Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from 100 feet west of my front door
Location: Harstine Island, Olympic Peninsula & Pacific Coast, Washington State, USA (75-minute drive via bridges from Sea-Tac Intl. Airport) View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 6-8)
Keywords: private home, resort home, beach house, retreat, hideaway, gated community
Remarkable deals make it easy to leave the frustrating economy in your wake. Buy low, live high at Island Magic, our upscale one-level home in the prestigious, gated community known as Hartstene Pointe, located on Harstine Island. The tiled entry hall has a luxurious 100% wool Karastan rug with the "Medallion Serapi" pattern. As you enter the Great Room with its 12-foot vaulted ceiling and skylights, you will immediately see lush green foliage through a bank of picture windows. No other buildings are visible. The greenbelt provides complete privacy.
Step onto the 60-foot-long deck overlooking a deep wooded ravine. The deck itself adds 500 sq. ft. of exterior living space to the 1600 sq. ft. inside. Once outside, the beauty, fresh scent, and absolute stillness of the forest enfold you. A path from the house connects with a winding trail seen at the bottom of the ravine. Follow it for 5 minutes, and you're at the beach!
Indeed, you are never far from the water. Walk out the front door, cross Promontory Road, and in 100 feet you are overlooking Puget Sound (Pickering Passage) and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains to the west (the view in Photo 1). Sunsets by Monet! A 5-minute walk to the north on Promontory Road takes you down to the waters of Indian Cove.
Indian Cove offers a covered picnic area as well as a picturesque 100-slip marina where both sailboats and powerboats are moored. Stroll along the beach and collect shells or dig for clams.
Returning to the Great Room, two comfortable couches focus on the Lopi woodstove (dry firewood outside) and the armoire that serves as an entertainment center. Open its doors to the wide-screen 26-inch HD LCD TV, DVD, VCR, 5-disk CD player/changer, and Cassette Deck that are available for your viewing and listening pleasure. Enjoy some of the 200 recently released films and movie classics, including Disney favorites. There is a second 20-inch flat screen TV with VCR and DVD players in the 11' x 17' Master Suite. A well-tuned Kimball console piano designed for your use also graces the Great Room.
The house can accommodate 6-8 people, with three spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a Natuzzi leather sofa bed in the Great Room. (See "Rates" for more than 6.) The large Master Suite as well as the second and third bedroom have new Sealy Posturepedic queen-size beds. You'll find freshly laundered "Four Star Martha Stewart" sheets on each bed ready for you to make up. You'll also enjoy Martha Stewart bath sheets, hand towels, and washcloths as well as plenty of her comfy down pillows. When you leave, simply put the linens you have used in the laundry room.
The dining area, with its early 20th-century American oak pedestal table, adjoins the modern well-lit kitchen. It has every appliance, cooking implement, and basic staples you are likely to need. The adjacent utility room has a large capacity washer and dryer. A gifted interior designer has combined antique furnishings, framed artwork, an extensive library, numerous silk floral arrangements, and memorabilia related to family, career, and world-wide travels into a pleasing whole.
Island Magic is a perfect spot for a romantic getaway. In fact, our older son and his bride spent the first night of their honeymoon here. It is also an ideal place for a family reunion or a vacation with children. Young people can be seen riding tricycles, bicycles, and skateboards on the paved roads of our safe and kid-friendly community that posts a speed limit of just 15 miles per hour. Everything moves at a slower pace at the Pointe, where about 340 houses are nestled in the forest and along the shore.
A 5-minute walk to the south from the house at 749 Promontory Road brings you to the Hartstene Pointe Clubhouse. Its centerpiece is an Olympic-size swimming pool plus a children's wading pool and a hot tub with a capacity of 12. The pools are open in 2010 from May 28 to September 19, and guests are asked to observe the posted regulations. Our two sons loved swimming and playing here as they were growing up.
The Clubhouse also boasts wireless high-speed Internet, a library, ping pong and pool tables (paddles, cue sticks, and balls are available at Island Magic). Across the road is our fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment. Hartstene Pointe, which is on the northern tip of Harstine Island, provides many other amenities to residents and guests, including swings for kids, 3 tennis courts, 5.5 miles of walking trails, and 3.5 miles of beaches and lagoons. You may want to bring a canoe or kayak to launch at Indian Cove. Use the two bikes in the garage to explore the Pointe as well as the 20-mile-long island beyond the gates.
Founded in 1970 as a planned community of 215 acres with underground utilities, abundant common areas, homeowners covenants, and a carefully managed forest, the Pointe is often called "paradise found"--a unique destination in the Pacific Northwest.
Harstine Island itself is located 25 minutes from Shelton, Washington, and is accessible via the Harstine Island Bridge from Highway 3 between Bremerton and Shelton. The island is the third largest in the South Sound (after Vashon and Bainbridge) consisting of 19 square miles with 25 miles of shoreline. Harstine is non-commercial and rural, with dense forestation and abundant wildlife. Deer frequently wander by the house.
Island Magic is also an ideal base from which you can explore the old logging town of Shelton, scenic Hood Canal and Alderbrook Resort and Spa, the Olympic Peninsula, and nearby cities and towns such as Olympia, Port Townsend, Bremerton, Poulsbo, and Gig Harbor. One scenic route from Sea-Tac Airport entails a 30-minute ferry ride from Fauntleroy to Southworth. From Southworth, Island Magic is only a 60-minute drive via Gorst, Belfair, and Allyn. We look forward to welcoming you as our guests!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Garage
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- Queen Bed (3) : Very comfortable Sealy Posturepedic Queen Bed in each bedroom.
- Convertible Bed (2) : Both located in Great Room
- Entertainment
- Shared Hot Tub : accommodates 12 between Memorial Day weekend and the two weeks following Labor Day weekend
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) (2)
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : 200 quality movies from which to choose
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : Extensive collection of sheet music for piano
- Pool Table
- Foosball
- Ping Pong/Table Tennis
- Shared Pool : Olympic-size pool also operates between Memorial Day weekend and the two weeks following Labor Day weekend
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : There is a small Weber propane grill that runs off small cans of propane that are provided.
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : There is a large Weber charcoal grill as well as a small charcoal grill. All grills are to be used on the gravel walkways and driveway rather than the wooden decks.
- Deck/Patio
- View/Location
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details : The house is across the street from high bank waterfront property with a view of the Olympic mountains.
- Mountain View : There is a lovely forest view of a deep ravine with a trail that winds down to the water accessible by a ten minute walk.
- Communications
- Telephone : Long distance calls may be made via a calling card.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Free WiFi is available daily in the clubhouse that is a five minute walk from the house.
- Other Amenities
- Large Private Deck overlooking wooded ravine has Resin Table with 4 Matching Chairs, 4 Folding Director's Chairs in entry closet, Garden Bench and Chaise Lounge (cushions in entry closet), Coffee Grinder, Coffee Maker, Blender, Garbage Disposer, Iron and Ironing Board, 3 Alarm Clocks, Hair Dryer, Cassette Tape Deck, Radio, Wireless High-Speed Internet in Clubhouse and at Marina (not in the house). No shoes please! There's a wooden shoe rack provided in the entry hall. Check out the URL link below for direct access to our Harstene Pointe Maintenance Association's website that contains many more photos, interesting history, and other valuable information.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations) : all on one level
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : 27 years of age
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Basketball Court
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Other Activities
- Within Easy Walking Distance: Beachcombing, Crabs, Clams, Clubhouse with Pool, Library, Ping pong, Billiards, Marina for boating and fishing, Three tennis courts. A notebook on the coffee table in the Great Room contains many maps, brochures, menus from restaurants, and other materials designed to orient you to Island Magic and its environs.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Jun-Sep ... $160/night (3-night minimum) ... $960/week = high season value!
Oct-May ... $110/night (2-night minimum) ... $660/week = low season deep discount!
Low season holiday periods ... $135/night 7 or 8 guests add $10/person/night.
Deposit: First Night + $50 Cleaning Fee + $150 Refundable Security Deposit
Balance due 30 days prior to arrival. No pets and no smoking please.
Cancellation policy: 30+ days prior to arrival--refund of Security Deposit only.
Less than 30 days--no refund except for days re-rented.
Discounts for multi-week rentals! (2nd week -30%, 3rd week -50%, 4th week -70%)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Upscale Hartstene Pointe Retreat Near Beach & Pool
Year Purchased: 2002
Why the Owner Chose Harstine Island
I discovered Hartstene Pointe in the mid-1970s. My wife and our two sons rented one of the Pointe's "island houses" (condos) from friends who lived near us in Seattle. We made countless trips to Harstine Island during various times of the year, but always staying for at least a week every summer. In 2002, my older son and I were guests at that same island house on Promontory Road and happened to take a providential walk. We saw a "for sale by owner" sign in front of the home I now call Island Magic. Having known the community for 25 years and with good memories of so many family times here, I made an offer that was ultimately accepted. It has turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.
The Unique Benefits at this House
For me, staying at Island Magic is experiencing a little taste of heaven. The wonderful quiet, comfort, and restfulness of my home is noticed by all who enter. I'm less than a five-minute walk from the Pointe's club house and swimming pool (open Memorial Day weekend through the second weekend after Labor Day). That is a great gathering spot, similar to a lovely country club. Walking five minutes in the other direction brings me to the beach at Indian Cove. The majestic forest and the waters of Puget Sound with magnificent mountain vistas provide a richness of beauty that is inexhaustible. With 5.5 miles of walking trails and 3.5 miles of private shoreline, there is always something new to explore. Please take a moment to read some of the comments left in my guestbook. If you identify with them, perhaps a visit to Island Magic would be right for you.
Alderbrook is an historic resort that includes a hotel, restaurant, bar, and treatment spa (open to the public). There's a brochure at Island Magic in a notebook describing area attractions.
The Washington State Ferry terminal at Fauntleroy in West Seattle provides ferry service to Southworth. This is one way to get to Harstine Island via Port Orchard, Gorst, Belfair, and Allyn.
The terminus of the westbound Washington State Ferry from Fauntleroy (West Seattle)
The Narrows Bridge is the most direct gateway to Harstine Island. Cross the bridge, go north on #16 to Purdy, Purdy to Allyn on #302, Allyn to Pickering Rd, Pickering to bridge, N. Island Dr to gate.
Owner's Map of Harstine Island
As you can see from the photo, I love to travel. That picture was taken recently overlooking the Polychrome Glaciers in Denali National Park, Alaska. My parents started taking me on flying vacations when I was a toddler, and so I was bitten early by the travel bug. They also instilled in me an interest in people from all kinds of backgrounds. One of my favorite sayings is: "Strangers are friends I haven't met yet." I thoroughly enjoy building relationships, often with those who are quite different from me. This orientation helps me to be a good "innkeeper" and to enjoy sharing my home with many "new friends."
Property Photos
-
- Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from 100 feet west of my front door - Puget Sound House Rental
-
- Island Magic -- nestled in the forest and across the street from view in Photo 1 - Puget Sound House Rental
-
- Rear deck overlooking ravine with trail leading to the beach in a 5-minute walk - Puget Sound House Rental
-
- Great Room with vaulted ceiling, skylights, and windows looking out at greenbelt
-
- Kitchen, dining table, and piano seen from the Great Room
-
- Master Suite, with its own bath, Queen bed, walk-in closet, door opening to deck
-
- 2nd bedroom with antique carved oak Queen bed
-
- 3rd bedroom with four-poster canopy Queen bed handcrafted by the owner
Traveler Reviews (33)
Recommendation from Scott
Guest: The Kent Family
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/11/11
Review Submitted: 09/06/11
Thanks you so much for letting us rent this beautiful home! It was wonderful and a perfect place to celebrate our Grandma's 84th birthday. This is an outstanding place, and we hope to be able to come back again soon.
Recommended for:
Thanks from Ida
Guest: Ida, Suzette, Wyndi, Cyndi, and Evelyn
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/07/11
Review Submitted: 09/06/11
Thanks so much for the use of your home! Great weather; visited the Farmer's Market, walks on the beach and nature trails. A very relaxing and rejuvenating girls' weekend.
Recommended for:
Guest: Lola Barkley
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10
Review Submitted: 09/08/10
It's time to return (reluctantly) to "civilization." Our first time here at Island Magic left us great memories created by sightings of wildlife, the peaceful stillness, and the joyous laughter of dear friends sharing food and observations on life. Thanks for allowing us to share your house and the beautiful setting that surrounds it.
Recommended for:
Guest: Ed and Joan Singler
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/26/10
Review Submitted: 09/08/10
Celebrating our 54th wedding anniversary at the Pointe with family and friends was definitely the highlight of our time at Island Magic. Each day was filled with fun things for the grandchildren, plus your great collection of movies was an extra bonus for them. Enjoyed eating on the deck and just relaxing with time to read in such a beautiful place. Thanks for providing such a spacious, comfortable place to stay.
Recommended for:
Guest: Shawn and Tracy Anderson
(-)
Date of Stay: 01/02/10
Review Submitted: 04/02/10
We truly enjoyed your "Island Magic"! Played "Sunny" and "Eleanor Rigby" on the piano. Lively family dinners around the tables. The kids got lost in their play and the parents, old friends, got time to play Yahtzee. And the rain on the skylights lulled us all to sleep. Thank you.
Recommended for:
Guest: Lucy Doil
(-)
Date of Stay: 03/01/09
Review Submitted: 03/01/09
We had a great time in your Island Magic home, and so appreciate the ability to "use whatever is there." That came in handy! Your home was perfect for our scrapbooking event, easily accommodating six ladies. The towels are luxurious and the beds divine! I will recommend Island Magic highly!!
Recommended for:
Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/08
Review Submitted: 12/01/08
Enjoyed a wonderful stay at Hartstene Pointe. Comfortable home with everything we needed to enjoy the secluded island. Thanks Skip for sharing your home with us.
Recommended for:
Guest: The Wilsons
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/15/08
Review Submitted: 09/15/08
August 20 - September 15, 2008 Living in a forest with deer, racoons, and other wildlife is truly special. The solitude and peacefulness of Hartstene Pointe was refreshing after busy days. The spectacular views of water and mountains are why people love Washington. Sunshine abounded every day. You delivered on that promise, Skip. Your Island Magic is magical in its verdant setting. We are thankful we had this time.
Recommended for:
First (10) of (33). View all Reviews | Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #90591
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2006.
Date last modified - Friday, November 25, 2011
