*Note as of July 2024: We will be accepting Summer 2025 bookings only after Labor Day 2024, with preference given to returning guests.
Before reading further...
This old lovely cottage is our home, and we make it available on a limited basis for rent; it's not, ''just a rental.'' This place is for people who will treat our 1887 cottage as we do, with love, respect, and an appreciation for classic charm. We offer all the modern amenities (a dishwasher, full laundry, streaming services and WiFI, mini-splits), but we also expect bare feet, sand in the sheets, sunburns, fresh air, and spiders who like the inside of our house as much as the outside. Please stay with us if you want nods to the island's old-fashioned fun (porch-sitting, beach-walking, coffee-sipping, game-playing). If you wish for a pristine modern hotel or a suburban home, our cottage is not for you. Given that it's an historic home, it is not be suitable for young children or people with mobility issues.
Introduction:
The cottage is named in honor of Booming Ben, an iconic island figure (ahem – bird). You will find it filled with handpicked antiques and vintage items, many from the Vineyard, comfortable beds, an epic covered porch, and lots of space to explore and relax. The house is located in the quiet neighborhood of East Chop, historically known as the ''highlands'' of Oak Bluffs. It is a 1/3-mile walk to East Chop's public Jetty Beach, and approximately a 10-minute walk to the Flying Horses carousel in downtown Oak Bluffs. The cottage comfortably sprawls on its hilltop perch, and feels like a beach house and a tree house all at once, up high and amongst cedars and pines. The area to the front and right of the home is East Chop Association property (officially, it is Wesley Park), a cottage close by on the left, and one to the rear right. Our neighbors are a mixture of full-time residents and summer people, and a number of other homes, including our next door neighbor's, are rented in the high season.
The House:
The house has two stories, a wraparound porch with seating and outdoor dining areas, ample social space indoors, a formal dining room, and a well-stocked kitchen. There are two full baths, one off of the kitchen, and one on the second floor. There is also a grilling area and an outdoor shower at the rear of the house. All bedrooms are on the second floor. The main staircase off of the family room accesses the hallway connecting to the primary bedroom, bathroom, and middle bedroom. The kitchen staircase connects to the rear bedroom and middle bedroom. The middle bedroom, therefore, has two exits. The rear bedroom guests do not have direct access to the second floor bathroom.
Bedrooms:
(1) Primary bedroom (up to 3 guests): (1) king bed and (1) day bed, with a private deck overlooking Wesley Park
(2) Queen bedroom (up to 2 guests): At the rear of the house, over the kitchen (no bathroom access)
(3) Middle room (up to 3 guests): (1) twin bed and (1) double bed
Included:
We provide beach and shower towels, bed linens, and beach chairs. We also have a ''take-and-leave'' pantry of rotating spices and cooking oils and vinegars.
Parking:
There is space available at the top of the easement for 1-2 cars. The ''driveway'' is actually an easement across East Chop park land, so parking at the house between the road and the telephone pole by the cottage is prohibited. Additional cars may park on the road at the bottom of the drive on John Wesley Avenue.
Rates:
Payment includes the lease term rate (nightly or weekly), a flat non-negotiable cleaning fee (trash, recycling, and turnover), state and town taxes, and a $500.00 security deposit.
Booking:
Stays are allowed June-October for 2-14 days. We require a signed agreement and non-refundable deposit to hold the date. The non-refundable deposit is 50% of the lease term rate. The full remaining balance is due 30 days prior to arrival. The security deposit will be refunded within 30 days if not needed to cover damages.
Security Deposit:
Guests will automatically lose their security deposit for reasons including (but not limited to) evidence of parties, smoking, pets, property damage, and/or for unapproved late departure that delays cleaning and/or other parties' arrival. Full details are available in the booking agreement. read more show less