Christmas By The Water At These 3 Martha's Vineyard Homes

MARTHA'S VINEYARD — Winter is here, which, for residents of New England, means that more nights are spent at home with the sun gone by 4:30 p.m.

It also means that the holidays are here, which brings opportunities for family and friends to gather around the dinner table and fireplace.

It also likely means that your real estate searches are growing, specifically looking for homes that you picture as your future hosting quarters.

With our weekly home columns during December, we'll look to a few notable markets in Massachusetts to help in that search — or maybe daydreaming.

For the weekend before Christmas, envision yourself inside these three Martha's Vineyard homes:

60 Bartimus Luce Rd., West Tisbury, Mass.

One of the most expensive — and breathtaking — homes on the Vineyard is this one at 60 Bartimus Luce Rd.

A listing explains:

"This North Shore beachfront estate represents one of the most breathtaking properties in all of NE. The newly built home was created on a 3.3-acre parcel of land, surrounded by specimen trees, rolling grassy meadows and is highly situated on a stable bank overlooking nearly 250 ft of sandy beach. The entrance to the home leads across enormous granite steppingstones bridging over expansive reflection ponds with two waterfalls cascading to a lower-level pond. The entry way welcomes one to open and dramatic living spaces with 10 ft ceilings and large expanses of glass facing Vineyard Sound and the surrounding landscape. In the main residence, each of the 5 bedroom suites have unique features and connect with the beauty of the outdoors. The lower level includes a state of the art wine cellar, entertainment room, media room, gym and sauna. The glass circular staircase leads to a roof top pool which is surrounded by expansive decks and gardens and offers what is arguably the best place one could choose to watch the sunset each evening.Complimenting the property is a detached accessory building with two rooms & 2 FB. A weathered stone staircase providing easy access to the beach."

41 Hidden Village Rd., West Tisbury, Mass.

High on a hill embedded in mature trees, this Hidden Village Road home just feels like the holidays.

A listing reads:

"Located just off Lambert's Cove Road, this light filled contemporary is perfectly situated high on a hill amidst mature trees and is just a short distance to Lambert's Cove beach. A sun filled interior with walls of glass and soaring ceilings features open dining room, kitchen layout and spacious living room with adjoining solarium and fireplace. Three large bedrooms plus office/den and third floor bonus room. The large outdoor deck offers a tranquil respite. Many major recent improvements include new roof, new HVAC system, new windows, exterior shingles, paint inside and out and refinished oak floors. This home is move in ready to enjoy today!"

67 Hidden Village Rd., West Tisbury, Mass.

This country property easily could have been used in a Hallmark movie.

A listing reads:

"This Sophisticated Country Property offers a beautifully appointed 7 Bedroom 5.5 Bath Main House on 3 Levels and a 1 Bedroom Two floor Guest House with several living areas on 4.6 rolling acres. Lovely mahogany front porch. Gourmet Kitchen with outdoor deck seating, rear mahogany deck runs along the back of the house with beautiful views of the spacious backyard lawn area surrounded by mature trees, guest house, and lovely lotus pond. Full library/media room, recreation room with bar/entertainment area. High ceilings throughout. The grounds are gorgeous and lush in season. Mature plantings. Irrigation. Remarkable residential compound with the ambiance for retreats or events. Full open 40x42x30 Barn built in 2014. Corrals for alpacas, sheep & goats. Ducks and beautiful birds inhabit this sanctuary-like compound. Mature trees and plantings. 8 Bedroom Title V Septic in place. Primary heat is a new (2014) efficient electric heat pump, radiant heat on the 2nd floor, and oil/fhw system."