Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great place for conversing and actually interacting

Guest: Faithnofear (Bozeman)
Date of Stay: 10/28/11 Review Submitted: 11/08/11

Went with six friends to go Mt. Biking at Moran. The house had plenty of room and was conducive to visiting in the living room, eating all together at the dining room table and playing games. It was very cozy and comfortable and had deer in the front yard eating apples every morning. The view of the water and the cascades was beautiful out the living, dining and master bedroom. Only downside was the water was much further away then what it appeared in the pictures. If you are looking for somewhere it all new this probably is not the place for you, but if you are lookiing for charm and character it is the perfect spot. The only other downside was the beds, not comfortable at all. The Owner, Katie was extremeley responsive and helpful and I have not had the same experience with other home owners.

Owner response:Thank you for the great review! We are replacing beds early next year. You are the first person to say they weren't comfortable, so it must be time! I was surprised that you were surprised about the proximity of the home to the water. We reviewed our description and it is accurately described there. It says the water is 100 yards from the property and the home is on almost an acre. The numerous photos on the shutterfly site really help too. Again, I am glad you had such a good time connecting with friends and really appreciate your taking time to share your thoughts. Please come back and enjoy the new beds, and updated downstairs bath! Kati

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, sightseeing.

3 generations from CA

Guest: maiken (Seaside CA)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11 Review Submitted: 06/23/11

Grammy,Grandpa,daughter,son in law and and our twin grand daughters (11) just spend a week at your lovely house and it was all we dreamed of and more.The property is beautyfull,the house very comfortable and the view stunning.We went kayaking,sightseeing,shopping,hiking.Visited restaurants,farms and neighbors.We used our binoculars constantly and were rewarded with sights never seen before :Bald eagles.We saw deers,a bambi,lamas,austriches cows,horses,lams,sheep,fish and more birds than we knew existed.It was magic and it did not hurt that the weater was magnificent too.We made some lasting memories and our heartfelt thanks for sharing your " piece of paradise on earth".

Owner response:Thank you for your fabulous review. We love to share our paradise. It sounds like Dr. Doolittle would be jealous of the fun you had!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect in April

Guest: Dinah Y. (Arkansas)
Date of Stay: 04/10/11 Review Submitted: 04/21/11

We just spent five days on Orcas Island in this wonderful house. My husband and I concurred that this was our best vacation ever. Islanders were very friendly, weather was great for hiking and walking on the beach and the house was extremely comfortable. The vegetation on Orcas is lush and green. Mt. Constitution is a thrill! We spent a day on Lopez and a day on San Juan via the ferry. Everywhere you go the setting is picturesque. We will definately return to Orcas and hopefully to the Zingarelli's bungalow.

Owner response:I love the home in the spring more than any other time there! I am glad you could experience the islands in their glory! We look forward to your return!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect for family gathering

Guest: Barb (Asheville, NC)
Date of Stay: 04/02/11 Review Submitted: 04/18/11

Described in other reviews as homey, we realized that it was perfect for our 3 generational family gathering because it was not "perfect." Everyone felt at home, with ample bedroom space, a large dining area, an exceedingly comfortable living room, and a beautiful view. Children explored the beach, siblings cooked large family meals, individuals hid out and read, and groups sat around and gabbed. It had everything that had been advertised, was well stocked with linens, towels, pots/pans and spices, and enough chairs and seating arrangements. The house is affordable and unpretentious. The beach can be difficult for fast walkers because it is rocky rather than sandy, but the children loved looking for fascinating rocks and sturdy shells. This was not a high-end beach house, and was therefore ideal for our particular group.

Owner response:Thank you for your review! We love the concept of a "Barefoot Home" and strive for that feel. We noticed the vacation rental options in the islands offered plenty of "high end" homes for folks with big wallets. We were very clear when we bought the place that we wanted it to remind people of simpler times; to be comfortable, not precious or pretentious, so that even people on a budget (like us!) could create wonderful family memories in a relaxed setting. We hope you join the many familes that return each year!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway.

One Of The Best!!

Guest: Cliffy (Camano Island, WA)
Date of Stay: 02/18/11 Review Submitted: 02/22/11

Over the past several years we have rented about 15 or so houses, condos and cabins in several states for various gatherings and family reunions. This house is among the tops... hands down! Cozy and charming, this home allowed a group of old friends to thoroughly enjoy a long Presidents Day weekend. Well appointed, lots of room, a wood stove, and a commanding view of Mt. Baker. Eagles can often be seen circling for prey. A wonderful beach offers much for the beachcomber. We'll be back!

Owner response:Thanks Cliff, glad you enjoyed the home. You are welcome back any time! Kati

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, sightseeing.

Orcas Memorial Day

Guest: Seattleweekender (seattle, wa)
Date of Stay: 05/28/10 Review Submitted: 06/08/10

Great house overall. The owners were very easy to communicate with in the weeks leading up to the trip, and answered all questions. They even faciliated a quick turnaround from the prior guests so we could get into the house in time for toddlers' naps. The house is very family friendly with a gate available to block stairs. Plenty of board games, books and music available, and we used the grill every night! We wish the weather would have cooperated for a fire in the pit, but we still enjoyed the spacious front yard. It was an easy walk to a secluded beach. This place is definitely not "modern" in its furnishings, but certainly very comfortable and cozy, and we had no maintenance issues. It was very reasonably priced, better than a lot of "cabins" at nearby resorts. Reminded us of the old cottages in Northern Wisconsin of our youth. We would definitely go back.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Betsy Holzgraf (Milwaukie, OR)
Date of Stay: 01/13/10 Review Submitted: 01/13/10

A perfect house for our family reunion. Seven of us gathered from Portland, Seattle and Boston. The warm "cabiny" feel made us want to sit, visit, play games around the large dining room table, rock on the front porch, swing in the yard, and gaze at the view of water and Mt. Baker. A short walk to the beach for rock hounding and strolling made the location lovely. We biked from there into Eastsound and around the island. It felt like home when we returned from the day's activities. The nights were quiet as we fell tired into bed. A good spot for a larger group.

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Guest: New Year's Guests Bill and Carol (Illinois)
Date of Stay: 12/27/09 Review Submitted: 03/24/10

Wonderful week! Loved the many moods of Mt. Baker and the glorious view. We love the hous and the island and are grateful for our time here!

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Guest: December Guest Martha (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 12/05/09 Review Submitted: 03/24/10

"Thank you so much for sharing your absolutely beautiful place. My two friends and I have been planning a getaway weekend for over 10 years. This place is perfect for a friends getaway. We stayed warm talking in your cozy house when the wind was howling and the temerature was down below 30 degrees. We had a great walk and saw an eagle up close in the brambles down the road. And had great dinners in Orcas East Sound. And the view is just amazing. A site for sosre eyes!

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Guest: Happy Thanksgiving! Kathy and Pat (Sea,,Argentina
Date of Stay: 11/22/09 Review Submitted: 03/24/10

What a great place to share wiht your loved ones!! Sitting here now at the table lookin out the window-sipping coffee is a true joy of life. We had a wonderful time even with all the different elements fo weather. Your home is so cozy and warm. We are so thankful my daughter found this great place.

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Guest: Carter's (Las Vegas, NV)
Date of Stay: 09/16/09 Review Submitted: 09/16/09

We stayed for a week with our two children and can't even begin to express what an amazing time we had. Our children loved the yard, swing and running down to the beach. They even made friends with the neighborhood kids! Kati and Bill made us feel at home and clued us in on all the secrets, especially the best place for the crab pots! We will definately be back! Thanks for a fantastic vacation! The Carters

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Guest: Boaters Penny and Bruce
Date of Stay: 08/15/09 Review Submitted: 03/24/10

We had a very enjoyable time. The weather was perfect-lots of sun and fun. This was our first time here and it couldn't have been better. Went fishing and put crab pots, hiking and just general hanging out. We want to book the same dates for next year!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/08 Review Submitted: 12/22/08

We really enjoyed our month stay at the beach house. What a wonderful place to stay and just relax! Kati & Bill are really nice people. Thanks again and we hope to be back soon.

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Guest: Stenzil
Date of Stay: 08/25/07 Review Submitted: 08/24/07

From the guestbook: "Our extended family of 7 has had a fabulous week on Orcas Island! The weather was outstanding, the scenery was breath-taking. We so enjoyed exploring this beautiful place by day and returning to such a well-equipped, cozy house each night. The house couldn't be more beautifully situated-the view of the mountains across the water is truly magnificent. We saw an amazing moon rise last night which reflected off of the water. Thanks for offering this great place as a rental-we absolutely loved our time here!

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Guest: Weisbach
Date of Stay: 08/25/07 Review Submitted: 08/24/07

From the guestbook: "Thank you for sharing this comfy, friendly blue house with guests. It was a perfect place for a family reunion and vacation. We came by plane, car, boat and ferry from Portland, Seattle and Bellingham. Four other members of our extended family (Seattle and Lexington, Mass.) rented a second house on Orcas Is.-about 10-minute drive. Highlights for me: 1) The porch with a view! Wow! 2) Boat trip (boston whaler) to Sucia Isl. Hike, sandy beach, rock crabs and a huge starfish caught in a crab pot by captain Mike, seals, seabirds, dolphins. 3) Dinner at Christina's 4) Hike around Mountain lake 5) S'mores over the campfire pit in the yard. 6) Watching the birds 7) Watching our kids and grandkids at play.

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Guest: Smith
Date of Stay: 08/25/07 Review Submitted: 08/24/07

From the guest book: "Our family with 3 month old twins and a 4 year old felt so very comfortable and welcome here. A beautiful setting! We are grateful to have found and enjoyed your lovely home. Many thanks."

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Guest: Julie
Date of Stay: 08/04/07 Review Submitted: 08/03/07

From the Guestbook: Hi Kati, Thank you for a wonderful 3 nights at your home. It was absolutely perfect. The sun came out, and we enjoyed time swimming in the lakes, kyaking in Eastsound, skipping stones on the beach, making s'mores at the firepit, and other great activities. Orcas was a true highlight on our trip through 3 states and British Columbia. Thanks for sharing it with us. Julie

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Guest: Kristin
Date of Stay: 08/04/07 Review Submitted: 08/03/07

From the Guestbook: We really enjoyed our stay at your home. It is beautiful and looks like plans to make it even more beautiful. The color is fantastic. We really appreciated the time to have our families together and will look forward to staying there again. I hope you will find that we took good care of it! We loved the configuration of the rooms upstairs and marvelled at the sound proofness of the whole thing. The baby loved the little nook in the master bedroom and pretty much slept the whole vacation - not an easy feat for this little one! Truly a wonderful vacation - I sort of have a curse for picking rainy weeks, so maybe I'll have you choose for us next year! Thanks for sharing your treasure with us. Kristin

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Guest: Priya
Date of Stay: 08/04/07 Review Submitted: 08/03/07

From the Guestbook: Hi Kati, We had a wonderful weekend there and definitely would recommend the place to more of our friends. Also appreciate your availability during our entire stay to clarify our questions. The view was just picture perfect from the dining and family room windows. I loved sitting there and drinking a cup of hot steaming coffee. Much thanks Priya

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Guest: Joe
Date of Stay: 08/04/07 Review Submitted: 08/03/07

From an EMAIL: Hi Kati, We did make it off the Island on Monday. We got to the ferry terminal around 10:30am and caught the 4:30pm boat. We had a terrific time. The place was wonderful and exactly what we needed for the long weekend. We are thinking about coming back again next year. Thank you again for you hospitality and for letting us rent your house.

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Guest: Howard
Date of Stay: 08/04/07 Review Submitted: 08/03/07

From the Guestbook: Our guests, family and friends, were amazed that I was able to find a place with such a spectacular setting. My brother, who has lived on Orcas for some years now, was an able guide and made sure we found everything we needed. The local oysters were great, and as I mentioned in your log book Nick Jones sells wonderful grass-fed beef and salmon at the local farmer's market. All and all the time flew by and we had a wonderful time. Thanks, Howard

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/26/07

Hey Kati and Bill, we had such a fun time with you guys this weekend! What a nice house! I am so glad you decided to get it! What a fun time with all the family, and thanks for opening up the house for all of us! I got to drive the boat, remember? Thanks for a fun time this entire weekend! I can't wait to see the family again!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/14/07

What a fabulous place!! Our first visit to Orcas Island and for sure not our last. And when we do make it back this is the beach home we will be wanting to stay at. Great location, beach was as private as it gets, great warm comfortable home with a classic wood stove, great kitchen and everything you could ever need. Great BBQ too! High speed internet access was nice to have. Incredible views of Mt. Baker. I could go on. Homeowners are great and were very accesible. You could tell they were genuinely concerned with our overall satisfaction. You will be very happy staying here!

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