Olana Baydream

Picture yourself entering Olana Baydream by passing through a columned portico (or, in the alternative, using the handicap ramp, a unique feature among Chincoteague's five-star luxury properties). As you enter the house, the sun's sparkling diamond-like reflections on Chincoteague Bay delight your eyes through a glass-walled vestibule, introducing you to the dynamic engagement of the house with the water. Surveying the first floor, you applaud the fact that the entire first floor, inside and out, is HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE.

As you enter the heart of Olana, the Great Room with living and dining areas and a spacious galley kitchen, you marvel as, from each space, you are enjoying the magnificent views of Chincoteague Bay as you foresee its legendary sunset and view an abundance of diverse wildlife all of which appear through a window bay, eight feet high and twelve feet across. As if that weren't enough of a focal point, you spy the wood-burning fireplace on a raised antique brick hearth. Scanning this area, you observe: the library shelves, baskets and cabinets that contain a wealth of books; a digital satellite TV system with VCR, CD and DVD-playing capabilities; an iPod player; a queen sleep sofa; beautiful artwork throughout created mostly by local artists; and, embracing the room on three sides, an inviting upper level balcony/loft containing an office area with large and small desks, a reading/relaxing area with comfortable chairs and more books on a variety of topics.

You notice that the dining area is the perfect place for seated dinners of up to twelve and, gazing around, that informal social gatherings for large groups are easily accommodated by additional spaces - the Game Room, the screened porch and the decks.

A deluxe vacation home's kitchen should be at once convenient and part of the fun, and you recognize that the large galley kitchen is all of that. It affords not only a sweeping view of the Bay to make cooking pleasurable but also an easy connection to the dining and living areas, flexible circulation and plenty of storage. You note that it is completely stocked with large and small appliances (even a food processor and bagel toaster), cookware, tableware, glassware, and spices -- almost everything you may need for even a large party.

Down the hall, you encounter the Game Room. Opening onto a waterfront deck, it is a wonderful amenity for families with children of all ages who will find this private space very inviting. This room has its own: regulation-size pool table; air hockey table; 42-inch satellite HDTV with independently programmable features plus DVR; a DVD player; a game table; games and puzzles; many more books; lounge seating; a queen sleep sofa; and a full bath.

You are intrigued by Olana Baydream's 3 very private sleeping areas: the first and second floors' master bedroom suites with private baths and balconies and the separate second floor wing consisting of two bedrooms with private baths and a balcony or deck access meaning that several groups can enjoy being together, yet have their own spaces and privacy.

As you wander around outside, you notice several extended outdoor living areas including: an unusually large screened porch centrally located from the front to the rear of the house; an adjacent sun deck with a gas grill; and inviting upper level observation and sun decks. Above the rooftop, you are particularly captivated by the Chincoteague ponies dotting the landscape that you see from the sky deck, which provides 360° views from Chincoteague Bay to Assateague Island and, at night, magical star-gazing opportunities.

You stroll down the dock toward the Bay passing your tied-up kayak, canoe and skiff while you watch a Great Blue Heron fishing for his dinner, crabs crawling along the bottom of the Bay and an Eagle or, perhaps, a Peregrine Falcon soaring high above. From the dock's reversible bench, you settle in and feel a gentle breeze blowing against your cheek and, as you sip your wine, you watch a glorious sunset, knowing that you will return here tomorrow morning to reverse the back of the bench and watch the sun rise from the same spot. You feel at one with nature.

For reservations: Call Island Property at 1-757-336-3456 or toll free 1-800-346-2559; email islandp2@islandprop.com; or visit website www.islandprop.com.

The prime season rate, Memorial Day to Labor Day, is $3,300 a week. Call Island Property for spring and fall rates and/or to discuss special needs or circumstances. Also, see Olana Baydream II for off-season availability and rates with fewer bedrooms and lower costs.