Serenity Pond-Romantic Log Home W/Spacious Lawn, Gardens & Pond View

• Serene seclusion

  Serene seclusion

  • Guest We Heart the SJIs
  • Date of stay 09/05/12
  • Review Submitted 09/21/12
  Bring the books and DVDs you've been meaning to catch up on, plus your fave BBQ recipes for firing up the grill. If you want to get away from it all, this will do it. Spending time here will make Friday Harbor feel like the big city. Heads up to sports fans: the DirectTV package doesn't have sports networks as my husband discovered while trying to find the local games.

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

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• exactly what we needed!

  exactly what we needed!

  • Guest The Melands
  • Date of stay 08/29/12
  • Review Submitted 09/09/12
  My husband and i spent 5 nights at Sylvia's wonderful home over labor day weekend. Some of our favorite things were having a bbq and picnic table to dine at each evening, wide selection of popular DVD's, high quality linens, pillows, comforter and bed as well as quality bath paper products. It's in Sylvia's details that show she is an excellent hostess to her guests. While this has nothing to do with Sylvia's, be aware that cell reception is virtually non-existant (she's got a landline to help with this) and it is fairly secluded (you hear no other cars/people...we liked this though).

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with young children.

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• Tranquil Escape

  Tranquil Escape

  • Guest Pat
  • Date of stay 08/06/12
  • Review Submitted 09/09/12
  My husband and I stayed at this charming log cabin for our 40th wedding anniversary trip this summer. The home is warm and cozy, you immediately feel at home once you arrive. It did not feel like a rental. It is extremely clean and obviously lovingly cared for, both outside and inside. The huge yard is like having your own very private park. It has a beautiful lawn and is surrounded by wonderful trees and flowers, which you can enjoy from the porch or lawn chairs. It seemed that even if we found clouds and fog elsewhere on the island, the sun was out at Serenity Pond. We enjoyed the deer munching on the apples at dinnertime, unfortunately didn't get to see the bald eagles. It was a wonderful, peaceful, romantic getaway in which to celebrate our anniversary. Sylvia was a helpful, friendly host that obviously wants everyone to have the best visit possible. You will not regret your stay at this log cabin retreat.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with young children.

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• Lovely Retreat In The Woods; Not Too Far From Town

  Lovely Retreat In The Woods; Not Too Far From Town

  • Guest Jennifer
  • Date of stay 06/22/12
  • Review Submitted 06/27/12
  Our family of four spent two wonderful nights in Sylvia’s home. Being there is like having your own personal park. The pond is magical. If you have kids come with a net and a glass jar they can catch some of the many critters in the pond to have a closer look. We caught a lot of fat tadpoles. It was also fun to watch the cedar waxwing birds skim the top of the water to catch their meals. The house itself is very comfortable. The kitchen is well stocked and the bathrooms even have shampoo and conditioner. We packed super light knowing there is a washer and dryer. Down the road is American Camp, one of two National Parks on the island. We saw foxes and spotted Orca whales in the Straight. The farmers’ market had pristine produce and some of the best pizza ever… spicy potato, who knew? When it rained we headed to the bowling alley. We so enjoy San Juan Island. It has the most humane ferry wait out of all the other islands. Park the car early and go to a bookstore! And then there is the marina’s unofficial mascot, Popeye the harbor seal. She is mostly blind and has been training tourists for 24 years. She is only interested in the finest of sea-foods. Seriously, Copper River Salmon might make the cut, but she turns her nose up at Spot Prawns. When we return, we plan to bring bikes and we hope to stay at Sylvia’s.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, people with disabilities, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with young children.

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• Wonderful Retreat

  Wonderful Retreat

  • Guest Kate
  • Date of stay 07/16/11
  • Review Submitted 09/26/11
  Our family of three spent a week at this beautiful log cabin in July. We loved San Juan Island, and our stay was so much better because of this lovely home. The pictures do not do it justice - it was immaculate and beautifully and artistically decorated. It's convenient to Friday Harbor, the beach, and all of the sights, but you feel like you are completely in the middle of nowhere - so relaxing to look outside of the picture windows and see deer and other wildlife rambling through the yard. Sylvia was amazing to work with - even buying groceries for us so we wouldn't have to add a stop at the store to our already long travel day. We were heading to Seattle and then Alaska after our stay, so Sylvia allowed us to use her laundry facilities - she was incredibly accomodating throughout our visit. Her home had all of the amenities of my own home (and was exceptionally clean). I would highly recommend this to friends and family. Our family would love to return to San Juan Island and stay here again. This was our first experience with VRBO and I was completely impressed - SO much better than a hotel.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.

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• Anniversary

  Anniversary

  • Guest Doug
  • Date of stay 08/12/11
  • Review Submitted 08/16/11
  My wife and I are delighted with the charm and romance of this spacious and secluded setting. We've spent two consecutive years celebrating our anniversay in this perfect place and intend to return every year. Wow! We highly reccomend staying here to any couple serious about staying married.

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

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• Delightful home in a gorgeous location

  Delightful home in a gorgeous location

  • Guest J & M
  • Date of stay 07/01/11
  • Review Submitted 07/12/11
  We spent a long weekend at Sylvia's home, including the July 4th holiday. Sylvia is a terrific host, and her home is an idyllic place from which to enjoy the San Juan Islands. Sylvia helped us with local insights, logistical arrangements, and advice that would have been otherwise hard to find; overall, she made our stay a most pleasant one. The home is clean, comfortable, and peaceful, and a short drive to Friday Harbor. We look forward to our next visit.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, families with young children.

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• Relaxing Getaway

  Relaxing Getaway

  • Guest Jill&JP
  • Date of stay 05/27/11
  • Review Submitted 05/31/11
  We had a wonderful time at Sylvia's home over the Memorial Day weekend. The house is beautiful as described, and the setting is serene - a relaxing getaway for 2 couples, away from the hustle and bustle of Friday Harbor. We were able to look out the window at the deer meandering by and hear the noises of all the birds. We really enjoyed our time there. Thank you Sylvia for welcoming us into your home!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

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• No Stress Zone

  No Stress Zone

  • Guest D&L (CA) and D&M (OR)
  • Date of stay 09/04/09
  • Review Submitted 09/17/10
  My wife and I and another couple, spent Labor Day weekend at this beautiful, calming place .We came for relaxation and we found it. The description and the pictures of the surrounding grounds are understated, its better than it appears to be..The home is comfy and warm and inspiring.We hope to return again some day to Friday Harbor . Sylvia's home is the perfect "home base" to explore the whole island. A perfect "no stress zone"..We highly recommend this rental. D&L (CA) and D&M (OR)

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.

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• Peace and Beauty

  Peace and Beauty

  • Guest Sue
  • Date of stay 08/21/10
  • Review Submitted 08/23/10
  I enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing stay in this beautiful home with my husband and friends. The property is beautifully maintained. The deer added to this idyllic experience. Many thanks to the owner for the comfort and hospitality.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway.

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 **WEEKLY RATE GIVES ONE FREE NIGHT** Maximum of 2 bedrooms  (3rd room is locked) 
SPRING RATE: May 5th - June 14th  Same rates as Fall (Monthly rate available)
SUMMER RATES: June 15-Labor Day      3 DAY MINIMUM BOOKING 
One bedroom: $195/nt   $1,150/wk      $60 cleaning fee  Other bedrooms are locked 
2 BEDROOMS: $245/nt     $1,470/wk     $75 cleaning  3rd bedroom is locked    
FALL RATES: September 5th - Oct 5th  2 DAY MINIMUM BOOKING  
One bedroom: $180/nt  $1,080/wk      $60 cleaning fee   Other bedrooms are locked
Two bedrooms: 225/nt  $1,350/wk      $75 cleaning fee   3rd bedroom is locked

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.