Set on its own peninsula overlooking Buttermilk Bay, this landmark waterfront residence offers an extraordinary 485 feet of direct water frontage and vibrant views in every direction. With water visible from nearly every window, the home captures the beauty, light, and that define life on the Cape. The front garden welcomes you with mature plantings and picturesque arches that create a peaceful and inviting approach. Inside, the home blends Mediterranean architectural character with thoughtful modern updates, offering generous space for entertaining while maintaining the warmth and charm of a classic villa. Bay views greet you immediately and continue to unfold as you move through the living spaces and into the sunroom with panoramic views over the large yard. The main living areas are designed to bring the outdoors in, filling the home with natural light. Upstairs the bedrooms enjoy western exposure, offering serene sunset views over the water at the end of each day.
Upper Cape, located between Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay, is a coastal and village-centered Falmouth neighborhood with saltwater inlets and piney conservation land. The neighborhood’s character concentrates around Main Street in Woods Hole, where ferry docks, marine labs, and compact storefronts set a working-harbor rhythm. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Woods Hole Science Aquarium act as cultural anchors, with The Knob adding a quiet shoreline counterpoint. Architecture leans toward shingled Cape cottages and weathered harbor-side buildings, with bikeable lanes linking beaches and ponds. Days track tides, ferry schedules, and the Shining Sea Bikeway’s steady flow. Small marinas and pocket parks keep the landscape open and maritime.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Market insights
56 Rip Van Winkle Way · $1,950,000
DAYS ON MARKET
452 days
The average home goes pending in 24 days.
SALE-TO-LIST
98.8%
Most homes are selling 1% below list price.
LIST PRICE
$1,950,000
Median list price in this area is $875,000. (55% lower than this home)
PRICE DROP
2 price drops
23% of homes in this area have had a price drop in the past month.
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Dining
Interior features
Ceiling fans throughout
Sun room
Custom built cabinets
Upgraded countertops
Bedrooms
Main-level/first-floor bedrooms (3) with cathedral and beamed ceilings in the primary, ceiling fans, closets; some bedrooms have hardwood flooring and exterior access
Second-floor bedrooms with ceiling fans, closets and hardwood flooring
Bathrooms
Two full bathrooms
One half bathroom
First-floor full bath with ceiling fan and hardwood flooring
Second-floor full bath
Kitchen
Custom built cabinets
Hardwood and wood flooring
Upgraded countertops
Laundry & utility
First-floor laundry with vinyl flooring, upgraded cabinets and countertops, linen closet and utility sink
Washer and dryer included
Flooring
Wood and hardwood flooring
Stone/ceramic tile
Vinyl in laundry
Heating & cooling
Electric baseboard heating
Heating present
Exterior features
Porch, enclosed porch and patio
Outdoor shower
Professional landscaping and garden
Rain gutters
Stone wall
Waterfront access and bay views; private beach ownership and 0–1/10 mile to beach
Navigable water frontage (205 feet)
Home design
Single-family residence
White exterior
Parking
Attached garage (1 car) and 1 covered space
Five open parking spaces (total 6 parking spaces)
Paved driveway and off-street parking
Construction
Frame and stone construction
Shingle and clay roof
Concrete perimeter and slab foundation
Approximately built (year from public records)
Utilities
Public water
Private sewer
220 volt electric
HOA & community
Community amenities include park, walk/jog trails, highway access and marina
Other
Property offered furnished except a specific blue china set in the living room
Has waterview (bay)
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
Waterfront getaway on Cohasset Narrows and Buttermilk Bay. This Mediterranean inspired villa is positioned on a private point to take in views from every room. Even the garage! Each view is unique. The waters in front are full of clams and quahogs. Outdoor cooking area for preparing fresh caught seafood, and a private outdoor shower. With 485 feet of water frontage, and a lush green yard this property is perfect for both entertaining and relaxing. Walking through the front garden with mature plantings, patios, and arches is like entering another world. Fully refreshed in 2012 this home is move in ready. The front door opens up to views of the water greeting you. The kitchen countertops and backsplash tastefully bring the outside in with hints of the red tile roof. The primary bedroom has 18 foot vaulted ceilings and access to the side patio. Overlooking the point the heated solarium has180 degree views of the water. With three bedrooms on the first floor the original house is perfect for first floor living. The addition has a formal living room with sunset views and a gas fireplace. Upstairs are two large bedrooms are private & comfortable with the beds looking out at the water.
MLS PIN #73369737
Apr 13, 2026
Price Changed
$1,950,000
$656/sq ft
Mar 9, 2026
Relisted
—
Feb 7, 2026
Listing Removed
—
Aug 28, 2025
Price Changed
$2,199,000
$740/sq ft
Jun 2, 2025
Relisted
—
May 12, 2025
Contingent
—
May 5, 2025
Listed
$2,300,000
$774/sq ft
CCIMLS #21202965
Sep 17, 2019
Listing Removed
—
Mar 30, 2012
Listed
$695,000
$234/sq ft
CCIMLS #21105571
Sep 18, 2019
Listing Removed
—
Jun 17, 2011
Listed
$749,900
$252/sq ft
CCIMLS #20807001
Sep 20, 2019
Listing Removed
—
Jul 12, 2008
Listed
$998,500
$336/sq ft
MLS PIN #71415842
Nov 30, 2012
Sold
$582,000
$196/sq ft
Oct 14, 2012
Listing Removed
—
Jul 29, 2012
Listed
$660,000
$222/sq ft
CCIMLS #7027821
Dec 8, 1997
Sold
$280,000
$94/sq ft
Mar 18, 1997
Listed
$350,000
$118/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2023
$8,943 (+5.3%)
$416,500 + $598,600
$1,015,100
2022
$8,490 (+2.9%)
$368,600 + $472,800
$841,400
2021
$8,248 (+2.7%)
$335,400 + $430,400
$765,800
2020
$8,035 (+5.5%)
$332,200 + $415,900
$748,100
2019
$7,616 (+13.8%)
$332,200 + $392,400
$724,600
2018
$6,695 (+1.0%)
$316,500 + $318,700
$635,200
2017
$6,630 (+16.1%)
$344,800 + $298,900
$643,700
2016
$5,713 (+0.9%)
$344,800 + $217,500
$562,300
2015
$5,662
$344,800 + $217,500
$562,300
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Beds
5
Baths
2.5
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
0.51 Acres
Year renovated
2000
Finished Sq. Ft.
2,772
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
2,772
Year built
1939
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Barnstable County
APN
2183474
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 19, 2023.
R40
Residential District
To ensure continuance of a residential environment, with any development carefully related to environmental capacities and existing character
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Greenhouse / nursery
Housing-Single unit
Housing-Multiple units
Climate risks
6/10 Flood Factor
Estimated 17-25% chance of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
4/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 93° expected this year, 16 days in 30 years
8/10 Wind Factor
80% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
3/10 Air Factor
2 unhealthy days expected this year, 3 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Bourne, MA • 02532
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
35
23
36
23
46
34
55
42
64
52
75
62
79
68
77
62
72
59
62
48
53
38
41
28
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
87/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
10.1 hrs
6 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 56 Rip Van Winkle Way
$1,757,284
$193K under list price of $1.95M
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $555K to $1.7M.