Vacation Rentals by Owner

Incredible Experience!!

Guest: D'Lani B.
Date of Stay: 05/11/12 Review Submitted: 05/15/12

Our stay at the Bayview Retreat was unforgettable. The property was impeccable! Very clean, organized, fully stocked, well-maintained and more spacious than we had expected. The owner "Brian" was very kind and helped show us around when we arrived at the property. The beds were cozy and their were plenty of fresh linens and supplies for our use. We had 15 overnight guests and we all slept very comfortably. The wrap around deck was absolutely unbelievable and we made excellent use of all of the outdoor amenities, including the wonderful hot tub under the stars, the BBQ grill and all of the comfy sun chairs. The water views, the amazing wild-life and the abundance of available activities nearby are unlimited. I just can't say enough good things about this property. Thank you for everything, Brian!

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

Country pine log lodge

Guest: Retirement Party (washington)
Date of Stay: 05/04/12 Review Submitted: 05/07/12

Beautiful home with all the amenities, clean, well maintained and accurately portrayed on VRBO. Close to activities and walking trails. Great for groups and families.

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

Quiet weekend to celebrate

Guest: Tom (Vashon)
Date of Stay: 04/14/12 Review Submitted: 04/19/12

50th Birthday Party with need for a nice, quiet and comfortable place to stay. Bayview retreat is easily accessible, close to some great Vashon Beaches and the Burton Coffee Stand. The place is huge, with accommodations for many many people. it is exquisitely appointed with very thoughtful touches. the moment you walk in, there is a sense of immediate relaxation and peace. Fish tank and Orchid window add to the charm. plenty of games for kids, plenty of things for anyone to do, and within walking distance of the Burton Park and Loop. Highly recommended.

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

Lovely Home!

Guest: Guest from Florida, Virginia, New York, Oregon
Date of Stay: 11/22/11 Review Submitted: 12/26/11

We enjoyed our time on Vashon Island so much - Thanksgiving, a wedding, and fun in the rain (every day but one!) Great time with family and friends. Thanks again.

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It's Truly Lovely Here!

Guest: Guests from Michigan and Washington state
Date of Stay: 10/02/11 Review Submitted: 12/26/11

Thanks you very much for providing such a nice home for us to stay in for our family's wedding. The fresh flowers were amazing and everything was comfortable and relaxing for us.

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Gorgeous home, accommodating host.

Guest: Orchardmom (Vashon)
Date of Stay: 09/09/11 Review Submitted: 09/27/11

Bay view is a spacious, meticulously maintained home that was a wonderful place for my wedding guests to retreat to while our home was a beehive of activity. There was plenty of room for everyone, and the porch and grounds were idyllic. The owner was very nice and very discreet, even though he was on the property with our guests. Will definiately stay again!

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

Great Family Celebration

Guest: Paul (Santa Cruz, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/03/11 Review Submitted: 09/27/11

Our twin daughters graduated from college this year and one of them attended a university in the Puget Sound area. To celebrate this occasion our extended family decided to gather for a week on Vashon Island, and we rented this lodge for our stay. Our family is dispersed throughout the world, so we had a total of 11 people stay at the house, with several traveling from South Africa and Argentina as well as our family from California. Our stay was everything we hoped it would be. The house was in pristine condition when we arrived with vases of brightly colored flowers discretely placed in the main rooms. Our family, some of whom are very selective about where they stay when traveling, loved it. The house was large enough that everyone was easily accommodated. The location is spectacular with bald eagles flying overhead, the Puget Sound lying peacefully behind tall pines, all visible form the large deck. The family room and fireplace was the ideal gathering place with the glowing fire bringing out wonderful family memories. The owner went out of his way to take care of us. He showed us where to find the bald eagles' favorite trees. He advised us on restaurants and other necessities. He was discrete and unobtrusive - I did not even know that he lived on the property. I have stayed in many rented houses in the US, Europe and Africa, and I can say unequivocally that this was a world class experience. I would not hesitate to recommend this house to anyone.

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

Our Family Had Such A Special Time "Chez Nous"

Guest: Holly from Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Date of Stay: 08/29/11 Review Submitted: 12/26/11

My heart is filled with gratitude for this magnificent setting and the memories we created. My late husband John was present in spirit. We were together since 1957 and he loved fishing, a log fire and nature. Thanks, Bryan

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Refined Relaxation

Guest: Lisa G.
Date of Stay: 08/26/11 Review Submitted: 08/30/11

My family just enjoyed a long weekend at Bryan's Bayview Retreat. The photos on the website do not do the property justice at all. It is vastly more beautiful and refined than it appeared in the pictures. The house was extremely comfortable and well appointed. Bryan even took time to pick the most lovely flowers from his garden to decorate the house for us. His dinner plate dahlias and huge pefectly white oriental lillies were the most gorgeous I have ever seen. The kitchen is well appointed - we loved cooking on the Wolf Range and outside on the propane grill. The enormous deck and yard below made for phenomenal lying about and fun bocce ball too. It is truly a fantastic place. The only downsides would be that a couple of the mattresses are pretty uncomfortable, the island water smells like sulphur and there are only 2 bathrooms but neither issue would prevent us from re-booking this incredible home. It is rare to find such a warm, welcoming home offered as a vacation rental.

Owner response:I was on vacation while this family stayed. I'm glad you had a great time. It's challenging to capture the ambiance and feeling of the lodge with photos. Many guests who have stayed say the same thing. You were here while the many fragrant lilies, in the yard, were at their peak. All of the flowers I use for arrangements come from the many plantings and native plants that grow on the property. Yes, the Viking 4 burner natural gas stove in the kitchen and the Weber natural gas grill on the deck are a joy to use especially when you need to cook for a large group. I keep the cupboards stocked with many spices and basic cooking needs. There are many herbs in the yard that are also available for your use. I'm continuously updating the furnishings and trying to improve my guests overall comfort during their stay. I've never had a complaint about the mattresses in the previous 27 months but I'm glad you were able to find a comfortable one from the nine available. The deep water well is artesian fed, contains many minerals and no chlorine is added. I have it tested frequently and it is pure and safe to drink. When you use the water filter, in the refrigerator, it taste no different than bottled water. The mild smell mostly occurs during droughts as stated in the rental agreement. I'm hoping to install a treatment system in the coming year when I find a suitable technology. The two large bathrooms are located just outside of the bedrooms on the main and top floors. They are accessible to everyone staying at the house and are located in the most convenient locations. Even with groups of eighteen guests they seem to be sufficient for short-term visits. I appreciate your comments and hope you'll be able to come stay again sometime.

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

Interesting Experience...

Guest: Jodi (Washington.)
Date of Stay: 08/21/11 Review Submitted: 09/17/11

Had a family reunion here in mid August. We did not find the owner to be overly accomadating or friendly. The fact that he lives on the property was a little uncomfortable as we essentialy shared a porch, a driveway and all our conversations with the owner due to his close proximity. The owner was showing the home to prospective renters and the maid was still cleaning when I arrived at 4:00 check-in time. The owner suggested that I might want to find something else to do while they finished cleaning and he watered the garden. The home is beautiful but lacked a feeling of privacy.

Owner response:After 30 months of renting my lodge, 88 rentals and over 1000 guests staying, I guess it's time I'd finally receive an unhappy guest comment. This guest most likely left this comment because they didn't get all of their security deposit back. The woman who wrote this was not the original signer, on the contract, and I doubt if she ever read the rental agreement as it clearly outlines what I expect of guests during their stay. What's funny about this comment is that this family group rented the lodge and carriage house and I wasn't even on the property until the afternoon before they left. VRBO/HomeAway seems to think this comment is acceptable. The only truth here is that this person did stay at my lodge. Here is my defense. I was very accommodating to this family. They contacted me in February for their August family reunion. Over the next six months I corresponded numerous times with them because their plans kept changing (number of nights, number of guests staying, additional carriage house rental or not). As stated on the rental agreement, check-in time is after 4 pm during June, July and August not at 4 pm. I ask guests to contact me 20 minutes before they plan to arrive or when they get on the ferry. My housecleaner confirmed with me that the house was ready at 4 pm. The truth is this woman showed up early unannounced and demanded to be check in. During weekly rentals in June, July and August I allow potential renters to come see the house between 10 am and 4 pm (Sundays only) while the lodge is being cleaned. It's the only time available. There is no shared porch. The carriage house/garage is detached from the lodge and the entrance to the carriage house is located on the far corner of the garage away from the lodge. I have a job and travel extensively. I don't work on the property or have workers here, at any time, when there are guests in the lodge. The lodge and carriage house are very well insulated. If the windows are closed you can't hear anything outdoors. The large wrap around deck around (180 feet around) the lodge allows you to have private conversations anywhere. Unlike waterfront rentals, here on the island, there are no other house within 300 ft of the lodge. It's unfortunate that this woman was so negative. If you read the rest of the comments you'll find that I try my best to make everyone feel welcome and make your vacation rental experience memorable.

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Great Group Vacation Retreat

Guest: Joan and Nick S.
Date of Stay: 08/15/11 Review Submitted: 05/01/12

Our group of friends spent five days at this lovely home. We spent time visiting locations on Vashon Island and just enjoying the the pleasure of being together in this large, comfortable house . Extravantly huge dahlia bouquets decorated the living areas. It was as clean and well maintained as the best resort. We barbequed and ate on the deck, played games, read , cooked and just relaxed, enjoying the beautiful grounds. I'd recommend this to any big group of family or friends.

Owner response:One of the main reason I built Bayview Retreat was to entertain friends and family. I'm glad to be able to share the property with others. This group left the property in perfect shape and I do appreciate it. The lodge layout works well for family reunions, business retreats, girls getaways and seminars. The nine beds on three levels give guests more options than other properties. I hope you'll be able to come stay again some day.

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Beautiful Bayview Retreat

Guest: Kathleen E.
Date of Stay: 08/07/11 Review Submitted: 08/15/11

The Ewing family returned yesterday from our vacation on Vashon Island. We left with tears in our eyes and memories in our hearts that will last a lifetime. Our stay at Bayview Retreat was wonderful, thanks in no small part to the hospitality of Bryan Cordell. His home offers a beautiful setting to really escape from the hectic pace of the world and enjoy the beauty and comfort of this wonderful place. The house is even more beautiful than it appears on the website. We were welcomed by magnificent flowers placed throughout the living room. The house was clean and comfortable and provided space for everyone to be together or to enjoy some private time. Bryan thought of absolutely everything that anyone would need to make their stay in his home a pleasure—the well-stocked kitchen, the game room, and even wi-fi access. There are two TVs in the house but, unbelievably, they were almost never turned on. Our family consists of 22 people and 12 of them are children 11 and under. We were at first concerned that the secluded little island may not offer the excitement necessary to keep children busy and happy. That was definitely not a problem. We enjoyed hiking, canoeing, kayaking, dining at the Restaurant Store on Vashon. And with only a short ferry ride, we were able to make trips to Seattle to visit the Space Needle and for dinner; and a trip to Tacoma to do some parasailing. When we were at the house, the expansive front yard provided a place for kids and adults to enjoy badminton, frizbee, wiffle ball, sack races and a whole host of activities. For those who chose not to actively participate, they had front row seats on the deck to watch all that was going on. Bryan even set up a playground structure and a six man tent which the kids took turns sleeping in. We were blessed with beautiful sunny weather which allowed us to be outside most of the time, even for meals. The deck and grill provided all we needed to feed the hungry group. The deck wraps all the way around the house, so you could bask in the sun, or pick a shady corner for reading if you prefer. The people of Vashon were just like Bryan – friendly and warm and very willing to please. It is truly a place where people are exactly where they want to be. The people at the restaurants, shops and grocery store were so friendly and congenial that even a trip to buy food was a pleasure. We would very highly recommend Bayview Retreat as a vacation destination.

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

Bayview Retreat. A+. Beautiful Setting

Guest: David W.
Date of Stay: 07/24/11 Review Submitted: 09/26/11

My family and I enjoyed a relaxing vacation on Vashon Island. Location is perfect. Burton pennensula is a great place to be. Accomodations are fantastic!!!!! Loved the home, kitchen, wrap around porch, grounds and view of the bay. Fun to watch the deer and hummingbirds from the porch. The hot tub was a great way to end the day. Already booked again for next summer. Bryan, thanks for making our stay so enjoyable. Looking forward to next year. David B. Winston Dallas, Texas

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

Your hospitality is much appreciated.

Guest: Craig, Stacy and Harlow, Mt Airy, MD
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 09/10/11

This was our first trip to the Northwest and it couldn't have been better weather! We were in town (on the island) for a wedding. Everything was beautiful and went off without a hitch. The family really enjoyed the fireworks in the harbor from Jensen Point. They were some of the best we've seen. You have a beautiful home that fits well in it's setting. We will never forget this!

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From Owner's Guestbook

Guest: Folks from Tallahassee, FL, Parlin, NJ & San Diego
Date of Stay: 06/06/11 Review Submitted: 09/10/11

Thank you so much for your hospitality. Your house is warm, inviting and beautiful! Great kitchen amenities. Thanks for taking the boys fishing...the trout were delicious. We enjoyed clam digging and making chowder...so good. We hosted a bbq for family from Seattle, Tacoma and Oregon. What a great place to reconnect. This is exactly what my father wished for. We enjoyed the trails to the beach, strawberries from your garden, your flowers, watching deer, bald eagles and napping on your porch couch. Thanks again for the memories.

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From Owners Guestbook

Guest: Guests from Shreveport and Bassier City, Louisiana
Date of Stay: 05/30/11 Review Submitted: 09/10/11

Thank you for such a wonderful stay at your house. The house and the views are simply amazing. I grew up on Vashon and did not realize what a great community this is on Burton Peninsula. We cannot wait to come back and stay again. God Bless

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Amazing home!

Guest: Picky Renter (Redwood City, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/27/11 Review Submitted: 07/07/11

This house was the perfect place to stay on Vashon! I can not say enough about the great house and property. We stayed there in a group of 4 adults and 4 children and could have easily had another family with us as well. It was extremely child friendly. The owner worked with us on everything. He made special amenities available based on our children as well. The house was super clean and well stocked with pots and pans etc so we could cook there if we wanted to. We were pretty full from Bob's bakery treats and Express cuisine dinners though. So yummy! A few of my favorite things were the baby gates, pac n play and highchair that were on site already for us. The huge wrap around deck made for a great place to sit and enjoy the view. We sat in the chairs and looked out at the view while our kids ran around the huge yard. The pictures are acurate. It is a huge peice of property. I grew up on Vashon Island so I already knew of its amazing beauty but I had not spend much time on the Burton penninsula. It was ideal. We could walk to the little store, coffee shop as well as the marina and beach. The perfect location. Vashon has so many wonderful galleries and parks you could spend weeks here and not run out of fun things to do. Mostly Vashon Island is such a relaxing place with a slow pace. I could have stayed in this house all summer!

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

From Owners Guestbook

Guest: Guests from South Africa, California
Date of Stay: 05/05/11 Review Submitted: 09/10/11

Thanks for affording us the opportunity to stay in your lovely home. The view is spectacular and the weather was perfect. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and bonded with one another. Vashon Island was a great experience and we feel fortunate to have discovered this beautiful spot! You are so fortunate to live here - enjoy!

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Locals Find Bayview Retreat Delightful

Guest: J&M (Olympia, WA)
Date of Stay: 03/25/11 Review Submitted: 04/03/11

Every year our family gathers for a long weekend over Spring Break. We have stayed in many places across Washington but by far this has been the most comfortable. The kitchen was wonderful... with everything you could ever want for cooking for a large group of people. We had fun exploring the island and all the folks we encountered on the island were friendly and welcoming... just like our host! Details: it was clean, comfortable and well appointed with nothing lacking.

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

Excellent place for family and friends to meet

Guest: dan (seattle)
Date of Stay: 01/01/11 Review Submitted: 02/28/11

We spent the new years at the home and had a great experience overall. I recommend it to whomever wants to get away from the busy city life.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers

From Owners Guestbook

Guest: Guests from Minneapolis, Tucson, London, Missoula
Date of Stay: 12/19/10 Review Submitted: 09/10/11

Wow. A perfect Christmas! Beautiful surroundings, homey home, and Bryan's graciousness all made this a perfect place for our family to gather for Christmas. Best best wishes for a happy, health prosperous New Year!

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Beautiful house - perfect for large group

Guest: idealtammy (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 12/10/10 Review Submitted: 01/17/11

Our group stayed at the beautiful lodge a little over a month ago. The house was spotless. Bryan had all of the details covered. Everything was accurately described. We stayed during the holidays and the house was perfectly decorated which included a beautiful christmas tree at the base of the stairs. The house was cozy. Bryan was accommodating. Overall an A++ experience.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Thanksgiving - 2010

Guest: Pauline (Orinda, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/22/10 Review Submitted: 02/17/11

The listing for this property is exactly what we experienced plus there were many amenities which were not listed. The house was spotless when we arrived with beautiful flowers and extra bedding for the cold. We were a large family with lots of children and a big dog. All were well accommodated and the kitchen was well equipped so that we ate all of our meals in the house. We would certainly recommend this rental to family and friends. We would really like to return to this rental in the summer when schedules permit. While it was cold in November, we found lots of beautiful walks right outside our door-step.

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

Perfect getaway for multigenerations

Guest: Family Celebration (SF Bay Area)
Date of Stay: 10/01/10 Review Submitted: 10/04/10

We selected Bryan's home as the site for celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. Our married kids and grandkids joined us there coming from all over the USand we all had a terrific time. There was ample space for outdoor fun exploring, running, playing catch and quiet walks. Indoors we found the kitchen more than adequate and appreciated the Viking stove and oven. The loft area was ideal for playing board games while feeling connecting to those who gathered in the cozy leather couches in front of the fireplace. Sleeping arrangements in the many rooms gave the younger families privacy and each room provided a lovely view of the woods. We all appreciated the stunning view of Quartermaster Harbor and the seclusion of being on an island. We felt Bryan's home was represented accurately on the website. We'd certainly recommend it to others who enjoy comfort and natural beauty. Bryan went out of his way assure us that we could use the technology we brought with us to view family photos. He also provided us with gorgeous flowers and plants throughout the house.

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

A gorgeous, inviting home with plenty of space

Guest: Beck Wedding
Date of Stay: 08/18/10 Review Submitted: 11/11/10

We had a wonderful experience at Bayview Retreat. Our expectations were more than met. We had our wedding there and found it to be the dream location for small wedding. Our close friends and family fit with plenty of space in the house and enjoyed the beauty and small island feel during the days before the wedding.

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Owner Guestbook Comment

Guest: A. Richman
Date of Stay: 08/08/10 Review Submitted: 08/26/10

"Your home is beautiful. The view is amazing!!! The three boys have loved every moment on your rock. They have called walking around the grounds a "hike". The beds are so comfortable to sleep in and the bathrooms are a luxury. The architecture of the house is a complete delight at every angle. We have loved our time in downtown Vashon, the people are so friendly and always wear a smile on their face. We could not have imagined a better vacation, in a better part of the world, in a better home."

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Owner Guestbook Comment

Guest: P. Lewis
Date of Stay: 08/01/10 Review Submitted: 08/26/10

"Your beautiful home was a nourishing and gorgeous place for us to unwind and relax, visit with one another, and savor the surroundings on Vashon. Hopefully our stay added to the wonderful gift you provide folks in this haven....a little slice of heaven."

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Excellent quality time

Guest: Jacques (W.Orange, NJ)
Date of Stay: 07/11/10 Review Submitted: 07/24/10

The Bayview Retreat has been a fantastic spot for us to spend a great vacation for our family of 10 (3 generations).Not only the location is very scenic, we appreciated a lot the flat ground between the house and the and the lower part of the inclined terrain toward the bay for outdoor games. We all appreciated the vast space, found it homey and liked the decoration. If one appreciates flowers, this is the place outside as well a inside. Bryan, very knowledgeable and friendly was a great help for tips and great suggestions. I would recommend this house without any reservations.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Graduation/Family Reunion Perfection!

Guest: Sundae (Northern California)
Date of Stay: 05/13/10 Review Submitted: 05/19/10

We rented Bayview Retreat for our daughter's college graduation, with 16 family members in attendance! The location is stunning! The house is immaculate and the kitchen well-stocked with dishes, glasses and cookware. If you come prepared to handle the ferry schedule, this place will be a perfect choice for your family. We loved the privacy, the spaciousness of the property, the wrap-around porch, and the comfort and graciousness of the home. The owner Bryan even had the house filled with fresh flowers!

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

An Ideal Retreat

Guest: evakarolina (Port Townsend, WA )
Date of Stay: 04/02/10 Review Submitted: 04/07/10

Our Seattle based foundation rented this beautiful house for a two day board retreat. It provided a wonderful mix of elegance and a lovingly cared for, home - like feel. It sports top-end appliances, beautiful furnishings, a breathtaking view, blooming orchids and bouquets. Bryan was very helpful and welcoming. The fireplace area in the living room is very cozy and provides a perfect gathering place. The kitchen is very well supplied with dishes and all sorts of cooking gadgets. The stove is a cooks dream. The beds are comfortable and there is extra bedding provided. There are plenty of towels and a lovely jacuzzi tub and master bath upstairs. There are plenty of games and books in the upstairs den. The exposed wood gives much of the house a warm feel. We highly recommend this rental.

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

Great place!

Guest: Traveler_Review_2012 (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 01/30/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/12

Description is accurate, house is very clean. well-stocked kitchen. Hot tub was great. Excellent views. Fresh flowers, beautiful indoor plants and a fish tank in the main floor. Gas fireplace, big living room and long dinner table. Lovely playground area outdoors. Great customer service. Short driving distance to restaurants and coastal hikes. Queen size bed in lower level is semi-private as it does not have a door and that floor was significantly cooler than the rest of the house. Overall excellent experience and highly recommended.

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

Wonderful home in great location with serene view.

Guest: natbrannon (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 12/22/09 Review Submitted: 01/03/10

Plenty of room both inside and out. Watched the sunset each night from the deck and the stars at night. Yard big enough for games of tag and football. Nice tv/game room in loft, not in main living space. Kitchen is well equipped. Made Christmas dinner for family of 10. Nicely decorated for the holidays with both Christmas tree and lights on the deck railing. Walkable to forest trails and Burton businesses. Also walkable to a beach, although we drove to Point Robinson and KVI beaches. Downtown Vashon only 10 minute drive away. Photos on website are representative of the home, which was well maintained and clean. Would highly recommend.

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

Welcoming and Gorgeous

Guest: Lookout (Chilliwack, BC)
Date of Stay: 12/18/09 Review Submitted: 12/22/09

Our family celebrated our "early family Christmas" at the Bayview Retreat. It was perfect for the 12 of us who spent the night. We enjoyed walking around the peninsula, visiting the beach and the views from the house. We cooked a big Christmas dinner in the well-equipped kitchen and made use of the many cozy places to sit and chat in the house. The Christmas tree was gorgeous and we all have fine memories of our time together. We are also grateful our beagle was able to participate in the festivities.

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

Bayview Retreat - Super Friendly and Relaxing

Guest: keencj7 (Petaluma, Ca)
Date of Stay: 10/05/09 Review Submitted: 10/29/09

I travel a lot and typically stay at vacation rentals. This was one of my most enjoyable stays of all time. It is very quiet with a great view, has a rustic feel with all the modern amenities, and the place is huge. Bryan is very friendly and easy going. I highly recommend staying here.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Mid-week September stay

Guest: istayedhere (USA)
Date of Stay: 09/09/09 Review Submitted: 10/26/09

The house is very nice, and there is lots of room to play out in the yard. The deck is great for dining outdoors. The local bike rides are also quite good, and there are some nice beaches on the island. A great place. I recommend it.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: John E. (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 08/29/09 Review Submitted: 08/29/09

Wonderful house with amazing flower gardens. Great location on the Burton Peninsula, close to beaches and parks. A great place for a relaxing getaway.

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Great Vacation

Guest: Suzi S (Farmer City, IL)
Date of Stay: 08/09/09 Review Submitted: 08/17/09

We really enjoyed this beautiful home and the Vashon Island area! The home was beautifully decorated complete with fresh cut flowers, very clean, cozy, and comfortable! We made use of all of the appliances and everything worked pretty well. We enjoyed the layout of the house. It was wonderful to have the game room upstairs by the TV area so that we could still spend time together even if we were enjoying different activities. Even if someone was downstairs by the fireplace they could still be a part of the conversation up above because of the open loft floor plan. We enjoyed the beaches, hiking, kayaking, and the skatepark on the island. We enjoyed several of the restaurants in the area. We had breakfast at The Hardware Store, lunch at the Red Bicycle Bistro, and dinner at Rock Island Pub & Pizza all of which were excellent! Our favorite coffee in the Vashon Island area and even Seattle was the little coffee stand about 3 blocks from the house - a lovely find! We utilized the bus system to go into Seattle and also around the island. This worked pretty well and the drivers were very friendly and helpful. We found that the bus is all that you pay for getting off the island - there is no fee to leave the island on the ferry. You do however pay for the ferry coming onto the island whether by car or by bus. This can add up so we decided to plan our trips carefully! While in Seattle we saw the Space Needle, Chittenden Locks, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, Seattle Underground tour, the waterfront area, and Southcenter Shopping Center. We also took a day and drove to Mt. Rainier National Park - beautiful and worth the drive! For your information... my husband and I were vacation with 3 of our children, ages 19, 17, and 10 and there was something for everyone!

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

As Beautiful as it Looks

Guest: vero11 (Boston)
Date of Stay: 08/02/09 Review Submitted: 08/30/09

The pine log lodge home was wonderful. With a close water view, it has a spacious, clean, and large interior. It is perfect for a large family gathering or for multiple couples. Just a short ferry ride from Seattle, the home provided a casual setting away from the bustle of the city with nearby access to wonderful activities on Vashon Island: swimming, hiking, kayaking, lavender farms, etc. Additionally, the owner, Bryan, was super with recommendations of directions and activities during our weeklong stay. The photos provided represent the exact surroundings of the property. I strongly recommend this outstanding home for your next relaxing vacation getaway!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, pet owners.

Wonderful house, great location.

Guest: John E. (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 07/02/09 Review Submitted: 08/29/09

This is a very enjoyable house to spend time in. The owner's flower gardening is particularly outstanding. Great location on the Burton peninsula, close to beaches and parks.

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What a wonderful get away!

Guest: MTcowby (Kalispell, Montana)
Date of Stay: 04/24/09 Review Submitted: 08/24/09

This beautiful mulit-level new log home and property, including the separate spacious guest effiiciency apartment above the large garage, all with great views overlooking Quartermaster Bay, is fantastic. The manicured landscaping, flower beds,hanging baskets of fushias, and flowered decks are an envy. A wonderful place to just let the rest of the world go on by for a while. The interior is impeccably and tastefully decorated and accented in the great Northwest coast style; you feel right at home immediately. Vashon Island is a real treat, and this home/property is a jewel on the island.. I will definately be returning.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.