“The Road Taken.”
Lambert’s Cove is one of my favorite places on the planet. Approach from the east and you can see the entire long crescent stretch before you. For seven years, we’ve started out from “Bildad’s Roost,” a wonderful home in Upper Makonikey, and walked the winding sandy road to Makonikey Head, and then west along the bluffs and shoreline to Lambert’s Cove Beach or east to Split Rock.
The house is a fertile place for island experiences and memories. My family typically has two and three-week stays and often, after laying in provisions, won’t leave the home for the first few days of our stay.
The house commands the highest point of five acres of land that roll gently downhill past a few solitary trees to wild grapes that mark the property line. After a busy year, it is easy to sit on the lower deck, watch for deer or boats on the water, and feel not a moment is wasted. Bring a book or borrow one from the well-stocked bookshelves in the library, the master bedroom or the kid’s room, and you will be set for the afternoon.
If rain drives you inside, join your kids in puzzle making or one of the many games. And if those activities are too ambitious, flop on the comfy couch and flick on the state-of-the-art television and audio system.
The kitchen is great for preparing meals vacation style with kids shucking corn at the table, one parent making a salad at the kitchen’s center island, and another grilling island fish, beef or vegetables on the gas-grill that can be fired up to cook a meal for a family and another to spare.
Once dinner is over, stay on the deck. With only the slightest competition from the lights of the mainland, the sky is fantastic, particularly on moonless nights. During the Perseid meteor showers in August, we’ve often lost count of the shooting stars that streak the night sky. The TV is poor competition for that natural display.
While you could stay on the grounds for the entire time, Bildad’s Roost is also a great launching point for island exploration. Go north, on your bicycle, to Vineyard Haven. It’s a great ride into town past ancient and gracious farms to pick up books at Bunch of Grapes, or breakfast at a handful of terrific spots. Hop in your car and make your way to Edgartown or Oak Bluffs, 25 minutes away during the high season, and enjoy the different island flavors those towns have to offer.
Will Runyon, the owner, is a wonderful, accommodating host. He goes to great lengths to make sure your vacation stay is comfortable and worry-free and that it has as much room left for wonder as time will allow.
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Jim J.
Montclair, NJ
“Bildad’s Roost Can’t Be Beat!”
My family and I finally stayed at Bildad’s Roost for 2 weeks last August. After years of coming as an overnight guest of the owner during the annual Martha’s Vineyard Fishing Derby, our family of four, plus parents and a few nieces and nephews were ready for a new, summer, family experience. Not only were my prior “man fishing weekend” overnight stays always incredibly special, but spending two solid weeks was exactly the remedy my family needed to kick-back and unwind. So much so that we didn’t want to leave—ever. At one point after the first few days, we had to remind ourselves that we actually needed to take the kids to the beach since it was their vacation too. Honestly, you’ll find it incredibly hard to leave the back deck and venture out to the rest of the island, but you must. Trust me, you’ll want to find a way to quit your job, become a local islander and not return. We did!
The whole island experience is truly rewarding. Using Bildad’s Roost and the private beaches (make sure to enjoy an amazing sunset atop the beach access stairs) as our home base, we took family and friends to Oak Bluffs, the Gay Head lighthouse, State Beach in Edgartown, Menemsha jetty, the West Tisbury Agricultural Fair (a quintessential New England state fair), great local restaurants (State Road’s dessert donuts are a must have!) and ventured out in our boat to catch some stripers and so much more. When you return, you’ll find everything you need in this home: a fully appointed kitchen with a nice farmers table where the family dinner can once again be a marked-departure from the usual smartphone and tablet-ridden dining experience at home, plenty of dishes and cookware for a full surf and turf dinner for 8, easy access laundry, top-shelf home theater, toys for the kids in the garage, plenty of outdoor space for grilling and entertaining, playing catch, whiffle ball, family football, and night-time star-gazing through the telescope (the super moon was super to see from the front steps).
If you can’t already guess, we’re heading back for another two weeks this summer. Personally, I’m looking forward to my early morning cup of coffee, sitting on the stone bench with an empty mind, while looking out at the water before taking a second cup to the beach to collect shells and skip stones with the kids. Honestly, we should have listened to the owners and dove in headfirst 10 years ago, but we’re really glad we finally did. Dive in!
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“Fantastic Family Vacation.”
My family spent two weeks at Bildad’s Roost this summer, and we were more than happy with the decision! The house is located in our favorite part of the island, and has walkable access to two areas of secluded beach. The house itself is well appointed and the kitchen and bathrooms have been recently updated. The outdoor space is incredibly special. There is a huge deck, a ton of space for kids to roam, and an amazing view that can keep you captivated for hours. You are almost at the end of the road, and I can honestly say that we saw few if any people the entire time we were there. (Did I mention the outdoor shower? It was a family favorite!). The whole vacation was idyllic, and we look forward to spending more time at Bildad’s Roost!
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Matt L.
Belmont, MA
“A Wonderful Week”
What a wonderful week we had at Bildad’s Roost, beginning with a warm welcome by the owner to this beautiful property. The house had all the amenities you would want and more, including a very well-equipped kitchen, beautiful bedrooms, and a very comfortable living room. Additionally, the extensive grounds were gorgeous, including the views from the deck (where you can sit or eat at a large table) and from the second-floor deck overlooking the water on Vineyard Sound.
Two private beaches were a very short drive from the house with easy parking.
This was a wonderfully positive experience, and we are looking forward to going back next year.
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Paul C.
Philadelphia, PA
“Tranquility and Elegance.”
A perfect spot to relax in a tranquil setting! This home is on a lovely 5 acre parcel, has ocean views and is very private. The home is well appointed and has a great floor plan, allowing privacy for multiple guests. It is elegant yet relaxed. The kitchen has all you need for cooking wonderful meals, which may be enjoyed either on the deck or at the dining table indoors. The outdoor shower is well designed. It may make you never use the indoors baths, which incidentally are new and beautiful.
Makonikey is a special part of the island. The sunsets are spectacular from the deck of this home and there is a private beach within walking distance. You are never too far from any of the towns should you choose to explore. This home is a perfect getaway. Highly recommended property.
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Erin C.
Chicago, IL
“Serenity.”
As a frequent visitor to the island, Billdad’s Roost is a beautiful home for a relaxing getaway. Its remote location provides peace and quiet to rejuvenate the soul. Situated atop a hill boasts spectacular views of the ocean and incredible star gazing from the expansive back deck.
The interior of this home is bright and comfortable. It is tastefully decorated, and the plentiful light shows off the unique architecture. The bathrooms and kitchen have been fully updated.
I love the private beach which lends long walks along the shoreline.
This home is a perfect destination to get away from it all with style and comfort. It never disappoints.
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Phebe W.
Suwanee, GA