Trade Winds
 
295 King Philip Rd., Wellfleet
 

Wellfleet has more to talk about, mile for mile, than just about anyplace else I can think of.   It is much more than just miles of sandy bay and ocean beaches.   Explored by the Pilgrims before they settled in Plymouth and later explored by smugglers and rum-runners, Wellfleet was the site of the first transAtlantic telegraph message and is still known world-wide for its famous oysters.  And sitting literally right on the edge of a chunk of Wellfleet's history is this special summer home.   It is located on the eastern shoreline of Indian Neck, an arm of land which juts out into Wellfleet Bay forming and sheltering Blackfish Creek, once the maritime passageway to the South Wellfleet harbor.  From its many decks, one can see nearly all the way to the once bustling little port where merchants and traders docked and came ashore to sell their wares and exchange news at the old inn where the South Wellfleet General Store now stands.  No longer a viable waterway for even the most shallow-hulled sloops and packets, this unheralded little cove with its moored sailboats and pleasurecraft is now partially surrounded by town-owned conservation land.  At high tide, this inlet presents itself almost as it was in its maritime heyday.   With the water lapping gently against the shore behind the cottage, you can almost believe that you're waterfront...but there's an owners' association beach just down the road with a sandy bottom and the camaraderie of the neighborhood gathering spot. Given the beauty of the location, you might not want to spend much time indoors, but the casual comfort and bright open space of this upside-down cottage will provide a needed respite from sun and outdoor activity.  Both stories of the cottage are fully above ground. The first floor has three bedrooms, two with decks so the salt breezes can cool you, and offering a taste of the water view upstairs.  There are also a full bath and a convenient laundry closet.  On the second floor, the tree-top living area commands a panoramic view of Blackfish Creek, and a large deck off the dining area/kitchen means many a meal under the sun or stars. This four bedroom cottage will work well for two families with a parent-type bedroom and bath on each floor.  The maximum occupancy is 8.   It has satellite TV, laundry, many small extras to make it comfortable, and opening the doors to the decks provides sea-conditioned air.   It shares access both to the neighborhood beach and to an association-owned tennis court nearby, just the place for kids to have their first lessons from mom or dad.