Location: Grapeview, Olympic Peninsula & Pacific Coast, Washington State, USA (50 min to Seattle ferry, Tacoma, Olympia.) View Map
Accommodations: Cottage, 1 Bedroom + Other (See Description), 1 Bath (Sleeps 3)
Keywords: Waterfront, Cabin, Vacation, Getaway, Puget Sound, Waterfront Retreat, Private wooded setting, romantic. Fabulous sunsets. Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, WA, beachfront.
Mr. Mortimer Zachariah Grump offers his "TOP TWENTY COMPLAINTS," spanning seven miserable years of vacationing at One Sweet Retreat.
MORTIMER ZACHARIAH GRUMP'S Complaint #1. "The owners encourage bad habits. Our welcome gift was fillet of wild Alaskan King Salmon. The note said, “Try this on the new Weber grill.” Sounded innocent enough.
Mortimer's Complaint #2. The place hurts your neck. The darn saltwater wraps around all three sides of the cabin, so you have to look over your left shoulder to see one part of the channel, and over your right shoulder to see the rest!
3) The deer have no manners! They'll march right up and chomp the roses hanging over the porch railing. This is supposed to be a human retreat, not a deer reserve.
4) Too much shoreline! 260’of waterfront? For one little cabin sitting on the tip of a peninsula?
5) The sunsets are disgraceful. An evening sky should just fall down tired. But no, these go on and on: all red and pink--and orange too!--flying across the sky like a bunch of wild paint cans on the loose. It’s wrong, just plain wrong.
6) Sunrise? Don’t even get me started.
7) The cabin is full of windows! What, they don’t allow walls in Washington?
8) And what’s with the little foxes, yipping in the night? Just because I open the window wider, doesn’t mean I want to hear them.
9) This is supposed to be a vacation getaway, not a tour of the Circling Eagle Channel.
10) The Orcas sneeze—or whatever that noise is! They rarely show up, and then they expect you to rush out to the gazebo, all camera and jumping with joy. What’s so special about seeing an Orca in your front yard?
11) The owners disable your Fight or Flight mechanism. [Oh, no, they won’t tell you]. First it was the tension in my shoulders—mysteriously gone. Then I started waking up with a smile on my face. Other things, too. This worries my doctor, but he thinks that coming back to work will help. I hope so!
12) It's not even in downtown Seattle! It's 1.5 hour from the airport , and almost an hour from Tacoma and Olympia!
13) The view is repetitious. Almost every window has a view of the water. How much ‘stunning’ can one person take? Even worse is You-Know-What. All we hear about is Mt. Rainier, Mt. Rainier—cherished by the whole state of Washington—and now we have to LOOK at it, too? That’s just not right.
14) As if the view wasn’t bad enough, there’s the pond problem. Nothing is more annoying than the sound of water gurgling over rocks! So to further torment guests, they built this mini parklet of streams and waterfalls and ponds.
15) Half way through your nap on the deck, the wind chimes wake you.
16) And what’s with the winding little walkway to the cabin and out to the gazebo? And the quaint little garden shed with matching pink pavers….what is this, Storybook Time?
17) And get this: when it’s windy at the gazebo, the tablecloth blows away and ends up tangled in the huckleberries. But will they board up the gazebo? Oh no.
18) No chef, no maid, tablecloth in the huckleberries. We have to BBQ our own salmon, set our own table for breakfast on the deck or out in the gazebo. Too much water and not enough land….. This whole thing is a disgrace.
19) I only come back because my wife says she’ll leave me if we don’t. So here we are … seven years of vacations, down the drain.
20) It's my own darn fault: I should never have brought her here for our Honeymoon."
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Gas Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : New Weber "Genesis" Gas Grill
- Deck/Patio : Two decks! One new in 2010.
- Gazebo
- View/Location
- Beachfront
- Beach View
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details
- Water View
- Mountain View : Mt. Rainier!
- Communications
- Telephone
- Computer w/ Dial-up Internet : Your computer. Dial-Up internet provided
- Other Amenities
- Bonfire pit. Sorry, NO pets
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Not Suitable for Children : Unsafe for small children
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Shelling
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$150/night (3 night min.) Seventh night is free.
$900 per week. Inquire for longer rentals.
Two week cancellation required.
Cleaning fee $75. Refundable security deposit $100.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
'Sweet Retreat' Waterfront Getaway Cabin, Puget Sound Wa
Why the Owner Chose Grapeview
Finding this wonderful piece of heaven (then vacant land) was a total fluke. I fell in love with the spot instantly, sold my dream home and B&B on five acres,and was out the door. I designed and had the cabin built, lived in the cabin for a year, moved to Tacoma for work reasons, and now I often visit the cabin as a writing getaway (I'm a fiction writer). It nourishes me like absolutely nothing else. I sleep like a baby while I'm there, and could care less how the world turns while I'm replenishing heart, body, mind and soul. I have traveled from the Ukraine to Europe to New Zealand to Hong Kong, and have never found a place like this.
Owner's Map of Grapeview
Your hostess is slightly gray, a lover of good books and a writer of fiction for young adults. She has written several educational curriculum...taught deaf children for many years and more recently began her third career, this time as an Acupressurist using principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. She volunteers one day a week with Franciscan Hospice, providing massage for staff, family members and resident hospice patients. She loves designing homes, and was the contractor for this project. Building this home was one of the most rewarding things she has done. Summer project for 2010? Design and build a waterfall, streams and pond system for the cabin (as if a cabin built on the tip of a peninsula needed more water....) Expected date for completion is the second week of July. Come see!
Property Photos
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- Deck and fire pit newly built 2010 - Puget Sound Home Rental
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- Woods and Water - Puget Sound Home Rental
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- Sunset Frames The Gazebo - Puget Sound Home Rental
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- Streams, waterfall and ponds
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- Vaulted Bedroom Loft, Queen bed
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- Oak Floors, Stone Hearth
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- Spacious Kitchen, Eating Nook
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- Additional sleeping bay.
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- Fire pit
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- Overlook Pickering Passage
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- The boats go by...
Traveler Reviews (12)
A little slice of Paradise!
Guest: Jennifer and Edison
(Valencia, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/02/11
Review Submitted: 08/15/11
Thank you so much Jill for sharing your little slice of paradise with us! You were so flexible, kind and generous. I planned our stay at your cottage as a surprise to my husband. The first thing he said upon arrival was " you could not have picked a more perfect place". Every night we both slept so sound and awoke each morning with smiles on our faces. When waking up to that incredible view, one can't help but feel it was going to be a great day! Our 3 nights there went by much to fast. It was so hard for us to leave and return back to the daily grind after experiencing such a serene, peaceful environment. It was truly healing for the mind and soul. We are already day dreaming about our return!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway.
Really Sweet Retreat
Guest: Bill
(Wadsworth, OH)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11
Review Submitted: 08/03/11
My wife and I had a great stay at the cabin. The weather was perfect and the views stunning. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to get away and relax.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway.
Just what we wanted!
Guest: Chris
(Fairwood, WA near Seattle)
Date of Stay: 07/13/11
Review Submitted: 07/19/11
Please don't be deceived by some of the reviews describing this cottage as just right for "older" women, though I happen to be just that.It is perfect to ALL but small children. I brought my daughter, 38, and granddaughter, 10. We all fell in love with the pictures and accurate descriptions of this wonderful space. We happened to stay on a typical (somewhat cloudy) period in the northwest. I had been looking forward to the blue sky and water, but was not disappointed. Everywhere we looked, we saw beauty. Though the skies were not colorful, they were nonetheless awe-inspiring. Color was provided in the abundant flowers in the garden and window boxes. We had fun on the beach taking pictures, beachcombing and getting into some mud (I chose to forgo that bit of fun but enjoyed watching my girls laugh and play). Fortunately, the owner had pointed out the location of the hose, which was needed to wash off before going back inside to play more games. The owner was extremely thoughtful and helpful in every way. She provided phone numbers of neighbors to call in case of need and gave us a quick call to make sure we had everything we needed and to offer to help us in any other way. She thought of everything, even providing a cream to protect us from poison oak! I have pictures that I've shown friends and family and would love to pay for each of them all to stay for a weekend or longer. I just have to talk my husband into agreeing to it. If you're looking for just the perfect place to stay, this is it!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway.
very good
Guest: jerry & linda
(Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/16/09
Review Submitted: 07/14/11
My wife and I spend a glorious week recently at this wonderful cottage. Should be named "Heaven on Earth". Took lots of daytrips but were tempted to stay put and enjoy the everlasting beauty and tranquility. We loved it and recommed it highly. The owner is a most gracious hostess. Put this place on the top of your list. We would love to repeat our experience.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+.
One Sweet Retreat It Is
Guest: Tim & Betty
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11
Review Submitted: 07/07/11
What a paradise! Such a beautiful peaceful place with gorgeous flower boxes and gardens everywhere. If you aren't a gardener before visiting you will be inspired to become one by the time you leave. The view is spectacular and awe inspiring. The cottage is just as pretty inside as the view is outside and comfortable & cozy.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway.
Fairy tale, Indeed!!
Guest: Carole
(Franklin, TN)
Date of Stay: 06/07/11
Review Submitted: 07/06/11
Harry and I were greeted by Jill as we arrived for our honeymoon week. Among all the flowers, plants, and waterfalls, she had planted so much love and warm hospitality here.The views were spectacular, enhanced by the placement of the deck, firepit, and gazebo. Entering the cottage was magical....a warm inviting space, with so many windows, so much light, we hardly knew we were inside! The furnishings and decor were appealing and interesting, and the kitchen quite nicely equipped. One day we explored the little town of Paulsbo where we bought a little bride and groom figurine to travel with us like the Travelocity gnome! However, we enjoyed the property so much that we abandoned most of our plans for day trips in favor of just relaxing there. Harry named the eagle that came to rest in the fir tree each morning, the seals playing in the water, and the deer that walked into the yard. Jill had even offered her growing garden produce to us! I had read about and dreamed of visiting this property for several years, and can testify that it was certainly a dream worth holding onto! The listing is accurate, as much as a page can be. I can only say that we have bragged and told everyone we know about Sweet Retreat, and can't wait to return. Thanks, Jill.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway.
How Sweet It Is
Guest: Nathan and Becca
(Colorado Springs, CO)
Date of Stay: 03/29/11
Review Submitted: 04/18/11
My husband and I stayed for over a week and hated to leave. He was home on R&R from Afghanistan and nothing could have been more perfect. The house sits at the end of a point, and the view wraps nearly all the way around the cabin which has windows everywhere. No matter what the weather, we enjoyed stunning scenery whether snuggling on the couch inside our sitting in the gazebo or eating dinner on the deck outside. After sand, sand and more sand, he drank in the greenery and water views. I literally watched the tension drain out of him as each day passed. The owner worked with us on our "squishy" start dates and treated us to Alaskan King Salmon. A lot of love and care has gone into each detail both inside the cabin and on the grounds. Should we find ourselves in need of another sweet retreat, we will be back.
Owner response:It has been my very good fortune to have wonderful guests. I am especially thankful when they extend so much grace in the face of things like random weeds every vying for their place in the garden, pine cones scattered along the driveway.....
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Restoring Retreat
Guest: Restored
(Oregon)
Date of Stay: 10/10/10
Review Submitted: 03/21/11
"Sweet Retreat" is the perfect name for this fantastic cottage in a quiet wooded paradise. Every moment there was a treasure, even though I didn't get to see the fabled Mt. Rainier due to clouds. Every sound was a song, from the breeze in the trees to the gurgling of the waterfall in the delightful pond that was obviously built with love, skill, and a lot of hard work. Colors throughout the cottage are soothing, the well-planned kitchen is a breeze to use, and the upstairs bed is incredibly comfortable. It is easy to drop every care in the world because the hustle-bustle seems very far away, and every vantage point, both inside and out, to view the beautiful water has a comfortable place to sit. The owner's touches gave me the sense of being a welcomed guest in a home, not a stranger passing through.
Owner response:It is so rewarding to read reviews of people who really 'get' what the cabin and the view here are all about. The point about not seeing Mt. Rainier is correct: like the reputation of Denali, the mountain seems to know its power, and hides more often than we wish.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway.
Secluded Beauty
Guest: Charm of Hummingbirds
(Sumner, WA)
Date of Stay: 04/09/10
Review Submitted: 11/16/10
We had the most renewing time at the cottage. I actually watched a bald eagle catch a fish and then eat it in the tree outside the window. Spectacular! The space is so well used and in good taste. It accommodated the 3 of us very well. We hope to return to this secluded beauty, just waiting out there for us!
Owner response:At the cabin, you can really begin to pay attention to the details of nature. I once watched a seagull harrassing an eagle: each time, the seagull circled behind the eagle, swooped down, aimed for the back of the eagle's head, then shot upward just as the eagle ducked .
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway.
Enchanting! Magical!
Guest: Dia
(Tacoma, Washington)
Date of Stay: 11/15/10
Review Submitted: 11/15/10
Imagine your very own house on your very own private bluff--surrounded by water on three sides. Imagine heart-lifting views from sweeping windows in every room. Imagine cuddly by the fire on a stormy day. Imagine sitting out on the deck by the waterfall on a sunny day. Imagine tranquility, deer in the yard, seals in the water. Imagine all this and maybe, just maybe, you will get a glimpse of the utter paradise of this magical getaway. I can't wait to go back!
Owner response:Those are the same qualities that made me practically stop breathing when I first saw this. It was just raw land, but the magic was everywhere. I said to a friend with me, "I have to buy this!" ... "But you can't afford it!" ... "I'll find a way!"
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #62862
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