4th nt Free May/June!! History, Beach, Waterfalls,Wildlife,& Oly nt Pk
- Minimum stay:2-3 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:No
COMPLIMENTARY 4th night during MAY 27-31 and JUNE 3-7 time frames + $270 nt OFF Peak rates!! Reduction is already reflected in Spring rate section of rates. UNHEARD OF FREE NIGHT offering during the popular Spring Season. Experience historic simple elegance with wildlife, seafood, shell laden beach, AMAZING nearby waterfalls, and world renowned Olympic Nat'l Park. All this during SEA LION PUP SEASON!! Rates based on bedrooms with exclusive, private use of facilities. Come experience a rare, and affordable opportunity!!
COME DISCOVER THE 'BIG 4':
A. HARD TO FIND...HISTORIC SIMPLE ELEGANCE on PACIFIC NW WATERFRONT!! 29 acres of PREMIUM former oyster farm, in the well oxygenated northern portion of Hood Canal, for far superior seafood/shellfish quality. Located on the LARGEST WIDTH OF HOOD CANAL, NORTH AMERICA'S LONGEST FJORD, and bordering the DOSEWALLIPS WILDLIFE ESTUARY. Indulge in acres of divine seafood, and over 1,000 ft of shell laden private beach.
B. Historic simple elegance rumored to be the closest to the water in Jefferson County, with UNOBSTRUCTED, EVOLVING PANORAMIC VIEWS from nearly every room. Convenient beach steps right from your large entertaining deck!!
C. FREE High speed wireless internet. A rare amenity in this region.
D. World renowned Olympic National Park/Forest with enticing waterfalls, hiking heaven, and forever views of downtown Seattle, Mt Rainier, Mt. Baker, the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, and most of Puget Sound!! Dosewallips State Park with scenic, and historic nature trails, is a mere 3 min walk.
PLEASE FULLY REVIEW MINIMUM NIGHTS, RATES, and AVAILABILITY CALENDAR. Rates are by bedroom, with exclusive, private use of facilities.
THIS ROMANTIC NANTUCKET CHARMER IS IN PROCESS OF JOINING THE NATIONAL HISTORIC REGISTRY, and is rumored to be the closest home to the water in Jefferson County. It was constructed by T.B. Balch in 1920, one of the original founders of Brinnon. Located near the east side of Olympic National Park (closest to Seattle), and on the Dosewallips Wildlife Estuary, a MAJOR WILDLIFE DRAW and feeding ground! Observe The Roosevelt Elk herd, or oh-so-close bald eagles, PLAYFUL sea lions and pups, cute river otters, colorful, fascinating birds, and periodic orcas.
SUBMARINES and WILDLIFE..Also unique to The Historic Balch Retreat is the interesting Trident Navy sub's that practice next to the Estuary ''shelf'' in the middle of Hood Canal. You'll also enjoy beach stairs that connect right to your large view deck, and have a clear advantage of being RIGHT NEXT TO THE WATER (no building restrictions back in 1920). Mother of pearl beach combing awaits on 1,000 feet of privately owned beach, and 29 acres of former oyster farm!! Harvest from these private tidelands (no license required-limits apply) with plump, numerous varieties of sweet, succulent shellfish, and delectable crab and shrimp. You may even encounter a baby seal or two (in season). Bald eagles fly close in, and are a true sight to behold. The view through original leaded glass windows, is constantly changing, and panoramic from most rooms. This also includes Mt Rainier and Mt. Baker!
FANTASTIC HIKES, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, SPECTACULAR KAYAK/BOATING and so much more!! - Come experience some of the most scenic hikes. Three outstanding waterfalls, and some of the most amazing picturesque day hikes you can possibly imagine. One hike (or drive) overlooks most of the entire Puget Sound, Mt Rainier, Mt Baker, Olympics, and Cascades. Venture into world renowned Olympic National Park and Forest. Kayak, boat, and harvest superb tasting shellfish, crab and shrimp (thanks to the minerals coming out of the Dosewallips River), right in front of The Retreat. There is also a boat launch just a quick minute away at Pleasant Harbor Marina. Paddle kayak and canoes directly in front and around the Wildlife Estuary. There is also wine tasting, and so much to explore at quaint seaports, or soak in the soothing relaxation of your romantic Hood Canal paradise. The list is endless.
ROMANCE ABOUNDS...Popular with couples and honeymooners. Indulge with a romantic toasty fire (indoors or out), a relaxing indoor jetted spa with amazing Hood Canal view (the moonlight on the water is truly inspiring), and expansive master suite, with pillow top king bed. Reconnect on the unique cushioned leather double rocking chair for 2 (see photos) in front of the cozy, warm woodstove. Celebrate each other with so many appealing things to do together, or revel in total relaxation.
FOOD FOR THE SOUL - Come experience some of the sweetest, plumpest, and exceptionally large oysters from our acres of private tidelands along with clams and mussels.The perfection of our shellfish is due to the minerals coming out of the Dosewallips River next to The Retreat. Shellfish thrive on it! To cook that wonderful shellfish or favorite recipes, there is a large 1920 chef's style kitchen with original antique kitchen sink, and built in drainboard. Well appointed kitchen offers retro style small appliances, and all the modern amenities, complete with spice rack and FRESH MINT FROM YOUR GARDEN (summer and fall), and a large, new outdoor gas grill too.
PREFER NOT TO COOK? Esquire magazine's #2 choice for 'Best Bar in America' is just a three minute walk at the Geoduck Restaurant. Additionally, The Half Way House Restaurant a couple of minutes away, is famous for legendary HOME COOKING and HOMEMADE PIES.
SENIORS AND THOSE WITH LIMITED MOBILITY. Our retreat is user friendly. Only 3 steps down from the parking area, if staying on the main level in the charming ''blue room'' bedroom. The main level provides deluxe kitchen, 1920 style bathroom (with original shower ring tub), media room, dining, and living rooms. You'll love the covered view balcony off the 'blue room' bedroom and living room, with patio heater, zero gravity recliners, glider, and THE ULTIMATE IN VIEWS THAT IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING that abounds with wildlife!! It is rumored to be the closest home to the water in Jefferson County, so you can easily talk to those on the beach (NOT wheelchair accessible).
Please let us know if you wish to indulge in the simple elegance of 1920, Dosewallips Wildlife Estuary, superb seafood, Olympic National Park, and Hood Canal at its finest! *****PLEASE SEE RATES AND AVAILABILITY CALENDAR*****
Our guests appreciate that we understand your time is valuable, and provide quick responses to serious inquiries.
Property Type
- 3 story
- House
- 2200 sq. ft.
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Onsite Services
- Housekeeper Optional
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
- Long-Term Renters Welcome
- Children Welcome
- Low Allergen Environment
- Minimum Age Limit For Renters
- Wheelchair Inaccessible
Bedrooms
- 4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10, Beds for 8-10
- Bedroom 1
- 1 king
- Calif pillow top king
- Bedroom 2
- 1 queen
- Pillow top cushy comfort!
- Bedroom 3
- 1 double
- Private suite with own entrance
- Bedroom 4
- 2 twin/ single
- Upstairs bonus room.
Bathrooms
- 3.0 Bathrooms
- Main floor bath
- toilet, combination tub/shower
- Original 1920 porcelain tub with shower ring!
- Private suite - lower level
- toilet, shower
- 3/4 bath with built in magniifying mirror.
- Upstairs master suite
- toilet, shower, jetted tub
- PANORAMIC day/night view from almost legendary jetted spa.
Entertainment
- Stereo
- Television
- DVD Player
- CD Player
- Games For Kids
- Radio
Theme
- Historic
- Spa
- Tourist Attractions
- Romantic
- Family
- Adventure
- Luxury
- Away From It All
Attractions
- Botanical Garden
- Winery Tours
- Autumn Foliage
- Museums
- Restaurants
- Zoo
- Waterfalls
- Marina
- Forests
Car
- Recommended
- Necessary
Leisure Activities
- Wildlife Viewing
- Walking
- Shelling
- Sledding
- Scenic Drives
- Sight Seeing
- Bird Watching
- Beachcombing
- Boating
- Shopping
- Gambling Casinos
- Eco Tourism
- Antiquing
- Whale Watching
local services and businesses
- Groceries
- Medical Services
Location Type
- Beach
- Mountain View
- Oceanfront
- Waterfront
- Beachfront
- Water View
- Waterfront
- Ocean View
- Beach View
sports and adventure activities
- Sailing
- Skiing
- Jet Skiing
- Water Skiing
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Golf
- Hiking
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Scuba Diving Or Snorkeling
- Cycling
- Snowmobiling
- Mountain Biking
- Sound/Bay Fishing
- Whitewater Rafting
- Fly Fishing
- Mountaineering
- Water Tubing
- Hunting
- Wind-Surfing
- Fishing
- Hunting Small Game
Amenity
- King
- Sleep Sofa /Futon
- Queen
Arrival Day
- Flexible
catering options
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Dining
- Dining
- Dining Area
forms of payment
- Accept Credit Card
General
- Iron & Board
- Mobile Phone
- Activities Guide
- Local Restaurant Guide
- Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer
- Toilet Paper
- Wireless Internet
- Paper Towels
- Parking Off Street
- Heating
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
- Towels Provided
- Wood Stove
- Telephone
- Broadband Access
- Living Room
- Linens Provided
- Internet
- Local Activities Guide
- Parking On Street
- Alarm Clock
- Macintosh Computer
- Basic Soaps
- Parking
- Local Maps
- PC
- Fireplace
- Hair Dryer
house cleaning
- Housekeeper Optional
Kitchen
- Freezer
- Toaster
- Stove
- Cooking Utensils
- Pantry Items
- Kitchen
- Coffee Maker
- Blender
- Dishwasher
- Stove
- Oven
- Grill
- Dishes & Utensils
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
Outside
- Outdoor Grill
- Unscreened Porch / Veranda
- Walkway To Water
- Wood Deck
- Beach Chairs
- Lawn / Garden
- Porch / Veranda
- Balcony
- Deck / Patio
- Lanai / Gazebo
- Beach Towels
- Outdoor Grill Gas
Payment Type
- Discover
- Mastercard
- Visa
Pool / Spa
- Jacuzzi
- Hot Tub
- Jetted Tub
- Spa Whirlpool
Reviews
Write a review-
Fabulous 40th Getaway
Fabulous 40th Getaway
- Guest Jennifer H.
- Date of stay 05/06/13
- Review Submitted 05/16/13
What a remarkable home! Our family needed a place for 7 for my husband's 40th birthday celebration. We stayed for 5 days and were sad to leave! The owner, Tori, is gracious and superior in customer service. The home is immaculately clean and cozy. The master bedroom is a dream with an unbelievable view from the jetted tub. We especially enjoyed the fire pit for making s'mores. We grilled hand picked oysters and made gourmet meals in the well appointed kitchen. My kids kept a log of all the wildlife they found; eagles, otters, seals, shellfish and sea stars! We took advantage of some of Tori's sightseeing suggestions and made to the nearby waterfall. All in all a lovely week and perfect way to celebrate! Thank you, Tori for your gracious home.Owner response: Always a TRUE pleasure assisting guests in making a warm, treasured memory. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Warmly, Tori
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Wonderful Family Retreat
Wonderful Family Retreat
- Guest Fun4Fam
- Date of stay 04/17/13
- Review Submitted 04/29/13
We stayed at this wonderfully appointed home with our children and grandchildren. 4 different couples in all, and plenty of room for everyone! Numerous amenities, and the details of this home add to the historic charm. Our granddaughters enjoyed combing the beach for shells (there are thousands!) and splashing in the water. On our last day, we made a fire in the fire pit (the wood burned well and was very easy to light, even in damp conditions) and we all sat around roasting hot dogs and making smores-a wonderful memory! We brought our 2 dogs, and really did not encounter any challenges with this (except our retriever loved to run out into the water every chance he got!) In the evenings we sat around the table and played games, enjoying some quality family time. Would do this again in a heartbeat!!!Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Wonderful Getaway for Family!
Wonderful Getaway for Family!
- Guest Fun4Fam
- Date of stay 04/17/13
- Review Submitted 04/28/13
This was a wonderful place to stay with our children and grandchildren. The home was beautiful, same appearance as the pictures, with numerous amenities. Our granddaughters just loved walking the waterfront, picking out shells (there are thousands!)and splashing in the water. Lots of room for the 4 couples in the group, and enjoyed the beautiful view while enjoying quality time with family. The stairs are very steep and because it is a historical house with older doors that do not lock, you need to be very careful watching any little ones. We brought both of our dogs without any real challenges. We spent the last day around the fire pit, enjoying roasted marshmallows and hot dogs. The wood that was provided burned great and it was easy to get a fire started. A wonderful trip, would do it again in a heartbeat!Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, families with young children, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
A Wonderful Family Getaway!
A Wonderful Family Getaway!
- Guest Andrea S.
- Date of stay 04/17/13
- Review Submitted 04/24/13
(I am writing this for my MIL, who was the primary renter of this property) We stayed at this well-appointed home with our 3 sons, their wives, and 2 young grandchildren. The home is beautifully cared for, with plenty of amenities. Our granddaughters LOVED the water and collecting seashells, which were innumerable! The doors do not lock (Historic home, door knobs are original), and stairways are steep, so you need to be careful with toddlers. We enjoyed playing games all weekend long, and just enjoying QT with family at this uniquely charming home.Owner response: It is so rewarding to be able to provide a unique place that brings joy into others lives. Thank you for taking the time to let us, and others know of your endearing experience.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Don't Hesitate!
Don't Hesitate!
- Guest Cheri
- Date of stay 01/10/13
- Review Submitted 01/20/13
This wonderful retreat will surpass your expectations. It is clean, well equipped, in a tremendous spot on the waterfront of Hood Canal, and, most of all it exudes an ambiance of comfort and relaxation. Gathering oysters is a breeze, even in cold weather! I recently spent a week here for a personal "getaway". Though there are not a lot of restaurants around, the ones that are, serve the purpose well. The clam strips at the Geoduck Restauant were great. The steak I had, I wouldn't reorder. The pizza at the nearby Pleasant Harbor Marina was very good, though you might consider it for a take-out meal if you are looking for anything more than a table to eat on and a TV to watch within the restaurant. For me, this was a spot to really unwind and take pause from routine. I enjoyed it tremendously and will look forward to returning. Cheri, Sequim WARecommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
Owner response: You are very kind to inform travelers that even the coldest time of the year is highly desirable, and by far the most affordable. We TRULY are pleased when guests discover the paradise that is The Historic Balch Retreat as we have. We hope to hear from you again as well!!
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
-
Wonderful!! (from TripAdvisor)
Guest comment entered by ownerWonderful!! (from TripAdvisor)
- Guest Lari - The Dalles, Or
- Date of stay 05/17/12
- Review Submitted 11/29/12
Left on 06/12/2012 for a stay in May 2012 Beautiful place inside and out. Master bedroom has incredible view with a jetted tub! Cozy and comfortable place to relax and enjoy. Great views of Hood Canal, with access to clamming and picking up oysters. Fire pit outside for roasting smore's, or just having a fire. My family and I had a wonderful time and you will too. Also pet friendly! Thanks again for letting us stay in your BEAUTIFUL home.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
-
Lovely Stay!! (from TripAdvisor)
Guest comment entered by ownerLovely Stay!! (from TripAdvisor)
- Guest Drew - Nashville
- Date of stay 06/21/12
- Review Submitted 11/29/12
Left on 07/01/2012 for a stay in June 2012 We stayed at the retreat for five nights in June. It's great, great views of Hood Canal, easy to get oysters and clams right out of the water and close to great hiking and the Olympic national park! Property is very well kept -- would highly recommend!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Tranquil and Unexpected! (from TripAdvisor)
Guest comment entered by ownerTranquil and Unexpected! (from TripAdvisor)
- Guest Kim P - Lynnwood, Wa
- Date of stay 07/01/12
- Review Submitted 11/29/12
Tranquil and Unexpected Left on 07/06/2012 for a stay in July 2012 We were looking forward to some deck time getting caught up on reading and getting away from work. What we didn't expect to find was the hourly changes to the landscape below the deck. Tide going out reveals multiple mini islands and a playground for oysters and kayakers. Tide coming in is a playground for seals and boaters laying out their crab pots. It was surprising quiet the entire week we were there. We enjoying many local hikes/walks in the forest and to see some amazing waterfalls. The evening tub overlooking the water and the night sky was topped only by sitting around the bonfire watching the moon rise. To top it off, their are 4 eagles who soar in front of the house - so close and always unexpected we missed them with our video camera each time. The house is well kept and has plenty of room and everything you could need. Kim P - Lynnwood, WaDid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
-
Amazing views and very comfortable! (TripAdvisor)
Guest comment entered by ownerAmazing views and very comfortable! (TripAdvisor)
- Guest The Wittig family
- Date of stay 07/23/12
- Review Submitted 11/29/12
Left on 08/08/2012 for a stay in July 2012 To sum up how we felt about our stay...We didn't want to leave! The house was amazing. The views were beautiful. The flowerbeds were lovely. The home was beautifully designed. The fire pit was a nice touch, but we didn't use it. You had everything we needed to be comfortable, even a hairdryer. My fifteen-year old son took the lower level room. I swear it was a chore to get him to leave the house, actually the water. He didn't even want to come inside to eat! He spent most of his time down at the water messing around. My father-in-law and mother-in-law took the main floor bedroom and told me they were quite comfortable. My father-in-law spent a lot of time on the back deck. He had hip replacement surgery a few years back and two surgeries in the middle of June so he didn't venture down to the water but once to hang out with my son. He loved the house also. My husband and I stayed in the master suite. My husband and I were impressed by the beautiful views from the top floor. The skylights were neat. We didn't use the whirlpool tub, but my father-in-law did. Needless to say he loved it. The house was extremely comfortable. We each had a separate area, but yet we were very close, if that makes sense. Thank you for sharing your home with us. The Wittig family Holly, Brad and Tyler Leonard and LilDid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Treat yourself to the ideal vacation (TripAdvisor)
Guest comment entered by ownerTreat yourself to the ideal vacation (TripAdvisor)
- Guest Susan - Los Angeles
- Date of stay 08/07/12
- Review Submitted 11/29/12
Treat yourself and your family to the ideal vacation (TripAdvisor) Left on 11/28/2012 for a stay in August 2012 We loved this house from top to bottom. The views were amazing and the house was beautiful and beautifully maintained. The location is magical at the edge of a wild life preserve. Our first morning we sat out on the deck and watched the eagles doing aerial acrobatics overhead. One zoomed in so close I thought it would hit us while it chased another in hot pursuit. It was breathtaking.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPRING SEASON..1 BDRM see note May 1 - Jun 13, 2013 2 night min stay |
$225 | $345 |
||||
|
Notes: RATE IS FOR 1 BEDROOM. 4th night FREE...May 27-31 or June 3-7!! ADD $50 nt FOR EACH ADD'L BDRM. |
||||||
| PEAK SEASON..2 BDRMS see notes Jun 14 - Sep 8, 2013 3 night min stay |
$495 | $495 |
||||
|
Notes: 2 BEDROOMS. Add $75 nt per each add'l bdrm. 4 nt min WEEKENDS. 3 nt WEEKDAYS. See exceptions below |
||||||
| SHOULDER SEASON..1 BEDROOM Sep 9 - Sep 22, 2013 3 night min stay |
$345 | $345 |
||||
|
Notes: 1 BEDROOM. Add $50 nt per each add'l bdrm. Limit 2 guests per bdrm |
||||||
| FALL SEASON-up to 2 BEDROOMS Sep 23 - Nov 30, 2013 2 night min stay |
$295 | $295 |
||||
|
Notes: 2 BEDROOMS. Add $50 nt per each add'l bdrm. Limit 2 per bdrm. |
||||||
| WINTER SEASON-1 BDRM see notes Dec 1 - Mar 20, 2014 2 night min stay |
$150 | $195 |
||||
|
Notes: 1 BEDROOM. MIDWEEK rate: Mon-Wed... Add $50 nt per add'l bedroom. Limit 2 per bedroom. |
||||||
Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency ($) unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.
Additional information about rental rates:
This owner accepts HomeAway's most secure form of payment.
HomeAway PaymentsSM is the most secure way to pay and automatically protects your payment up to $10,000 (learn more). Call the owner directly to confirm payment details.
Location
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2007
About the owner: We are a couple that highly enjoys travel, and are attempting to provide the most enjoyable aspects to our honored guests, in a historically unique, waterfront, vacation rental experience.
Why the Owner Chose Brinnon:
It is incredibly rare to discover what we call the 'Big 4': Wildlife estuary, seafood producing waterfront with a constantly changing view, the foothills of Olympic Nat'l Park and Forest in back, and an upscale historic home all in one place. The panoramic view jetted spa completed the picture. We waited a very long time for this property to come available. So worth the wait!
The Unique Benefits at this House:
See 'Why This Property' above.
Contact us
- Primary: +1 360 271-3629 Washington, USA 8am-9pm PT 7 days a week
Links to more information:
Photos
-
The Historic Balch Retreat on Hood Canal
-
Welcome to the diverse Dosewallips Wildlife Estuary in front
-
-
The Brinnon elk visit our yard and the DW Wildlife Estuary in front.
-
Some of the cute wildlife that visit the yard and DW Wildlife Estuary in front
-
DW Wildlife Estuary in front attracts the resident bald eagles
-
Campfire by the water - smores, good food, great stories, and treasured memories
-
Original 1920 porcelain tub w/ shower ring
-
Serene views through original leaded glass windows while cooking or dining.
-
4 enticing waterfalls and/or view trails within 3-15 min's walking or driving.
-
Covered view lanai w/ recliners, rocking glider, & heater. Great for ANY weather
-
A sunset in JANUARY.
-
Gaze at Mt Rainier, wildllife, and occasional submarines.
-
Almost legendary PANORAMIC VIEW jetted spa
-
Skylights that open to the Canal!!
-
Magnificent views from most rooms including living area
-
Submarines come train out front!!
-
Kayakers coming through the D.W. Wildlife Estuary in front of The Retreat.
-
Original 1920 antique porcelain sink with built in drainboard.
-
Portion of Master Suite with skylights
-
Historic significance, intriguing photos, and historic information.
-
Complete peace and relaxation
-
Covered panoramic view balcony. Perfect rain or shine.
-
Large entertaining deck by water edge, with chaise lounge, and stairs to beach