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Discover serenity while staying in Coupeville's newest historical lodging. Enjoy water and mountain views from the comfort of the San Juan De Fuca School House built in 1902. Located just 3 minutes from Historical Coupeville where you will find art galleries, antique shops and fine eateries.
We invite you to come and enjoy a relaxing respite from life's everyday hustle and bustle. Start your day with a steaming cup of coffee and a good book. Be sure to watch for wildlife in the early morning hours. Deer, rabbits, bald eagles and shorebirds are often seen. Everything you need for clam digging is provided if you chose to take part in this fun adventure. On cool winter days you can hear the wind howl on the bluff as you cozy up to the fireplace. The school house features old bead board, plaster walls and period lighting fixtures as well as modern amenities for your comfort.
Come and escape the demands of everyday life. You are sure to have a memorable experience.
A little history... Once inhabited by members of the Lower Skagit, Swinomish, Suquamish and Snohomish tribes, Whidbey Island was discovered in 1792 by Joseph Whidbey, master of H.M.S. Discovery under the command of Captain George Vancouver. Whidbey, along with Peter Puget began to map and explore the areas of Puget Sound in May of that year. Whidbey circumnavigated Whidbey Island in June, and Vancouver named it after him.
Life on the island went without change for almost half a century after Vancouver's arrival. Native people continued life in their traditional ways. In 1841, Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, sailed into Penn Cove and found the largest Indian settlement of Puget Sound, noting that a mission had been started with a two acre fenced garden.
In 1850, Isaac Ebey settled on the island. A month later three more men took up claims on the prairie. Mrs. Ebey, her children, and another family arrived in 1851. As time passed more settlers arrived each year, most of them taking up claims on the prairie. Thomas Coupe, a sea captain, took up a claim in 1852 in Penn's Cove and it was on this property that Coupeville, one of the oldest towns in the state, was founded. People continued to settle on the island, and by the 1870's there were several prosperous communities.
Fort Casey was built in 1890 to defend Admiralty Inlet, as part of the "Triangle of Fire" with Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island, and Fort Worden on the Quimper Peninsula, that could theoretically thwart any invasion attempt by sea.
Today Whidbey Island is a place to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the country. Taking in the majestic views of the Olympic mountains, and activities like sport fishing are just a few of the attractions. Visitors can explore Fort Casey on their own, which is now a 467-acre marine camping park, or you can check out Coupeville's well preserved Victorian mansions, originally built by wealthy sea captains. The history of Whidbey Island is still alive and well today.
Galleries-all located in Coupeville Penn Cove Gallery 9 NW Front St. Blue Heron Studio & Gallery 23 NW Front St Ann's Coupe d'Art 902 NE Center St Atelier Michele Studio & Gallery 22 NW Front St Penn Cove Pottery Hwy 20, Coupeville Coupeville Arts Center 15 NW Birch St Windjammer Gallery & Custom Framing 22 NW Front St Stores-all located in Coupeville Elkhorn Trading Co Front Street Gary Leake Woodworking Morris Road McGregor Studio & Antique Japanese Art Salmagundi Farms Hwy 20, Coupeville Stray Dog Company NW Front St Please visit website below. |