly rate does not include security deposit or cleaning fee. You will also be responsible for the following:

	Security Deposit: $500, preferably in a separate check. Multi-week rentals do not incur multiple deposits.
	Cleaning Fee: $150. This is passed through to our cleaners and it covers post-departure cleaning. (Arrangements can be made if you wish to have additional cleaning during your stay.)

You'll need to return the lease along with the 50% deposit promptly in order to reserve your selected time. (The balance is due 60 days prior to the first day of the rental.)

You'll get back a signed copy of the lease along with more detailed directions on where you're going and how everything works.

Restrictions:

	No smoking
	No pets

In addition to delivering a pleasant experience for all of our guests, our own family has children with asthma and we are committed to maintaining a healthy environment, as free of allergens and irritants as we can make it.

Transportation

Next, you'll need to arrange for transportation. Chilmark is rural and beautiful (which is why it's so desirable) but that also means that you do need a car to get around.

If you'll be bringing a vehicle over, you'll want to make ferry reservations as early as possible. See www.steamshipauthority.com or call (508) 477-8600 for details such as reservation policies and schedules.

NOTE: On-line reservations and mail reservations are accepted typically beginning in early February; phone reservations open in early March. Choice times go very early, especially on summer weekends. Book early!

If you book early we may be able to assist you with ferry tickets. No guarantees! Please inquire.

If you will be renting a vehicle try AAA Island Auto Rentals www.marthasvineyardcarrental.com or Adventure Auto Rentals (the local Thrifty franchise) www.adventurerentalsmv.com. Both are a short walk from the ferry dock in Vineyard Haven and if you reserve early will have a variety of vehicles to suit your needs.

NOTE: If you rent a car in Vineyard Haven be sure to take a ferry that lands in Vineyard Haven, not Oak Bluffs. There is a shuttle bus that runs between island towns but it's a lot easier to read the ferry schedule and go to the right town than to drag your luggage around on shuttles.

Beach

The town of Chilmark has some of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast including the spectacular Lucy Vincent Beach with its dunes, cliffs, sand and surf.

The three town beaches are Lucy Vincent, Squibnocket, and Menemsha.

Menemsha beach is open to the public and is great for small children (no surf). It also has a stunning sunset view over Vineyard Sound and the Elizabeth Islands.

Lucy Vincent and Squibnocket are beautiful south shore (surf side) beaches and are only open to Chilmark residents.

NOTE: BRING A COPY OF YOUR LEASE! This is what makes you a "Chilmark Resident" and lets you purchase a beach sticker.

Shopping

Martha's Vineyard has no "Factory Outlet Stores", malls or discounters. What it does have is a wealth of serious local artisans, crafts-people, farmers, chefs, musicians, film-makers and all manner of creative folk.

Since taste is highly individual I will not try to prioritize the islands many galleries and outlets, but will mention a few favorites and especially those which are inherently fun or entertaining to visit.

Martha's Vineyard Glass Works State Road, West Tisbury 508-693-6026

The Martha's Vineyard Glass Works is beautiful, entertaining, educational (and hot!) This is home to award-winning artisans and you get to enjoy both the beautiful finished works in their gallery and also watch the glass blowers at work. Fun for kids BUT they need to be old enough not to destroy the delicate (and expensive) works in the gallery.

The Field Gallery State Road, West Tisbury 508-693-5595 www.fieldgallery.com

You can't miss it. Across the street from Alley's General Store, the Field Gallery is home to a broad variety of works by notable contemporary painters and sculptors... and to a field full of most whimsical outdoor sculpture.

Boxes by Boudreau www.boxesbyboudreau.com

Don Boudreau (literally) sailed off around the world collecting exotic woods and learning new skills along the way. He is no longer a Vineyarder, so you'll have to visit him in Cyberspace rather than in Chilmark but he long sailed the waters of Vineyard Sound and his work is beautiful. He has settled back in the US (Florida) and creates spectacular small pieces (jewelry boxes, tea boxes, humidors.)

Featherstone Center for the Arts Barnes Road, Oak Bluffs 508-693-1850 www.featherstonearts.org

Featherstone is far more than a gallery (though it includes that); it is a community center for the arts arts center with performances, classes, lectures, and other functions. There is a lot going on here for those interested in the arts.

In addition, the three major towns on the island (Vineyard Haven, Edgartown, and Oak Bluffs) have such a profusion of fine galleries and shops that it is worth simply strolling through and nosing into what interests you. (Look especially for jewelers selling local artists' sea glass and wampum jewelry.)

Eats, Walks, People and Places: Getting to Be a Local

No, we're not going to publish the good stuff on a web site! But we will share our own insights with our guests on where to go and what to do to get to know this very special place. It takes years to discover the many secrets of the Vineyard but a few pointers help.