Private Beach Home at Water's Edge--Enjoy!
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:Yes
This waterfront home at the water's edge on Hale Passage with 180 degree views, looks at majestic Mt. Baker and at night the beautiful lights of Bellingham Bay. Views are spectacular. Watching the sun rise is a 'to be remembered' experience as are the full moons rising. As you walk into this home on the beach with hand-split cedar shakes, you see water everywhere. Bedrooms are furnished with American and English antique furnishings. There is ceramic tile throughout the main floor and radiant heat. A Jøtul stove provides a special warmth on cool nights.
This private home on the beach is tucked against a hillside with easy access to boating, swimming, and beach combing. It is walking distance from the ferry landing--about 1 mile by beach and 1-1/2 miles by road. A regular sight are the seagulls, herons, kingfishers, eagles, seals, sea otter, and deer. At low tide, you have access to an inviting sandy tide flat with clams and crab, tide pools and beach-rock inhabitants. It is a haven to relax; a great place for families and friends.
A short 10-minute ferry ride takes you to rural Lummi Island--a small wooded Island. Lummi has a population of about 900 which probably doubles or triples in the summer months. Day trips can be made to Vancouver BC, Seattle or Mt Baker. You are 20 minutes from shopping in Bellingham, Lynden, and the Canadian border.
There are ten miles of roads for bikers--mostly following the beaches of the Island. For the beach comber there are many treasures--agates, shells, beach glass. It is a great place to relax and read as well--and to just enjoy the views.
Saturdays feature a Saturday market from June through August. You can purchase fresh produce, pastries, and local artists show their wares. There are two restaurants (the Willows is known internationally) and a coffee shop on the Island as well as a general grocery store. Two churches on the Island hold services Sunday mornings--Island Chapel meets at the Lummi Island Grange Hall across the street from the post office and about a block north of the ferry dock.
Keywords: view, beach house, Lummi Island, San Juan Islands, waterfront, cozy, retreat, Whatcom County, Bellingham, vacation home, Puget Sound, relaxing, waterfront, vacation rental
Property Type
- House
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
Bedrooms
- 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8, Beds for 6-8
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Bedroom 3
- Loft
Bathrooms
- 2.0 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
Kitchen & Dining
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
Amenities
- Clothes Dryer
Other Amenities
- Soaking tub for 2 adjacent to the master bedroom suite.
Entertainment
- CD Player
- DVD Player
Communications
Pool & Spa
Outdoor Features
- Outdoor Grill
Location & View
Activities
- Restaurants
- Cycling
- Water Skiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Tennis
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Shopping
- Shelling
- Sight Seeing
- Antiquing
- Fishing
- Snorkeling/Diving
Reviews
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A Magical Place......................
A Magical Place......................
- Guest Denise
- Date of stay 05/17/13
- Review Submitted 05/21/13
This was hands down; the most wonderful family holiday we have ever had! Lummi Island and the Sunrise house were simply fantastic and my two young boys had tears in their eyes when we had to leave. I don't even know how to describe the magic that can happen when everyone lets go of their schedules and electronics and really focuses on eachother and their surroundings. We spent our time beachcombing and skipping stones; playing soccer in the yard, having laughs around the fire, hiking some of the trails on the island, and simply enjoying our time together and slowing down the pace. The house had everything we needed and it was great to go to a place that accomodated our young children; with baby gates, highchair and playpen already there and a safe environment for them to explore.We hope to make Lummi Island our annual May long weekend destination! Thank you so much for giving us this very special moment together,Recommended for: Families with young children, pet owners.
Owner response: We are so pleased to read you enjoyed your stay at Sunrise. Your boys shared in the same experience my kids and grandson had at the beach and me too. It is a magical place! ...starfish, crabs to catch under the rocks, smores, walks on the beach....
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Mother - Daughter vacation
Mother - Daughter vacation
- Guest Liz
- Date of stay 03/22/13
- Review Submitted 05/09/13
We spent a wonderful relaxing week in your house. View was spectacular and set-up of the house was perfect for us. Kitchen was extremely well stocked for any type of dinner we wanted to make. We all hope that we may return. Took some great pictures of Mt. Baker sunrises. Mel & Louise made sure that we had everything we needed. Saw eagles everyday. No whales but did not expect to see any at that time of year. If you want beauty, quiet and comfort, this is the place for you to vacation. Liz & daughtersRecommended for: Families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway.
Owner response: Thank you for your review of your stay at Sunrise. How wonderful to spend time away with your grown daughters. We are glad you found a special place here. We also hope that you can come again. Louise and Mel
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Perfect Beachfront Home
Perfect Beachfront Home
- Guest Ben
- Date of stay 12/29/12
- Review Submitted 01/10/13
After two visits to Sunrise, my family has determined that this home is our regular retreat from our busy, fast-paced lives in the city. Our first visit in Spring 2012 found us playing in the yard and combing beach for clams & starfish with our toddler during the day and sitting for hours on the deck or by the fire pit at night, sipping wine while enjoying the beauty and tranquility of Hale Passage. The house was so great that we booked the property again for the New Year's holiday with additional family. The second visit gave us a beautiful light snowfall, breathtaking sunrises, and stunning views of Mt. Baker and Cascade mountain range. It was the perfect way to ring in 2013. The property itself is a hidden gem of the San Juan Islands. As others have written, the property is a piece of the owners' family history, and their pride in it shows in the property's high-end finishes, beautiful landscaping, meticulous cleanliness, and many "homey" comforts. It is open and spacious, yet cozy; extremely comfortable; perfect for either a romantic getaway or a large family gathering; and in general, extraordinarily relaxing. Additionally, the owners Louise & Mel Kolstad are genuinely nice people. They are wonderfully pleasant and are easily accessible to make sure that your stay at Sunrise is enjoyable and memorable.Recommended for: Families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway.
Owner response: Thank you for your review; it made Mel and me feel good about what we do to keep Sunrise up to our standards. We have shared your experiences as has our family. It is our favorite place.
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Just what the doctor ordered
Just what the doctor ordered
- Guest Huge
- Date of stay 01/02/13
- Review Submitted 01/08/13
The pictures we had looked at online prior to booking Sunrise do not do it justice! The decor of the home, the water view, the walks in the forest all combined to make it an unforgettable experience. Of course the blues skies during the day and moonlight across the water at night didn't hurt either. We really appreciated that Mel & Louise came by shortly after our arrival to introduce themselves and ensure that we were happily settled in.Recommended for: Families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway.
Owner response: Thank you for your review. We saw you walking the road with your dogs--taking advantage of every opportunity to enjoy the Island.
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Uncomparable view, beautiful and spacious home
Uncomparable view, beautiful and spacious home
- Guest Paola
- Date of stay 08/24/12
- Review Submitted 08/31/12
For the last 13 years, my family has vacationed with dear friends in locations across Washington and British Columbia. Sunrise was -- by far -- the most comfortable and beautiful place we have ever stayed. The view is indescribable -- we joked that having Mt. Baker in the distance and the water out front with the sailboats and tugboats going by was like a painting! My husband and I woke up to see sunrise and it was stunning -- the sun came up behind the mountain amidst the sounds of herons and other birds at the shore. It made for an exquisitely tranquil beginning to the day. A note for groups: sometimes they tell you that a home will sleep a certain number and you get there and it is disappointingly cramped. Not so here. Our group numbered eight (and a dog!). We easily fit around the dining table and there was a bed for everyone. The house also features two balconies, a yard, a fire circle seating area, and an extensive area of private waterfront beach. You will not feel cramped here as you sit and read or play. The photos are great but they cannot do this home justice. The owner was communicative from the very beginning. The rental process was very smooth and efficient. The house has been in her family for five generations and that is evident in the personality of the home (lots of family pictures) and in its care. It is beautifully appointed, impeccably clean and comfortable. The yard and beach area are fantastic! They have provided lots of information about what to do on the Island. They live right across the street and are very available. I pondered not writing a review so that we can selfishly keep this gem to ourselves. Ha!Recommended for: Families with young children, families with teenagers, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
Owner response: You sound like family--everything that you mentioned is what we love about Sunrise. It was built by my grandparents in 1945 with some remodeling since. It is a perfect place for those who are daily in the "fast lane" to relax, hear the eagles and sea birds, absorb the sights and smells of the beach and tides, to unwind. Thank you for your review.
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College Grad week w/Family
College Grad week w/Family
- Guest nwnut
- Date of stay 06/07/12
- Review Submitted 06/21/12
We wanted a home and not just a bunch of hotel rooms for our family to come together and celebrate our Daughters WWU graduation. We found sunrise on-line and contacted Louise about coming for a preview and fell in love with the cottage and the view! We signed our contact and paid our deposit rthat day and started making plans for our week @ LUMMI. Everyone was thrilled with the beach combing, ottors, heron, eagles that visited us daily but the best part was when we got a call from Louise telling us there was a Orca sighting on the other side of the island and off we went. We not only got to see the Orcas we got to chat with other Islanders and visiting Islanders about the wonder of Lummi Island thank You Louise and Mel Bonus: I've never seen such a well stock kitchen in a rental and the dishwather was an added bonus.Recommended for: Families with young children, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway.
Owner response: Thank you. If I hear there are Orcas, I try to contact our guests. Fortunately, you responded to the call. Lummi Island is a great place and Sunrise is our special retreat that we are pleased to share.
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Most wonderful getaway
Most wonderful getaway
- Guest Brynn C.
- Date of stay 02/23/12
- Review Submitted 02/27/12
We had the most wonderful getaway at this house. It is literally on the beach, on sweet little Lummi Island. The house is big and open and light filled. There is a water view everywhere you look. It was immaculate and so well organized. The beds were so comfortable. There is a huge tub in the upstairs bathroom looking out over the water. There are 3 bedrooms, all with Queens, and a loft room with bunk beds. We were 3 Moms and 5 kids under 10, and it was great for us. The owners are so attentive and quick with correspondence. Can't wait to go back.Owner response: Thank you; we hope that you will return soon. We are especially pleased to share our special spot on Lummi Island with those who love the beach and salty air. Kids love the beach--and that's where yours were when we met.
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Beautiful Views, Beautiful People
Beautiful Views, Beautiful People
- Guest melissa
- Date of stay 12/31/11
- Review Submitted 01/08/12
Mel and Louise, Thanks for sharing your wonderful home with us. We had such a relaxing (well needed) weekend. We rang in the new year w/ beautiful scenery, caught up on sleep and went for a lovely walk. Both of our sunrises were spectacular—breathtaking! Got to spend our morning watching the heron sit and ponder. We will be back. Thank you Thank you. The listing description was accurate , you actually are more surprised when you get there by its beauty. The property was clean and extremely well maintained. The owners were very helpful in answering questions and concerns. I would recommend this property to friends and relatives (already have) and would recommend taking hikes around the friendly island (everyone waves to you!)Recommended for: Families with young children, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, people with disabilities, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
Owner response: Thank you. Each season brings a new "beauty." The trail hikes are wonderful. I especially enjoy riding my bike around the 7 miles of road with mostly water views--absolutely beautiful! My very favorite is walking the beach looking for shells, beach glass and agates. We hope that you will come again.
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Tranquil waterfront setting with superb view
Tranquil waterfront setting with superb view
- Guest Annie
- Date of stay 12/28/11
- Review Submitted 01/02/12
Very clean and comfortable cottage on the water, thoughtfully outfitted with everything we needed for a relaxing weekend over the winter holidays. We loved the soaking tub with a panoramic view of the bay, and the cozy gas fireplace. The photos are accurate: it's a lovely spot. The owners are friendly and helpful. Our family enjoyed exploring the island and the hike we took, even in drizzly weather. Be sure to wake up in time for the spectacular sunrises!Recommended for: Families with young children, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway.
Owner response: Thank you for your review. We feel good about sharing our beach home when our guests enjoy it as you have.
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Thanksgiving Retreat
Thanksgiving Retreat
- Guest Mare
- Date of stay 11/23/11
- Review Submitted 12/15/11
We spent 4 wonderful nights here for our Thanksgiving weekend with our 2 sons, daughter-in-laws, grandson, and 2 dogs. The home worked out perfectly for us - plenty of room, very warm, up-to-date appliances, and windows everywhere to enjoy the view of the water and cascades with Mt. Baker peeking out every once in awhile. The owners are very nice and helpful. They even supplied a roasting pan and meat thermometer for our turkey. We were lucky to be here for a minus tide and were outside on the beach every night with flashlights to observe the various sea life. One night my son and I walked all the way to the ferry dock and back. The island has a lot to offer, we hiked up a mountain, through a preserve, along the Church beach, spent one evening at the cafe to hear some local musicians, and visited the glass and pottery studios. This is a wonderful home to spend a vacation with your family.Recommended for: Families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+.
Owner response: Thank you for your review and your willingness to send it two times so it would be posted. Your family took good advantage of all your time here. In the winter we try to get out on the low tide flats at night too--there is another at Christmas. Come back--it is wonderful in the summer too!
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Rates
Summer rate, June 22-Sept 7: $245/nt (7 nt min.) $1715/week OR $290/nt (3 nt min.) Winter rate, Sept 8-June 1: $140/nt (7 nt min.) $1980/week OR $190/nt (2 nt min.) Shoulder rate, June 1-June 21: $190/nt (7 nt min.) $1330/wk OR $230/nt (2 nt min.) Higher rates charged for holidays. Refunds are available if home can be rented during your booked time period. Cleaning fee & state/local taxes apply; Refundable $300 damage deposit w/n 7 days Additional charge per night for each additional guest over 8 $15/nt charge for pet
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
Owner info
Year Purchased: 1969
About the owner: My husband and I retired to our property on Lummi Island. We lived in Sunrise for two years and then moved to a new home built on the Island. We love the Island and its rural quality.
Why the Owner Chose Lummi Island:
My grandmother purchased the property in 1945 and then she and my grandfather built Sunrise. The cedar shakes are hand split from cedar they found on the beach. It has been a family retreat for many years and I am the third generation to own the property.
Our children and now our grandson plays on the beach at Sunrise. It is safely away from the road (about 250 feet).
Mel and I bought the property from my parents and aunts and uncles in about 1969. We spent every summer and many weekends at Sunrise throughout the years. Our kids love it and our grandson now plays on the beach when he comes.
We started renting Sunrise in 2007 after we built a new home on the Island. We will never sell this wonderful retreat, but can share it with others as well as family.
This is a special family place and we have been pleased to share it.
The Unique Benefits at this House:
Sunrise is at the water's edge, away from the road. I love beach combing and walk the beach north to the ferry dock and south to Sunrise Cove whenever possible. Agates, shells, and sea glass our my special finds.
On minus tides there are crab and clams on the tide flat. Walking with my grandson on the tide flat is a treat as I watch him jump on the horse clam holes and pick up starfish.
The views are spectacular with Mt. Baker in front--sunsets are beautiful as they reflect on Mt. Baker. At night the lights of Bellingham twinkle--beautiful! During the day boats constantly go by heading out on their adventures.
We have always been boaters and have enjoyed the ease of getting out on the water. Some of our guests have brought canoes and kayaks. Some have brought smaller outboard boats and rubber rafts.
Contact us
- Primary: (360) 739-9663
- Secondary: (360) 758-2015 (Washington, USA)
Links to more information:
Photos
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Sunrise @ Lummi Island; 120 feet of waterfront
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Yard area next to beach
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Great room--fantastic view of Hales Passage.
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Newly remodel kitchen w/all new appliances.
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Dad and son walking on the tide flat--notice the starfish in hand.
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Yellow room has a queen bed with view of the hillside.
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Looking for kelp and anything they can find of interest from the rubber raft.
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Finding crab and starfish on the extensive tide flat on a minus tide
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Entry to Sunrise beach home and view of tide flat below
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Fire pit at water's edge--view looking south
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Bring your kayaks--great place to explore.
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Master bedroom with private balcony and fantastic views
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Soaking tub big enough for two--what a view!
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Green room on main floor w/water view; queen bed; adjoining half bath
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Relaxing and enjoying the evening around the bonfire.
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Finding crab on the tide flat at a minus tide
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Date last modified - Friday, May 24, 2013