Barbie Dreamhouse Goes Gothic in Martha’s Vineyard
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When searching the world for our Extraordinary Investments series, we’re looking for a listing that is truly unique, in a fabulous destination, and worthy of going viral on social media. These criteria will ensure that as an investment property, the home will stay booked throughout the year — hopefully months, even years in advance. Given that everything Barbie is going viral right now, this candy-pink Martha’s Vinyard’s cottage checks all three boxes. But will this Gothic Barbie Dreamhouse stand the test of time when #Barbiecore is out?
Heck yes, it will! This historic, Gothic-style charmer will never go out of style. Its blazing pink color and lacey detail will leap off the screen. Who wants greige when you can have PINK? People will book stays in this home for its insta-worthiness alone — and we haven’t even gotten to its incredible location.
Barbie Needs a Lock-And-Leave Beach House
Built in 1870, this adorable cottage is part of the coveted neighborhood of Oak Bluff on Martha’s Vineyard. It is steps from historic Trinity Park and a short walk to Oak Bluff Harbor and the beach. Tourists coming to the Vineyard to shop, dine, and relax, will love the opportunity to take in the sights on foot or bicycle. Afterward, they’ll come home in the evening to their own gingerbread cottage.
The home was updated in 2021 with a mini-split system for heating and cooling for year-round comfort and comes fully furnished. So all you have to worry about is a little shopping on the Vineyard to personalize this Barbie cottage to your taste and outfit it for guests. Incredible Gothic doors, stained glass, original oak flooring, and wood ceilings all maintain the historic character of the home.
With two beds, one bath, and just 697 square feet, maintenance is that much easier, and you won’t have to worry about hosting any large groups. There’s a lovely, bricked, private back patio area, so no yard to be maintained either. The front greenery and vines could use some TLC, but that along with some beautiful potted plants on that to-die-for front porch and you’d be in business.
With the milled gingerbread woodwork in the living area, you could go full Gothic (not Goth, ick!) with the decor with some lovely antique pieces (think patterns on patterns, lace, and lots of curlicues), or continue with the more modern seaside theme the current owners have going. I think Barbie and her friends would be at home with either, don’t you? A little Barbie Dreamhouse glam certainly wouldn’t hurt with bookings — not that this landmark home needs the help.
Are Short-Term Rentals a Good Investment on Martha’s Vineyard?
Tourism is big business on Martha’s Vineyard. In 2019, the state raised its tax levy on lodging, and some worried this might hurt the thriving short-term rental business. But as of 2022, the Vineyard Gazette reported that more than 2,650 properties on Martha’s Vineyard had registered as short-term rentals since the tax expansion, generating about $16.5 million in revenue for island towns so far. Considering that most of these properties are not where “townies” choose to live anyway, the considerable income that tourism brings, and the taxes lodging generates, it doesn’t seem likely that they would want to see that go away.
