Farm Neck Golf Course, Martha's Vineyard, MA.
Recent 2010 census results showing significant population growth on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket highlight that the southeast coast of Massachusetts is evolving from a summer-only haven to a desirable year-round location.
Helping spur the growth are golf and waterview communities that offer world-class golf facilities and the lure of the timeless beauty of the coastal areas, Cape Cod and the islands.
I have visited a number of communities in this area and found they range widely in price and amenities. A few to consider are described below. One of them, Bay Club, I visited via sail boat from Vineyard Sound and Buzzard's Bay, which was a fun way to arrive. Let me know if you have a community to recommend.
The Residences at Black Rock, Hingham
The Residences at Black Rock is a 357-acre landmark community 20 miles south of Boston. Wooded hollows, granite cliffs and the meandering Plymouth River frame a boldly designed golf course, creating a four-season panorama of rare beauty.
The privately owned and operated Black Rock Country Club gives residents access to a generous array of activities, including paths for walking, jogging, or biking. The club features two outdoor swimming pools with separate areas for adults and children, plus a full-service health and fitness center, plus five tennis courts, two paddle tennis courts, opulent dining spaces, plus casual, comfortable areas for socializing.
Upon completion, Black Rock will consist of 138 single-family and attached cottage-style residences, 86 of which sold between 2003 and 2009. Single-family homes are available from $950,000. Request more information.
The Villages at Brookside, Bourne
Nestled within the Brookside Golf Course, The Villages at Brookside is optimally situated in Bourne--the entrance to Cape Cod--and near shopping, beaches, and fine dining. The 18-hole, 6,300-yard Brookside course was designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan and John Sandford, Jr. A scenic, breeze-swept course, it is carved out of natural woodland that rolls toward Buzzard's Bay with a 5,000-square foot clubhouse that overlooks the closing hole and the great bay beyond.
Many townhomes have views spanning across the Brookside Golf Course, with two-thirds of the homes located directly adjacent to fairways. On-site amenities include a village green, resort-style swimming pool and putting green. Homes with walkout basements start at $350,000 and townhomes begin at $345,00. Request more information.
Willowbend Country Club, Mashpee
With an award-winning championship golf course, world-class tennis courts, Olympic-sized pool, state of the art fitness facility and spa, and gourmet dining, Willowbend is one of Cape Cod's most prestigious and complete private communities.
The 27-hole championship golf courses by Michael Hurdzan and Bruce Besse, Jr. comprise five different 18-hole routings and are complemented by a practice facility with oversized driving range, grass hitting area, six targets, two practice bunkers, large putting green and separate chipping area. Members gather in a 46,000-square-foot clubhouse for gourmet dining or lunch and conversation in the Grille Room.
Lots with fine views begin at from $269,000. One-bedroom and two-bed room villa condos in walking distance to all amenities range from $275,000 and two-bedroom townhomes start at 375,000. Estate homes on prime homesites begin at $730,000. Request more information.
The Bay Club at Mattapoisett, MA.
The Bay Club, Mattapoissett
The Bay Club at Mattapoisett is a private golf and lifestyle community on 625 rolling wooded acres just a mile from the shores of Buzzard's Bay (close to Cape Cod). Member-owned, the club is built around a Brad Faxon-Brad Booth championship golf course and also features racquet sports, gourmet dining and many other athletic and cultural pursuits all within its gates.
The club’s Sports and Activities Center, opened in 2005, is a 10,000-square-foot facility with a year-round fitness center, aerobics room, locker rooms with steam. four Har-Tru (Hydro) tennis courts, plus two platform tennis courts, a junior-Olympic size swimming pool with zero-depth walk-in and much more.
Choice homesites available, ranging from 15,000 to 44,065 square feet, and are priced from $250,000-$790,000. Request more information.
On Martha's Vineyard
Edgartown Residence Club, Edgartown
Located in the heart of historic Edgartown, The Edgartown Residence Club offers beautifully appointed one and two-bedroom condominium suites with all amenities. With only six residences, ownership is limited to 72 owner families.
One of the key benefits of ownership is that you are free of the traditional chores of home ownership and can enjoy your vacation the way it is supposed to be. Everything is taken care of, right down to having a car provided on-island so you don’t have to worry about automobile reservations for the island ferry.
From the window of your condominium you can look out onto Edgartown harbor, a seaside refuge in its days as a port for whaling ships in the 1800s and now home to white sandy beaches, elegant shops and sailing regattas. Club unit owners can reserve 21 days of planned vacations per year with additional vacation days on a space-available basis. You can also participate in the rental management program with 75% remittance to you as the owner. Units are priced from $100,000 to $290,000. Request more information.
Farm Neck Golf Club, Oak Bluffs
Farm Neck Estates is a neighborhood of wonderfully situated residences in the historic Martha's Vineyard town of Oak Bluffs. The group of homes borders a beloved Vineyard golf course favored by U.S. presidents and traveling golfers of all skill levels. Designed by the dean of New England golf course architects, Geoffrey Cornish, the championship course at Farm Neck may be most famous for hosting both President Barack Obama and President Bill Clinton.
The Farm Neck club community—the golf course and adjoining cluster of homes—rests on a peninsula of rolling farmland on the eastern side of the Island, overlooking Nantucket Sound. The golfer enjoys wonderful views while take advantage of practice facilities, golf shop and full golf programs, plus four outdoor Har-Tru courts, a complete tennis program and the Farm Neck Café which overlooks the first tee.
Single-family homes are available at Farm Neck from $2.3 million to $4.5 million. Non-members can begin play at the course on April 8 for just $68 for 18 holes with cart. Island-wide, homes are priced from $350,000 to $17.5 million. And of course, ask about the popular summer rentals. There's no place like the Vineyard in summer. Request more information.