Beyond the stone pillar at the entrance to Chapoquoit Island, the bustle of city life and tourist throngs begins to vanish as the road winds toward this classically charming getaway on the banks of West Falmouth Harbor. At the end of a long drive lined with mature trees and shrubs, the Cape-style residence is set on nearly an acre and enveloped by tall flowering plants and green lawn that rolls toward the water. The home's ideal position makes the most of the setting, allowing for appreciation of water views from every wing. This is the place for living the inimitable ''Chappy Island'' life. The idyllic backyard is a perfect spot for watching sailing lessons from Adirondack chairs and enjoying the abundant wildliferabbits, squirrels, deer, ducks, swans, seals, foxes, gulls, and ospreythat visit the property. The estate's sizeable private year-round deepwater dock is suitable for all manner of water sports and activities. Thanks to an enviable location on the east side of Buzzards Bay, the waters are smooth, the breezes reliable, and the fishing easy. The natural harbor landscaping offers protection from ocean weather. The secure island community is a short walk, row, or sail from the general store and the post office, and the local ice cream boat sails right by the backyard dock. Residents enjoy access to two private association beachesone on the ocean, one on the sheltered waters of the harborpiers on Buzzards Bay and West Falmouth Harbor, a tennis and pickle ball court, an association barn, and the community's annual clambake. The property is also mere minutes from the Chapoquoit Yacht Club, which has drawn sailors young and old for more than a century.

A timeless shingled facade with dormer windows and a shady covered front porch introduces the iconic style that pervades the 4,467-square-foot residence. Highlights include four bedrooms, five full baths, and a variety of traditional spaces for day-to-day living and festive entertaining, all unfolding in an easy flow. The hallmark, however, is the observation tower, a perfect perch for reveling in glorious views of the water, the verdant surroundings, and Fourth of July fireworks.

The welcoming foyer gives way to a window-lined living room with a corner fireplace and views of racing sailboats, rowers, and windsurfers; the formal dining room; and a kitchen with granite countertops, a peninsula offering counter seating, and a windowed breakfast area with a buffet. Two offices, a powder room, and a discreet laundry room are nearby. Off the living room is a delightful wraparound deck gazing out toward the water. Further off are a family room with a pitched beamed ceiling, skylights, a built-in media cabinet, and a brick fireplace and an adjoining wood-paneled sunroom that opens to a deck and the grounds through sliding glass doors. All of the home's peaceful bedrooms are carpeted; two include en suite baths; one has a balcony overlooking the lawn and water; and two others share closet space and a bath in the hall. From the sitting room loft that overlooks the living room, carpeted stairs lead to the tower room, a sun-flooded living space with abundant windows and a full panorama. An office with wide, bright windows; an area of counters and cabinets; and a powder bath is tucked above the two-car garage.