Hot tub is under pergola, sitting on one of 5 decks guests can enjoy
Location: Holmes Harbor, Whidbey Island, Northwest & Islands, Washington State, USA (One Hour and Fifteen Minutes from Seattle by freeway and fer) View Map
Accommodations: Cottage, 3 Bedrooms + Detached Unit, 2 Baths (Sleeps 6-7)
Keywords: Waterfront Cottage
The custom built and completely remodeled cedar clad cottage, sits on a low bank lot overlooking Holmes Harbor, with a westerly exposure. Extremely quiet and private. The properties on either side are vacant. Brand new Six person hot tub just steps from the French doors, on one of 6 private decks, comprising 2500 square feet. Teak main deck has spectacular view of the water. Quality teak and aluminum deck furnishings, including two stainless steel barbecue grills, and outdoor fireplaces on three of the decks. The beach is predominantly sand, with some rocky areas, depending on the season.
The cottage is furnished with good quality English antiques. It has dozens of hand made, stained glass lamps and panels. All rooms are paneled in knotty pine or clear cedar. Oak or teak plank flooring in lower level. Quality Wool oriental rugs on both levels. Appliances include dishwasher, compactor, dual zone wine chiller,new glass top range. All rooms except one have superior water views. Stone fire place has been converted to propane logs.
Owner had Labrador retriever, so entire property is fenced for pet protection. Steps lead directly to privately owned beach. There is a 50 X 15 foot deck at waters edge, that has separate sleeping quarters for kids in a tastefully decorated 12 X 10 feet room, with king-sized sleeping loft. A small kitchen and a glass covered eating area, as well as a stainless barbecue and and refrigerator and a outdoor shower are on this deck, as is the boat launch with electric winch. Two fiberglass row boats are for the use of guests, as well as two stainless crab pots,a crab cooker and clam digging gear. A mooring bouy is available for your boat, that can be moored directly in front of the property.
Clams, Mussels and Dungeness and red rock crab are available in Julu until Labor day, and in the winter, if regulations permit. Salmon fishing can be good when the season is open. Your animal neighbors include gray whales in the spring, along with California sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals and bald eagles, king fishers and great blue heron.
This truly is living in paradise,on a perfect private crescent beach. No noise, no crowds. Enjoy sunsets as spectacular as exist anywhere in the world, framed by the Olympic mountains and reflected by the beautiful harbor.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : Window units in master and upstairs bedrooms
- Linens Provided
- Washer : new stacking L.G. high efficiency washer and dryer in master bath
- Dryer
- Gas Fireplace : Propane fireplace is set in beautiful stone fireplace
- Beds
- Double Bed (2) : Master bedroom bed is 100 year old antique brass bed with new memory foam mattress
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : twin brass bed in sleeping loft, as well as a beautiful walnut antique bed with new memory foam mattress in downstairs bedroom
- Convertible Bed : futon has memory foam mattress pad, and is very comfortable
- Crib : This is a play and pack unit that can be used for a small child. It sets up easily.
- Entertainment
- Private Hot Tub : twin pump 8 person 54 jet hot tub under hardwood pergola is screened for privacy, and has a wonderful view of the water. Has a custom made lightweight cover
- Cable/Satellite TV : High def 1080I big screen in living room, equipped with Sony amp and a bluray dvd player. Master has a second high def 1080I lcd t.v.; all bedrooms have smaller flat screen t.v.
- DVD
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : remodeled with new oak cabinets and granite counter top and new smooth top range and new stainless dishwasher.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : There is a pop corn popper,waffle maker, toaster, toaster oven, hand mixer,blender, coffee maker, coffee grinder, microwave oven,most every spice,and dual zone wine chiller.
- Refrigerator : french door type with filtered water and ice maker
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : second propane stainless steel Barbecue located on deck by the water; new infrared barbecue on main deck
- Deck/Patio : cottage has over 2500 square feet of multilevel decks, including a teak tile deck. The 50 by 14 foot deck above the bulkhead has a boat launch with electric winch, and a kitchen.
- Lanai : new slate tile on glass enclosed area that features teak furniture, and allows guests to sit outside when it rains.
- Gazebo : lowest deck has a glass roofed gazebo and a beach shower with running hot water. It is next to a small kitchen with fridge, running potable water and a microwave oven.
- View/Location
- Beachfront : The beach is privately owned, including the tidelands. Guests also have access to, and use of the two community beaches, another 600 feet of sandy beaches.
- Communications
- Telephone : vonage system, permitting nationwide toll free calls, as well as many European toll free calls. Phones are in two of the bedrooms, as well as the living room.
- Free Long Distance
- Computer : printer available as well.
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Air Conditioning in the Upstairs and master Bedrooms, 42 Inch High Definition Sharp 1080P lcd tv, Sony Home Theater, Flat Panel TV in Each Bedroom,including new Sharp hi def 1080P lcd in master bedroom; TV and DVD in Separate Guest House at Water's Edge, Computer with Flat Panel Monitor, Small Library, Gas Fireplace in Master Bedroom, Ship's Porthole Built Into Wall of Master Bath, Outdoor Speakers, Telescope, Partially Enclosed Glass Outdoor Sitting Area, Large Skylights Upstairs, Aromatic Cedar Lined Closets, Hand Carved Eagle, and Dozens of Handmade stained glass Pieces, Both Indoors and Out, Beautiful Outdoor Lighting and Lots of Flowers Growing in Containers During the Spring, Summer and Fall, Parking for Three Cars. New stainless steel range and dishwasher; dual zone wine cooler; filtered water; granite counter tops in kitchen; new low e thermopane windows throughout; portable infant/toddler crib; boat launch;small boat mooring; 2 fiberglass boats
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Owner is allergic to cats, but well mannered dogs are welcome
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Other Activities
- Private Community Beach Includes an Ancient Indian Burial Ground at the North Point, Beach Hiking Extends for Miles at Low Tide, Hunt for Sand Dollars and Golf Balls That a Neighbor Drives Out Into the Water, and Travel to Nearby Langley and Enjoy the Arts, Crafts and Restaurants of the Village By the Sea, Go See the Mariners Lose Another Game at Safeco Field, It is Only an Hours Drive and a 12 Minute Ferry Boat Ride to Seattle, the Most Beautiful City in North America, Lounge in Deck Chairs and Watch the Ever Changing Water and the Incredible Sunsets. The covered 64 jet hot tub has privacy screens, and enjoys a great view of the water. There is good fishing for Dungeness crab during open season, and two pots are available to guests to use after the season opens on July 1. Guests can use the older outboard motor available upon payment of a $350 deposit, or can row the two boats that are left on the 50 by 14 foot deck that is built on top of a bulkhead at the edge of Puget Sound.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Sept16-June14* Fri/Sat$175 ngt;Sun-thur$135 ngt $1,000 wk 4 guests,$15 night extr
June 15-Sept 15** $1300/week; $100/wk extra for each guest beyond 4
*2 ngt. min., and $300 min. Rates are for 1st 4 guests
refundabe deposits 1st time guests; Cleaning/damage $200
10% discount for each full week stay beyond first week
rates not inclusive of sales tax for stays of less than one month
Legal holidays off season,Thanksgiving week and Dec 22-Jan 2 are $175 nt.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1971
Why the Owner Chose Holmes Harbor
We bought this home 40 years ago from a beloved family member. I have come to this beautiful place for almost 68 years, and it has been our haven since we were first married. It has a sandy beach (sometimes)and a westerly exposure, and is only an hour away from Seattle. Not much rain here, since it is close to the 'rain shadow' of the Olympic mountains, and it provides a perfect place to relax and enjoy life with ones family. I can go out my french doors to a boat in 2 minutes, and drop a crab pot in the water in 10 minutes. We have completely rebuilt and expanded the indoors and outdoors living areas over the years. It is functionally like a new home, yet has the charm of an English cottage. The last of the 2,500 square feet of wooden decks and walkways was completed in the spring of 2010. We now can enjoy the wonderful property from 7 different levels, from the waters edge to our parking area off Beach Drive, the road that leads to our home.
The Unique Benefits at this Cottage
Guests will enjoy complete privacy at our home. You will see bald eagles every day of your stay. In March, gray whales migrate up to their northern homes, stopping by to feed on sand shrimp that live in the sands of our beach. I have seen them hundreds of times. Once, 15 years ago, one passed away on our beach. Forty tons of dead whale gave us our 15 minutes of fame, since the sad event had never occurred before inside Puget Sound, and the media went wild. The view of the water is wonderful from all of the decks. Have a glass of wine while relaxing in our hot tub and watch the spectacular sunsets. If you not sure what heaven is like you will have a better understanding once you stay on Beverly Beach for a few days.
This was is an Indian burial ground more than a century ago. It is now one of two community beaches available exclusively for the use of owners and guests of Beverly Beach property owners. Clam digging is outstanding off this point when the tide is out
A one lane road leads to this point, which is a level, sandy waterfront area for the exclusive use of Beverly Beach property owners, and their guests. Boats that can be carried or kayaks can be launched here. This road provides access to the elderly to the beach, since no steps need be traversed to reach it.
We have a 24 inch mooring buoy set out directly in front of our privately owned beach. It is a 24 inch white globe, anchored in a sandy/muddy water by 200 lbs. of galvanized heavy steel grates, attached to 35 feet of heavy chain. It will moor your boat of 26 feet or under or a jet ski or sea plane.
Owner's Map of Holmes Harbor
Owners are a retired professional couple, married for 45 years. We have spent most of our adult lifetime rebuilding and furnishing this cottage as a sanctuary from living and working in a major metropolitan area. We have equipped it with amenities that should satisfy anyone, whether a gourmet cook or avid boater and fisherman or nature loving beach bum. We love to fish, and have personally caught a few thousand fish, primarily blackmouth salmon, in the harbor in front of our home. We have also caught hundreds of Dungeness crab in the bay in front of our home. We have left all of the antiques and art works for our guests to enjoy, taking with us only our family pictures and our memories. Please make some of your own.
Property Photos
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- Hot tub is under pergola, sitting on one of 5 decks guests can enjoy - Whidbey Island Cottage Rental
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- Living room with Sony stereo/ blue ray disc player and 1880 p high def TV - Whidbey Island Cottage Rental
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- Kitchen has new stainless appliances filtered water new granite counters - Whidbey Island Cottage Rental
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- Exotic wood cover added to 6 person hot tub, with roll down screening
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- Original work of art on bath shower stall compliments the jetted tub
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- view from our hot tub on our third highest level deck
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- half of the master bedroom, which is "L" shaped. Other 1/2 has lg. skylight
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- Antique porthole has stained glass boat. new L.G. washer & dryer in bath
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- Kids quarters and kitchen area built four feet from puget sound
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- Sunset over harbor, shot taken from teak main deck of our cottage
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- glassed in covered area has new slate tile installed in June 2010
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- overview of the structures built on the 50 by 14 deck next to the saltwater
Traveler Reviews (5)
The best vacation we've had
Guest: Old Guy
(Pahrump, Nevada)
Date of Stay: 06/22/08
Review Submitted: 07/08/08
My wife and I just spent 14 days at this idyllic location. Our 30 year old son joined us for 5 days. The location is serene and spectacular. The weather in late June and early July was cool and wonderful. We had only one day of rain and I was anticipating more (actually looking forward to more). We cannot imagine anything we wanted or needed which was not provided. We loved the deck, hot tub and view. We have returned home to Southern Nevada where todays temp reached 112. We are looking at realestate websites on Whidbey. Thank you Bruce and Kathy for making this wonderful vacation home available. Sincerely, Jim and Sharon
Owner response:This is one of dozens of notes to us from our guests expressing their gratitude for being able to stay at our summer home on Whidbey. It is extremely gratifying to be told by our guests that the have enjoyed this place that we love. Thanks to Jim and Sharon for taking the time to tell us their thoughts.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Absolutely Fabulous
Guest: VinoLovers
(San Antonio, TX)
Date of Stay: 04/12/11
Review Submitted: 04/19/11
Took a quick 3 day getaway - would have loved to have stayed longer. Perfect spot. Easy to get too - close to everything but far away from it all. Very private. Very Clean. Cozy. Well taken care of. Master bed was the most comfortable bed I've ever slept on. Kitchen had everything we needed and much more. It's just a lovely place and a lovely spot. I did not check the Age 55+ only because it is a steep stair climb down to the beach but the stairs are well maintained and easy enough so the 55+ should maybe be 80+ and I should have checked. And I did not check Families with Young Children only because of the beautiful lamps throughout the home. Had we brought our kids - we would have moved them and it would have been fine. Thank you for providing a fantastic get-a-way. Cannot wait to return.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers.
An idyllic, homey haven full of charm and personal touches
Guest: George & Carolyn
(Nipomo, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/18/10
Review Submitted: 08/12/10
Our entire family (canine members included, happily) spent an idyllic week at the Heron House and it felt just like home to us. The weather was incredible, the views unbeatable, we enjoyed long walks with the dogs in the woodsy Beverly Beach neighborhood and on the beach, we boated, we crabbed, we clammed, we barbequed, we sat for hours just looking out to sea, watched raspberry sherbet-colored sunsets, built fires at night in the fire pit on the lower deck and enjoyed all the amenities of this wonderful place. Every detail has been attended to in this haven, and Bruce and Kathy's hospitality and welcoming spirit is evident, as are their personal and artistic touches throughout the cottage, which only serve to complement and enhance the wonderful northwest island nature environment. The kitchen is well-stocked and there are enough plush towels and sheets sets for an army! I really appreciated the dreamy memory foam toppers on the beds and even on the futon where my sister slept, what a nice touch. My husband needed to do a bit of work remotely while we vacationed and easily accomplished this from the upstairs office/bedroom where he could work undistracted. He very much appreciated the wireless and the free long-distance which saved us from an expensive cell phone bill. My nephew adored the hot tub, and the teenagers really enjoyed the bunkhouse down by the water, as well as the boats. They really got a workout on those stairs, as did I! The dogs loved, well, everything. I forgot to mention the flowers blooming in pots and windowboxes all over the decks, how lovely! And the wine that Bruce stocks in the wine cooler! Did I mention the wine??? We tried a new variety, sometimes two, every evening! I could go on, but suffice it to say that one week is just not enough in this piece of heaven...we hope to be back when we can spend at least two weeks to do it justice. Thank you for a wonderful and memorable time, Bruce and Kathy.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Relaxing place full of surprises
Guest: piano mom
(Lubbock, Texas)
Date of Stay: 08/16/09
Review Submitted: 08/21/09
Heron House is a delightful property full of surprising nooks and crannies, beautiful views of the water and sunsets, and everything you could want for a relaxing vacation. Our family of 5 stayed for a week and we found the location on Whidbey Island perfect for going in any direction -- to Langley, Port Townsend, Fort Casey, or even back to the mainland for a daytrip. Best of all were days just spent at the house doing nothing! The multiple decks were perfect for dining outside, sunbathing, reading, or just gazing at the water. Almost every night we used the hot tub. Our youngest daughter loved collecting shells along the private beach, and I enjoyed long walks on the beach and in the neighborhood. With the two bedrooms upstairs and two downstairs we never felt crowded. The detailed description Bruce provides is very accurate. The house has lovely Tiffany lamps and stained glass everywhere you look - even hanging outside. (I counted 9 beautiful lamps in the living area alone!) It is a place with great character and charm where we spent an unforgettable week making memories.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
total serenity
Guest: loyer
(Everett wa)
Date of Stay: 03/26/08
Review Submitted: 05/05/08
Avery big thank you to Bruce and Kathy for putting this oasis of a rental on the market for us to enjoy. We have gone twice now and am in awe of the house, it meets all of our needs, from the furnishings, the kitchen , the deck, hot tub, covered patio and the beach access which is totally private. The rental is not only suitable for couples but also accommodates the whole family plus in my case my teenagers friends, there is a small house by the beach where the kids can hang out and a fire pit for entertainment. We have a dog and every place we have rented that allowed dogs has been filthy. Needless to say our dog also loves the cottage which is fenced in, he has alot of room to run around and can run around on the beach. The house is beautiful, I dont like going home once I am there, also I live just right in Everett and just going across is the best vacation for us. My only concern is that so many people have discovered this piece of paradise hideaway that I am having a hard time putting in for a date to rent, probably need to rent a year in advance. Thank you again Bruce and Kathy, cant wait to come again! Brigitte, Louis,Landon and Austin too.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #94079
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