Welcome to THE HISTORIC BALCH RETREAT on HOOD CANAL. A photographer's playground in nature's paradise, where the Olympics meet the crystal clear expansive waters of Hood Canal in Brinnon, WA near Pleasant Harbor Marina. Fronting over a 1,000 ft of wildlife and shell rich beach and many wonders behind in the Olympic National Park.
Intriguing wildlife observation and continually evolving views that will materialize before you. AWE inspiring and sweeping Hood Canal with breathtaking skyline color changes at sunset and sunrise that include Mt. Rainier. Resident harbor seals and their pups are always fun to watch along with the otter family that lives at the base of your beach stairs. Great fun to spot beaver and local Roosevelt Elk herd that drop by the beach and yard. Numerous bald eagles that fly right outside your window, and can be quite a thrill when flying just feet away.
BIRDING PARADISE & WHALE TRAIL! Located on the Pacific NW Whale Trail along with numerous fascinating bird varieties from 4 ft tall herons to numerous hummingbirds, and everything in between. A true birding paradise with some gorgeous varieties, and birding books on site.
PROVIDED CANOE (with life preservers) takes you even closer to immersing with resident wildlife, or stroll the shell rich beach enjoyed by all ages. Venture onto acres of tidelands teeming with fascinating marine life at low tide.
QUESTIONS? When inquiring/reservation request, please state AGE OF EACH PERSON (all ages, including tentative persons and visitors), + CANINES (age/breed of each).
Extensive BEDROOM, BATHROOM and HOME AMENITIES info in "AMENITIES" section below.
LOCATED ON THE WIDEST EXPANSE OF NORTH AMERICAS LONG FJORD, with the majestic Olympic Mountains meeting the crystal clear waters of the sea. A romantic and intimate favorite with singles, couples, honeymooners and small groups. 4 private sleeping areas + 1 semi private loft (see Amenities section for bed info), with 2 ensuite bathrooms, and third bathroom in close proximity to bedroom provides privacy, time savings and convenience. One level living area on the main floor provides ease of movement for those with limited mobility (see below).
SUCCULENT HOOD CANAL SEAFOOD AND SHELLFISH for your fresh from the water feast. We know the best locations for oysters, clams, shrimp, mussels, and geoduck from the crystal clear waters of the Hood Canal. Please let us know what type of seafood interests you when inquiring.
THIS QUAINT NANTUCKET WATERFRONT CHARMER constructed by T.B. Balch in 1920, one of the original founders of Brinnon, is rumored to be the closest to the water in all of Jefferson County. Great care has been taken to provide historically romantic ambiance. Stay at the only nationally registered, historic waterfront holiday rental in close proximity to Seattle and Tacoma, and on of rare few in the Pacific Northwest.
BALCONY TIME - a guest favorite that offers a panoramic, built in, covered balcony with unobstructed day and night (moonlit water is a true sight to behold), rain or shine views. Relax and observe the wildlife in their natural setting, and expansive water/Mt. Ranier views on the zero gravity recliners. Our year round hummingbirds, that sometimes compete for the balcony feeder, can sometimes put on quite a show.
HIKING, MTN BIKING, and SPECTACULAR VIEW IN WORLD RENOWNED OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK CLOSE BY, closest side of Olympic National Park/Forest to Seattle, Mt. Ranier, Mt. Baker, the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges + most of Puget Sound, all in close proximity by car, or hike in. Enjoyable and pet friendly Dosewallips State Park, with historic logging train trails is a close 3 minute walk.
SUBMARINES AND MORE....Also unique to the Historic Balch Retreat is the interesting Trident Navy subs that practice next to the Estuary shelf in the middle of Hood Canal. One of the few places in the world to view an unusual and interesting sight right from the interior or exterior of the home.
CENTRALLY LOCATED FOR BEST OF THE PACIFIC NW TOURING + SWIMMING, KAYAK RENTAL PACKAGES, BOATING and FISHING in the Hood Canal, or the numerous rivers (Dosewallips River is steps from your door where it meets the Hood Canal). Just bring your poles. Kayak rentals can also be provided to your door and diving equipment rental is nearby. Indulge in a relaxing massage on your deck next to the water (warmer months). Wine tasting, casinos, exceptional Olympic Mountain ice cream, and sampling at unique distilleries are also available. Visit quaint, historic seaports, with gorgeous Victorians. Great day trips for Twilight fans, Hurricane Ridge, Whale charters (in season), or ferry over to B.C. For out-of-state guests, centralized location allows for the touring of the very best of Western Washington. Pure relaxation is always a desirable option. There is something for everyone. The list is virtually endless......
ROMANCE ABOUNDS..... Intimate and popular with couples and honeymooners. Indulge with a romantic toasty fire (cooler months), couples massage, hypnotic sweeping water and mountain views. 2 person, panoramic, moon lit, (ck calendar) master suite jetted spa, complete with candles in the expansive master suite. On site massage therapist is also available. Celebrate each other with so many appealing things to do together, or revel in total relaxation.
THE LITTLE EXTRAS.....we are one of the few holiday rentals to offer RELIABLE, HIGH SPEED WIFI with focus on reliability and high speed (elusive in most Olympic Peninsula vacation rentals). Cleaning takes place the day of your arrival for a home that is warm, inviting and low allergen. Wood starter package for a crackling fire (inside or out) and kitchen, dining and bath products provided. High powered ZOOM binoculars that bring wildlife and Trident sub activity up close and personal are provided, plus full equipment to harvest and prepare your fresh from the water feast.. including rubber boots, waders and fishing pole. So many amenities from beautiful stemware, numerous spices, to built in magnifying mirrors in all bathrooms, and romantic atmosphere by candlelight. The large bonfire ring with built in split log seating near the moonlit waters edge are memories waiting to be made. Don't miss the plump, sweet blackberries on site mid to late summer.
TEA LOVER??....You'll likely feel right at home with the tea pot, tea kettle, and many teas for sampling or exchanging. You may discover your new favorite!
PREFER NOT TO COOK? Esquire magazine's #2 choice for Best Bar in America is a close three minute walk at the Geoduck Restaurant, with waterfront deck seating (warmer months). Additionally, the Half Way House Restaurant/Bakery (1 min drive) offers legendary pies/desserts, and homestyle cooking. Fabulous pizza, sandwiches and salads, with indoor/outdoor waterfront seating is now available at Pleasant Harbor Marina less than 2 minutes away.
DIVING ANYONE? Discover octopus, wolf eels, starfish, crabs, shrimp, anemones, algae bloom, clams and numerous other sea creatures in one of the best diving locations in the Pacific Northwest. Diving gear rental is nearby, or diving charters less than 2 minutes from your door at Pleasant Harbor Marina.
SENIORS AND THOSE WITH LIMITED MOBILITY.. you have a mere 3 steps down from the parking area and 1 step up to the country covered front porch, your room of choice would be the main level charming blue room bedroom, with covered balcony entrance. The main level provides a large, open concept, kitchen and dining room. A full bath with antique shower ring tub, media room (serves as a 4th bedroom), living room, and panoramic, covered built in view balcony.
Step back to a simpler time and experience a unique combination showcasing history, wildlife, Olympic National Park, Hood Canal, and the best of the Pacific NW in nature's paradise.
PLEASE CLICK '"CONTACT MANAGER" FOR RESERVATIONS ON THIS PROPERTY........