Treehouse, Eagles, Hummingbirds, a Short Walk from the Ferry
- Minimum stay:Contact owner
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:No
A recent guest recommends this property,
Stayed 2 days in May, 2011
'It-Klahowya-is a wonderful house with the sea and the forest. It was a great place for a reunion. On arrival we were greeted by a humming bird and bald eagle. We cooked great meals, ate on the deck and relaxed. Love to return. Lopez Island was a very relaxing laid back place to stay. I had always wanted to go to Prince Edward Island after seeing Anne of Green Gables but Lopez Island seemed similar. It has everything, the sea, forests, wildlife and lots of happy sheep and farms. The ferry trip was fun and felt like we were leaving the chaos of the mainland and arriving in a calm and peaceful place. We all felt so relaxed after our stay'.
'Highly recommended, both Lopez and Klahowya'
And from the owners:
As you drive, walk, or bike off the ferry, prepare to arrive quickly at our cabin, 'Klahowya', (carved into the brown cedar fence) at the top of the hill on the left; we're the closest in proximity to the ferry, (which offers free unique opportunites for inter-island travel) and most nothern house on Lopez. In seconds, on the right, you'll pass the Upright Head Nature Preserve trail head, home of the resident pair of bald eagles that may already be perched high atop the old fir tree beside the house. Park on your left, in a space for two cars. Walk down the curving wooden steps, under the overhanging madrona tree, across the short bridge, and beneath the Native American carving hanging from a log arch.
Open the the door into another world. You've arrived at our tree house overlooking Thatcher Pass, through which all WA State ferries travel, entering, or leaving the San Juan Islands. If it's warm outside, you may want to ease into a deck chair with a chilled microbrew or your favorite wine before another minute passes, and start taking in the tranquility of the native San Juan Islands' woodland opening to the water and islands beyond.
To the left of the deck stands a large old growth Douglas fir; it's been there for a couple of hundred years, and it has most likely been an eagle observation post for the last hundred. They're hard to see in the top where they perch, but you'll hear them chatter if they're there. And when the eagles show up, often so do the ravens.
We've tried to make our house feel to guests the way we like to feel when we visit a very special place: Friendly, casual, comfortable, fun, and serene. If you're in the mood, enjoy our fully equipped kitchen, with spices in the cupboard, knives in the block, and all the cook ware you'll need in the shelves to the left. The butcherblock counters are tough, but they can't take hot pan bottoms. The hot pads will do that work. The gas range does what you want it to do, and the vent is robust and more than able to whisk away all the steam from your pasta. To your left around the corner you'll find our bathroom with all new fixtures, plenty of hot water, big towels, shampoo, conditioner, hand soap and shower gell.
Opposite the bathroom door is the upstairs bedroom (TV in downstairs BR only), with a big closet and a large window looking out to the water and woodland. If you want privacy, close the wooden blinds. The queen mattress with a pillow top is wrapped in flannel sheets, and topped with a down comforter and pillows, or substitute the hypoallergenic version in the closet. Wall mounted lamps on both sides of the bed provide three levels of reading light; the lighted watercolor painting above the bed is a scene in the Sawtooth Mountains near Sun Valley; can you find the eagles?
While your partner begins preparing your first meal in the kitchen, you might explore the large upper deck, beyond the living room with the leather couch and comfy chairs, and dining area in the corner with large windows out to the water, or into the woodland. On a warm early evening, grilling salmon, or steaks, on the new gas grill is a delight. Birds, from hummers to eagles, sometimes remain active until near dark. If you've never heard a barred owl, this just might this night, maybe you'll even see one.
Wander to the opening into the stair landing with a wood floor, down the carpeted stairs surrounded with the rustic knotty pine walls and ceiling, interesting art, and big windows, and into the big bedroom below, also with the pine walls. This large, but very private BR with a gas fireplace, looks out to the water across its own large deck. Lounge on the couch listening to music from the TV satellite or the CDs you brought, or perhaps watch a movie from our selection of DVDs. If it should come to a need for washing clothes, look behind the louvered doors and follow the simple directions.
Some landmarks in front of you, across the deck: To the front, and slightly to the left: Thatcher Pass, ferries pass through every half hour or so. Listen for their horn signals. Shoal Bay, the large expanse of water between the house, and the ridge in the distance, Humphrey Head. Large vintage sail boats often stop over in Shoal Bay, or crab fishermen drop their crab pots in season (Mar.-Apr.) returning later to harvest their catch. Kayakers often venture into these waters as well.
A 10 minute drive: Horse Drawn Farm; if you plan to demonstrate your cooking expertise, this should be your first stop; check our guest book for directions. You may be met by two border collies, but park and go into the big shed on your left and select from farm fresh veggies, fruits, and frozen Lopez meats: lamb, beef, pork, and chicken. Pay in cash by the honor system in the metal box.
In Lopez Village:10 minute drive, (map in the guest book), restaurants, espresso, fresh baked goods. Visit our new large grocery store and another small, but fine organic food store, and more. Before you leave, check out posters at the beautiful Community Center for live performances. You may be surprised at what is scheduled while you're on the Island.
Keywords: Lopez, serene, ferry dock, eagles, wildlife, woodland, water views, biking, ferry ride to Friday Harbor, farmland, birding, kayaking,
kitchen, pets, cabin
Property Type
- 1000 sq. ft.
- House
- 2 story
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
Bedrooms: 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4, Beds for 4
Bathrooms: 1 Bathrooms
Kitchen & Dining
Amenities
Other Amenities
- See 'OTHER ACTIVITIES'
Entertainment
- DVD Player
- CD Player
- VCR
- Stereo
Communications
Outdoor Features
- Outdoor Grill
Location & View
Activities
- Deepsea Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Golf Privileges Optional
- Scuba Diving Or Snorkeling
- Paragliding
- Hospital
- Groceries
- Laundromat
- Fitness Center
- Medical Services
- Snorkeling
- Fishing
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Golf
- Sound/Bay Fishing
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Botanical Garden
- Winery Tours
- Beachcombing
- Eco Tourism
- Bird Watching
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Churches
- Marina
- Library
- Paddle Boating
- Wildlife Viewing
- Sight Seeing
- Shopping
- ATM/Bank
- Boating
- Walking
- Scenic Drives
- Whale Watching
- Antiquing
- Shelling
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Fantastic house...We loved the deck!
Guest comment entered by ownerFantastic house...We loved the deck!
- Guest Mark and J.J.
- Date of stay 03/17/12
- Review Submitted 03/27/13
We came for peace and to look at the water. We got both in spades. Fantastic house, everything you need to relax, cook, etc… We loved the deck! We had sunny days, but cold – just added a few layers and few cups of hot coffee and the deck provided hours & hours of relaxation – our Malamute Selene spend the days napping on the deck. We hit every spot on the island – we had glorious days at Spencer Spit / Shark Reef / Iceberg Point (AMAZING!!). Hard to believe no one else was around. Odlin Park a great spot for a close evening walk. Checking out Paul Allen’s house at the end of Sperry Road by accident was fun & such a beautiful view. Don’t miss Watmough Bay. We will be back. ~ Mark. & J.J., Seattle – Go Dawgs! March 17 – 23, 2012Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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..Some amazing memories thanks to this place.
Guest comment entered by owner..Some amazing memories thanks to this place.
- Guest F and Amanda
- Date of stay 05/01/12
- Review Submitted 03/27/13
We came to spend our 7th anniversary together relaxing and enjoying each other’s company in the quiet islands where life is simple, as it should be, and full of genuine kindness and many a great story. The house was perfect for cooking romantic dinners and lounging by the fireplace. My runs took me around Hummel Lake and eagles followed me home. Thanks for a wonderful long weekend. We’ve made some amazing memories thanks to this place. ~ F & Amanda, May 1, 2012Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Our time here was memorable......
Guest comment entered by ownerOur time here was memorable......
- Guest Bill, Bobbi, and Zoey
- Date of stay 06/23/12
- Review Submitted 03/27/13
We truly enjoyed our days here – away from the hustle & bustle of our overzealous lives. Our 30st anniversary was perfect…Quiet and relaxing. The house is also a perfect combination of serene surroundings with well-appointed livability. Our time here was memorable. ~ Bill, Bobbi (Maggie & Zoey), June 23-27, 2012Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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We spent a glorious time in this lovely home.
Guest comment entered by ownerWe spent a glorious time in this lovely home.
- Guest Sue and Ken
- Date of stay 07/04/12
- Review Submitted 03/27/13
We already had this trip planned when we were evacuated for the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs. Luckily our house was saved but in the meantime we spent a glorious time in this lovely home. Thank you for being pet friendly - it was great having Bailey with us. We celebrated milestone birthdays – daughter 30, husband & sister 65 and myself 60. Having coffee on the deck at 7 a.m. was outstanding & my husband loved the infrared grill (he will own one now). As one that walks with a cane, a railing on the outside steps would be helpful. We will be back – after all, we got a rain check for whale watching! ~ Sue & Ken, Woodland Park, Co. July 4-8, 2012Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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This house really had it all!
Guest comment entered by ownerThis house really had it all!
- Guest Anna
- Date of stay 07/04/12
- Review Submitted 03/27/13
This house really had it all! Great views, great kitchen & BBQ, & tons of extras for people & dogs. The owner & management were great as well – calling to ensure we had everything we needed. Thanks so much! We had a lovely vacation & will definitely recommend the Klahowya house to others. Anna, July 4-8, 2012Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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What a beautiful property with fantastic views!!
Guest comment entered by ownerWhat a beautiful property with fantastic views!!
- Guest Tim and Gen
- Date of stay 07/12/12
- Review Submitted 03/27/13
It was interesting to see that the prior visitors were from Co. Spgs as I too have family who were evacuated due to the Waldo Canyon fire. Small world!! We are from Boulder/Denver Co. It’s been an amazing visit. I’d never been to WA and was amazed to see how tall the trees are. I know everything was green here and so we lucked out with some wonderful weather & SUN!! We enjoyed kayaking with our own gear @ Mud Bay & Mackey Harbor. It was very different than lakes in Co & WY. We also had fun with the ferry (watching it coming & going) and took a trip over to Friday Harbor on Friday. What a beautiful property with fantastic views!! We also appreciated your book on the “San Juan Current Guide”. It helped us avoid difficult currents during the low tides. My partner arranged this trip in hopes that my 60th birthday would be special. We could not have found a better place to celebrate. Best Regards, July 12 – 15, 2012Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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What a wonderful place to vacation!
Guest comment entered by ownerWhat a wonderful place to vacation!
- Guest Theresa and Richard-Utah; Rose and Cherie-Missouri
- Date of stay 08/13/12
- Review Submitted 03/27/13
What a wonderful place to vacation! We saw Orcas and Minke whales, sea lions, harbor seals & the smaller seals (forgot the name), porpoises, and even a little sea otter paid us a visit - oh! And jelly fish! We saw deer and a couple eagles and a type of bird unfamiliar to us. We enjoyed good food, beautiful scenery and very friendly people! The house was nice and comfortable! Thank you for a great time!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Watching the stars through the trees...
Guest comment entered by ownerWatching the stars through the trees...
- Guest Chip and Merideth
- Date of stay 08/20/12
- Review Submitted 03/27/13
Truly beautiful here. Watching the stars through the trees and the last ferry of the evening is a magical experience. Lopez itself is charming, with friendly faces aplenty. The Bay restaurant was even better than advertised. Our one regret was that we had to leave so soon. Otherwise it was a perfect honeymoon.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Loved the decks and views of the water!
Guest comment entered by ownerLoved the decks and views of the water!
- Guest Kristin, Debbie, and LIz
- Date of stay 09/01/12
- Review Submitted 03/27/13
Another yearly sister trip to the islands. This was our first time on Lopez and we loved it. We had perfect weather all week, sunny and in the high 70’s. The house was great! Loved the decks and views of the water. A truly relaxing place to spend a week reading, talking and eating. Checked out all of the public beaches and our favorite was Flat Point Beach – long sandy beaches to walk on. Took 2 ferry excursions to Friday harbor and Orcas to shop. We all love being on the water. We’ve stayed on Orcas the past 7 years but we will return to Lopez again next summer. Thank you for sharing your home with us. ~ Kristin, Vista CA; Debbie N., Seattle WA; Liz N, Spokane WA, September 1-7, 2012Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Sorry we have to go back to the real world!
Guest comment entered by ownerSorry we have to go back to the real world!
- Guest D&J
- Date of stay 09/23/12
- Review Submitted 03/27/13
We enjoyed your retreat. Island was wonderful! Sorry we have to go back to the real world!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
Rates
June 15 thru Sept. 15: 3 nite min.;$250/nt.;$1,450/wk.; per month: ask owner Rest of year: 3 nite min.: $195/nt.;$995/wk.; per month: ask owner Guests may provide a $350 security deposit or purchase a $50 damage waiver when renting this home.When pets are accepted there is an additional fee of $35 per nite. Check out cleaning fee: $150 year round. CONSIDER SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER; TIME SLOWS DOWN, WEATHER IS GREAT; LOWER RATES (ON 9-15); FEWER PEOPLE. AVAILABLE ALL YEAR, with some exceptions.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
This owner accepts: Credit cards.
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.
Calendar
Sorry this information is not available. Please contact the owner/manager for more information.
Location
- Nearest Airport: 7 miles to Lopez Is. airport Seaplane landing 6 mi at 7 Miles
- Nearest Ferry: 5 minute walk. Closest house to Lopez ferry at 200 Metres
- Nearest Train: Amtrac on mainland. Seattle, 100 miles at 100 Miles
- Nearest Motorway: Lopez Is Ferry Road next to property at 30 Metres
- Nearest Beach: Odlin State Park 1.0 mi at 1.2 Miles
- Nearest Barpub: 5 mi, Lopez Village, or 6 mi to Islander Lopez at 5 Miles
- Nearest Ski: mainland, Mt Baker, 100 + miles plus a ferry ride at 100 Miles
- Nearest Golf: Lopez Is. 5-8 miles at 5 Miles
- Nearest Restaurant: Lopez Village, 5 miles, or snack bar at ferry 5min at 0.1 Miles
Owner info
Year Purchased: 1983
Why the Owner Chose Lopez Island:
We love the tranquility of our lovely treehouse amongst the native woodlands, overlooking Shoal Bay, and the ferry route, with close proximity to the ferry dock. Perhaps most of all, we enjoy the eagle activity all around us. We're visited often, sometimes several times a day, when eagles perch atop a very tall and sturdy tree, chattering and observing their water and woodland domain below.
The Unique Benefits at this House:
In addition to eagle and other wildlife activiity described in 'Why we bought KLAHOWYA', we are uniquely situated within a 5 minute walk of the Lopez WA State Ferry Terminal. This means you can walk or bike on for a free (or drive on for a charge) round trip ferry ride to San Juan (Friday Harbor), Shaw or Orcas Islands. And on a foggy night you hear their fog horns as well as they signal other passing ferries. On clear nights, nearby ferries glide silently across the water appearing as a suspended moving crystal illuminated from within.
Contact us
- Primary: 2064914571
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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Klahowya tree house from Shoal Bay
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From the entry, up the steps beneath the tree arch to the fence and parking area
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Available All Year, including Christmas and New Years, with some exceptions.
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Our kitchen is ready for preparing your special dinner. (no dish washer)
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Pour your wine and kick back into deep leather cushions
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Cozy and warm, pleanty of hot water, excellent pressure, effective ventilation
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Down the stairs between pine walls and under an arched ceiling to the BR below.
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Gas fireplace, music, movies, morning sunrise. Late sleepers close the blinds.
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Treehouse decks high and low, facing Shoal Bay and woodlands
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Dining at dusk with views of the woodland and water,(incl. infra red gas grill)
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Shoal Bay wind driven waves meet the rocks below our deck
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For your privacy, made from very old cedar once used for a ranch entry sign.
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'WELCOME', A Chinook term first used trading with non-natives 200 years ago
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View from uphill toward Shoal Bay. Designed for privacy
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Native American art detail
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Dining with a view of woodland and Shoal Bay
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Upstairs sleeping; blinds closed until sunrise; then let the light in.
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... lighting as good and beautiful as it gets, plus the other comforts you want
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Stairs at night from the upper deck through 6' X 6' window
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Lower BR, visiting with Great Great Aunt Inga, above the bed
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From top deck, sails from the past, across Shoal Bay to Humphrey's Head
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Your chair, waiting for the eagle aerial show
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Eagles' perch, bark long ago worn away, atop the old growth fir beside Klahowya
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Lopez Is. ferry landing; you're but a 5 minute walk to the 'tree house'
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This listing was first published here in 2011.
Date last modified - Friday, May 24, 2013