Imagine waking up to the sun as it rises over Nantucket Sound or spending lazy afternoons wading through the shallow, lilting seaside ponds that line Cape Cod. Now think of the hours of fun that can be had in a single-masted catboat while rounding the untouched Sampsons Island Sanctuary or exploring the centuries-old landmarks along Cotuit Bay. Now, just as easily as such relaxing scenes can be envisioned, they can be lived by the inhabitants of Osterville, Massachusetts. One of the seven villages that make up the Cape Cod town of Barnstable, Osterville and its numerous bays, coves, beaches, and islands are strategically located amid many of New England's most storied sights, including perfectly preserved sailing and, as the name implies, oystering settlements that can be traced back to colonial times. Its Crosby Boat Pond, in fact, served as the home port for many of John F. Kennedy's oft-photographed sailing adventures, while Osterville's oceanfront estates are some of the most valued in the nation. With multiple country, social, and yachting clubs, this modestly sized community of approximately 3,500 individuals also offers all the traditional upscale fare and culture that is expected of both Barnstable and the greater Cape Cod area. Combining comfort, privacy, and the perpetually changing beauty of the sea, Osterville is a dream come true for any yachtsman or beachcomber.