Location: Orcas, Orcas Island, San Juan Islands, Northwest & Islands, Washington State, USA (Orcas - Most popular destination in San Juan Islands) View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 2 Baths (Sleeps 6)
Keywords: home, waterfront, view, wildlife, privacy, quiet
The Quinn Cottage
An Orcas Island Waterfront Retreat
The Quinn Cottage is a lovely waterfront home nestled on a sunny, wooded acre of land looking across Harney Channel to Shaw Island. The famous San Juan Island ferries and a continual parade of pleasure boats sail by the cottage’s view throughout the day. The south-facing exposure catches the sunrise and sunset as well as all the sunlight and warmth possible through the seasons. It is a perfect location.
The cottage is just two miles from the Orcas Island ferry landing and public dock and the quaint Orcas Village with a well-stocked country market, shops and eateries, the Victorian era Orcas Hotel and Restaurant, movie rentals, whale watching excursion boats, and kayak rentals. Also two miles from the cottage is Bayhead Marina with boat slips and an easy boat and kayak launch ramp. Lake Killebrew, a small public lake only one mile away, is fun for fishing and exploration.
An abundance of wildlife can be enjoyed from this pretty seaside retreat: deer, rabbits, raccoons, otters, mink, seals, bald eagles, heron, and an endless variety of other sea, shore, and land birds. At low tide the rocks at the water’s edge offer hours of exploration for oysters, starfish, crab, small fish, octopus, jelly fish, and other sea creatures.
Kayaking from this side of the island is fabulous. Other islands, coves, beaches, and villages are all within easy paddle distances. Rental guests are given information and advice so they can create their exciting kayaking adventures.
At night the sound of water lapping against the rocks and beach lulls visitors to sleep.
This light, airy, newly remodeled home has an open living room, dining room, and kitchen with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and floor to ceiling windows opening onto a large wrap-around main deck. The panoramic view from this "great room" is stunning. It is also completely furnished with all the details of a cozy family cottage.
The main level has two bedrooms, the Master with a queen bed and the other with a trundle bed (to be used as either two twins or one king), as well as a colorful bathroom with shower. The separate lower level is a large bedroom/playroom with a king bed and bunk beds and its own bathroom with shower. It is connected to the upper level by exterior stairs and has its own private exterior entry. The water view is beautiful from this room's large windows. This serene lower level is perfect for a second couple or a children's getaway. It has its own books, games, television with cable and DVD, and plenty of space to relax.
All bedrooms have lovely pillows and spreads, cozy comforters, and high quality bedding and linens. The entire home has many European Bed and Breakfast touches and amenities.
Wood is supplied for the charming wood-burning stove in the living room. In addition every room in the home has its own baseboard heater and separate thermostat for year-round comfort.
The open, sunny kitchen is fully equipped for cooking, dining, and entertaining with lovely dishes, table ware, and linens. Even the gourmet cook will find the necessary appliances, cookware, bake ware, and utensils for any special recipe.
The pantry/laundry room has a washer and dryer, cleaning and laundry supplies, picnic ware, beach towels, and ample storage space. Many cooking essentials are available for use by the rental guest, including spices, herbs, coffee, tea, sugar and oils, and much more.
Both the large glassed-in upper deck and water's edge lower deck have Adirondack chairs, dining tables, a charcoal barbeque, a gas chiminea for "camp fires," and a double hammock. Both decks are lovely spots for reading, relaxing, dining, and the constant viewing of water and wildlife.
The landscaped areas around the house have whimsical pieces of “exterior art” and a full herb garden. The acre of land beyond the house is covered with mossy knolls and sunny fields, creating a cushion of peace for the cottage. No road noise can be heard from this serene spot.
Other amenities of this inviting home include wireless Broadband (high speed) internet, satellite television (Dish Network), puzzles and games, a library of adult and children’s books and movies, a DVD player, an Ipod dock, and two boom boxes.
Orcas Island itself offers many adventures, including hiking, sea kayaking, lake and ocean fishing, boating, whale watching, canoeing, shopping, beachcombing, and biking, as well as day trips by ferry to other islands and Victoria, British Columbia.
The island has many local fairs and celebrations, open-air music concerts, quality live theatre, flea markets, garage sales, and farmers’ markets.
Eastsound, the main village on the island, and a 15 to 20-minute drive from the Quinn Cottage through pastoral farmlands and beautiful mountain vistas, is a charming town with many restaurants, specialty shops, and a major super market.
A stay at the Quinn cottage leaves all visitors with lasting memories of adventure, escape, and rejuvenation. One of the Quinn Cottage vacationers said it this way: “As I sat on the cottage deck on the last day of our week’s stay, watching the sun slowly set over the shimmering water in front of me, I got a lump in my throat knowing that I had to leave this amazing place. I could see why the Quinns have been coming here for more than thirty years and still can’t wait to return. I knew that I would return as well.”
We invite you to visit this special island and stay in our own magic spot, the Quinn Cottage. Please check our website calendar for available dates. We look forward to getting your request by email. Please also feel free to request by email additional photos, Google Map location, as well as more excerpts from the Quinn Cottage guest book.
No Smoking, No Pets, Consult with owners about children under 5.
Also see our #335603 Quinn Cottage San Diego.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided : Guests will find pillow top mattresses, luxurious linens, and lovely bath and kitchen towels at this seaside cottage.
- Off Street Parking : The cottage and driveways are well secluded from any road traffic. The driveway slope is mild and easily navigated.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : The acre of property has easy pull-in and parking for cars, boats, kayaks, or trailers.
- Gas Fireplace : The lower deck has a gas chiminea for cozy "camp fire" evenings at the water's edge.
- Wood Stove : Chopped wood and kindling are available for your use in the charming wood burning stove in the great room.
- Beds
- King Bed : This bed is on the lower level of the cottage and has a beautiful view of the water.
- Queen Bed : This bed is in a bedroom on the main level of the cottage.
- Twin/Single Bed : The second bedroom on the main level of the cottage has a trundle bed that offers two twins or a king bed when combined.
- Bunk Bed : The lower level of the cottage has bunk beds.
- Crib : The cottage has a Pack 'n Play.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Both levels of the cottage have televisions with satellite network and DVD viewing.
- DVD
- Video Library : The cottage has a good collection of adult and family DVD's. In addition, two miles from the cottage is a store with movie rentals.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : The cottage has an Ipod dock and 2 boom boxes.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : The cottage kitchen has beautiful, high quality appliances, including a diswasher and garbage disposal.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : The kitchen is fully equipped with everything to make even the gourmet cook happy. Lovely table linens, dishes, and serving pieces are provided to make a beautiful meal complete.
- Refrigerator : The side-by-side refrigerator/freezer has ample space for a family's needs. The pantry has many herbs, spices, flour, sugar, oils, and other staples for guests to use.
- Dishwasher : The Bosch dishwasher cleans with almost no rinsing.
- Microwave : A large over-the-range microwave serves all needs.
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : A charcoal grill is positioned just off the main deck so that barbequing can be done in the middle of the activity.
- Deck/Patio : One large glassed-in wooden deck surrounds the main level of the cottage and has dining tables, umbrellas, and adirondack chairs. A lower deck on the water's edge has a gas chiminea, chairs, and tables. The garden area also has two picnic tables with benches. The garden has an herb garden for the adventurous cook's use.
- View/Location
- Oceanfront : An easily managed set of wide, sturdy stairs leads down to fabulous tide pools below the cottage at the water's edge. It is possible to launch kayaks from the bottom of the stairs at the right tide.
- Communications
- Telephone : The cottage telephone can be used for all local calls and all incoming calls. Rental guests need a long distance calling card for those calls.
- Cell Phone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- The main living space, or "great room," has three walls of floor to ceiling windows that look out to the water view, the boats and ferries, ocean wildlife, and any activity on the cottage deck. Skylights look up to the trees and sky. Many guests call the cottage a "tree house on the water's edge." The views are breathtaking. The peace and quiet is remarkable.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Please call the owners for advice about children under the age of 5.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Racquetball
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Great tidepooling is fun at low tide directly in front of the house; it is possible to launch your kayak from the property depending on tides; just 2 miles away is an easy boat and kayak launch ramp and boat slips; Orcas Village is a lovely 2 mile walk or quick car trip away for groceries, coffee, or convenient island hopping on the ferry; owners share personal tourist information and help with trip planning; the cottage is well off the main road for country lane walks and total quiet and privacy; bird watchers find the cottage a paradise of discoveries with both native and migrating birds in full view from the windows and decks; children and adults are constantly amused by the fascinating parade of boats and ferries as well as seals and otters lounging on logs in front of the cottage; within walking distance is Killibrew Lake with exploring, fishing, and nature walks for the entire family; relaxing in the sun and enjoying meals on the deck are perhaps the favorite activities of all.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
June 15-Sept 15: $2175/week (Sat-Sat)
May 1-June 14 and Sept 16-Oct 15: $1950/week or $325/night/3-night min.**
Oct 16-April 30: $1550/week; $275/night/2-night min **
$90-$175 cleaning, laundry, refuse charge per rental period
**Note: Possible reduced rates for rental party of 2 from Sept 16-June 14
9.7% State of Washington tax applies to charges
Rental license for six people.
$200 refundable security deposit required
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
-
Credit Cards Accepted:
-
-
-
Map & Owner's Profile
Orcas Island Waterfront Home with Spectacular Views & Wildlife
Year Purchased: 2004
Why the Owner Chose Orcas
After renting vacation homes for years on Orcas Island, we learned that the amount of sunlight and warmth varied greatly from one place on the island to another, greatly impacting our vacation experience. So we narrowed our search to only south-facing, sun-filled spots for our own home. In addition to catching both the sunrise and sunset, the orientation of Quinn Cottage gives it hours more of sunlight each day compared to north or east facing locations on the island. Even on short winter days Quinn Cottage gets every minute of sun and light available. This makes cottage vacation days longer and warmer, with sunsets and twilights that go on and on. The huge cottage windows and multiple skylights flood the cozy cottage interior with this lovely light all year round.
The Unique Benefits at this House
It is difficult to express the wonder, peace, and privacy found at our Quinn Cottage. The magic of the warm, sunny southern exposure, with the sunrise and sunset across water and islands, as well as the romantic parade of ferries and boats, is a never-ending delight. The number of land and bird species that can be watched from the huge cottage windows and wraparound deck is awesome. The off-season change of landscape colors and wildlife, viewed from the interior living space with a cozy fire, makes the best escape imaginable.
Remembering our own experiences of years of renting summer homes on Orcas, we have been determined to make the Quinn Cottage an inviting, well-equipped, and charming place for our cottage rental guests to stay. Nothing pleases us more than to share our magic spot with others, so from the lovely furnishings to the spotless condition of the home, rental guests can tell immediately that they have made the perfect choice for their getaway. We love reading the glowing entries in our cottage guest book as well as receiving the grateful emails after guests' visits. We invite you to become one of our next cottage rental guests so you can also enjoy this very special place. Jeff and Mary Quinn
Ferry landing and public dock with kayak rentals and whale watching boats. A charming village with lovely country market for groceries and deli, numerous shops and eating establishments, and historic Orcas Hotel and Restaurant. Only 2 miles from Quinn Cottage.
Less than 2 miles from the cottage, fully protected marina with boat ramp, kayak launch, and slips for rent.
Full service marina with boat slips, lift launch, boat repair, boating supplies. Westsound also has a public dock and beach. Only 6 miles from the cottage.
Main village on Orcas. Charming shops, fine dining, grocery store, sporting goods, bike rentals, airport, and much more.
2 public marinas, boat repair, boating supplies, boat and kayak rentals, whale watching, snack shop.
Small public lake less than 2 miles from Quinn Cottage, warm water, fishing, exploring.
Owner's Map of Orcas
We have been vacationing on Orcas Island with our five children since 1979, traveling from San Diego to the San Juans for numerous years in a motorhome. After the first trip the children would not consider missing a yearly Orcas visit. For many years we rented a barn on the island, storing our toys (boats, kayaks, berry pie-making gear), looking forward to trips of fishing, crabbing, hiking, lake swimming, and berry-picking. As Orcas Island more and more became "home" to our children, they cried as we left it each trip, motivating us to find our own place on the island. So after many years of drooling over island property, we finally purchased our own piece of "the rock" in 2004, making our dream of a Quinn Cottage a reality. Now our seven (so far!) grandchildren join in the trips, adding more fun, adventures, and memories about Orcas. We know that Orcas Island and our Quinn Cottage will continue to be a huge part of our family culture for years to come.
We invite you to visit and experience the magic yourself. Be prepared to fall in love with it as we did.
Jeff and Mary Quinn
Property Photos
-
- Main deck just off the living room, dining room, and kitchen - Orcas Island Vacation Rental
-
- Sun-filled dining room with panoramic ocean view - Orcas Island Vacation Rental
-
- Main deck with great outdoor dining - Orcas Island Vacation Rental
-
- Living room with water view to Shaw Island
-
- King Size Bed in Private Lower Level Bedroom with large windows and water view
-
- Lower deck with gas chiminea -- ferry crossing to Shaw and Lopez Islands
-
- Serene and private cottage garden entrance with whimsical exterior art
-
- Open, sunny kitchen as part of the Great Room with full water view and deck
Traveler Reviews (13)
Clean, Clean Clean!
Guest: Kailua Visitors
(Kailua, HI)
Date of Stay: 09/25/11
Review Submitted: 10/12/11
I forgot to mention that 2 in our party are highly allergic to everything. This is the first place we have ever stayed where they were allergy-free! We were surprised at how clean ever single surface and all decorations were. Waking up each morning with clear sinuses was an added bonus. Thank you Quinns for making sure Quinn Cottage is impeccably clean! Thank you Sandi for doing such a great job.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Exquisite Location, Wonderful Home!
Guest: Kailua Visitors
(Kailua, HI)
Date of Stay: 09/26/11
Review Submitted: 09/30/11
The Quinn Cottage is by far our best VRBO booking ever made. This lovely and inviting home sits on the watcher with the view to Shaw Island and the ferries pass right in front of the home. The lit ferries in the evening makes one stop and pause to watch every single time as the ferries glide silently by. We have seen seals, various fowl, a three point buck, small deer, and breathtaking sunrises. The south facing home with a gorgeous madrona tree and surrounded by pines is warmed all day and night! Siting on the deck or down closer to the water with the chimnea it is very difficult to leave this amazing home. If we didn't want to show our grown children the island for their first visit we would have never left. Thank you Mary and Jeff for sharing this amazing home! We can't wait to return! Your home is so well stocked and your folder of info and notes are most helpful! BEST vacation ever!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Sisters Retreat
Guest: SIster's Retreat
(San Diego, California)
Date of Stay: 09/10/11
Review Submitted: 09/25/11
We've have come yearly to Orcas Island for a sister's retreat and we are so glad we found the Quinn Cottage. The location is great and a wonderful walk into the village to watch the ferry come in and out. We loved the secluded road and were amazed when we came to the end of the road to find the cabin overlooking the water. We felt like we were in a tree house, hanging out over the water. The best feature is the view and the wonderful deck with all of the chairs. We picked fresh blackberries and made a delicious pie... a farm is within walking distance to get fresh vegetables and eggs. The cabin is comfortably furnished and well stocked with everything you would ever need. The bedrooms were cozy and the beds comfy. We loved the downstairs room. Our favorite part was watching the ferry go by, especially at night and listening to the tide come in and out. We can't wait to return next year. The reservations process was easy and all instructions were helpful. A great cabin for our sister retreat.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Orcas Waterfront Paradise
Guest: Overjoyed
(Eugene, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 07/01/11
Review Submitted: 07/28/11
Wow!, Wow!, Wow! does not describe the most memorable family vacation ever at the Quinn Paradise on Orcas. We've stayed other places in the San Juans but the secluded location at the end of the long driveway, wrap around decks close to the water,water views/passing boats, serenity, wild life, sitting on the decks at night watching the ferries pass by in a blaze of lights, the instructions and directions, the warm feeling and ease of arranging our stay with Jeff &Mary Quinn and Sandi, who all went the extra mile for us, all made for a glorious vacation worth repeating which we will! Book now, all toll we, our adult sons, and their girl friends have over 4,500 friends on Facebook who now know the wonders of the Quinn Cottage on Orcas. Sincerely, Overjoyed P.S. After 3 weeks the whole family is still smiling, and I'm a hero for making the reservations.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Great Family Trip over Winter Break
Guest: mahala
(Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 12/27/10
Review Submitted: 02/22/11
Our family had a fun week over Winter Break at Quinn Cottage. We hiked, toured the art studios, followed the Quinn's beachcombing guide for some beach glass collecting, made wonderful dinners in the terrific cottage kitchen, played many games (fabulous assortment!), and saw lots of wildlife including seals on the breakwater, otters on the beach, deer right off the deck, heron on the logs, a Kingfisher, and lots of other birds right from the cottage windows. The whole family loved watching the "boat parade" mentioned in the listing. We saw amazing types of boats and barges, and appreciated the cottage binoculars to check it all out. The kids want to come back every year for this easy getaway. Thanks for such a homey, clean, comfortable place. It is magic, just as advertised.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Rachel and Greg (Seattle)
Guest: Rachel
(Seattle )
Date of Stay: 02/18/11
Review Submitted: 02/21/11
This cabin was a perfect winter (February) getaway. It was cozy and relaxing. I loved the quaint feel and decor. Even more, I LOVED waking each morning to such a spectacular view of the water and the ferry. It was nice at night as well to sit by the fire and watch the ferry. Thanks!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Winter Escape and Storm Adventure!
Guest: Shannon
(Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 02/03/11
Review Submitted: 02/21/11
Mary and Jeff, I just had to write a review to say you were right!! Taking a long February weekend getaway at Quinn Cottage was fabulous, even though a storm was predicted! I almost chickened out with the forecast -- so glad I didn't. The first day we did some easy hikes (walks really) around Cascade Lake and to Cascade Falls, which were raging with incredible force from the Winter rains (I guess they are much less in summer). That night the storm hit, and what a spectacle! We hunkered down inside the cottage all the next day watching the storm all around us and across the water to other islands. The huge view windows and numerous skylights made us feel like we were inside the storm, but a fire in the woodburning stove and the crock pot filled with comfort food made it a wonderland. We played games, napped, and read while watching the sky, water, and land get battered with wind and rain. Sometimes we could see birds and other animals braving the elements, and watching the ferries navigate the ocean swells was exciting as well. Then that evening the storm ended, the skies cleared, and we could see stars through the skylights. It is hard to describe was a thrilling and magical experience it all was! Our final day we went into Eastsound for a cozy lunch at Rose's (delicious!) and listened to locals share storm stories. We felt like island survivors with them. This three days was just what we needed to escape the city and our jobs in the middle of Winter. Thanks for everything! Shannon and Joy
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Enchanting in October
Guest: Nelly & Brad
(San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/22/10
Review Submitted: 02/15/11
What an enchanting place you have here - peaceful, joyful, and relaxing to the max. Staying here in October is so fabulous with gorgeous changing leaves, warm days, beautiful views everywhere, and cozy fires at night. It's a perfect romantic getaway for our anniversary. We loved it!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Paradise in May
Guest: Jan and Brian
(Dallas, TX)
Date of Stay: 05/06/10
Review Submitted: 02/15/11
I've rented numerous vacation homes around the country and this is the first one that was everything I'd hoped for. You have a wonderful piece of paradise here. We are so happy to visit Orcas in May before the summer tourists all arrive, and your cottage is a perfect getaway for us.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Awesome Views
Guest: James & Frankie
(Hartford, CN)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10
Review Submitted: 02/08/11
It's hard to get a sense of how awexome the view is from the Quinn Cottage windows and deck. The website doesn't do it justice. We are totally thrilled!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
First (10) of (13). View all Reviews | Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #55482
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2005.
Date last modified - Friday, January 20, 2012
