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Sunny Side Island Retreat by AvantStay | Backyard

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A two-story house with a balcony, a covered patio, and a well-maintained garden.
A modern living room with a stone fireplace, large windows, and a flat-screen TV.
A residential area with houses, a road, and a body of water in the background.
A deck with a table set for dining, surrounded by chairs, and a red umbrella.
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a large clock, and a dining area with teal chairs and a wooden table.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Toys
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Pet-friendly
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View in a map
Freeland, WA
  • Place, Mutiny Bay
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Fort Casey State Park
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Place, Boeing Everett Factory
    ‪59 min drive‬
  • Airport, Seattle Paine Field Intl. Airport (PAE)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Living Room

1 Double Sofa Bed

Primary Bedroom

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

Ensuite Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Ensuite Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Full bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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About the neighborhood

Freeland

Located in Freeland, this vacation home is in a rural area. Mukilteo Lighthouse Park and Port Gamble Historic Museum are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Spoiled Dog Winery and Clyde Theatre. Traveling with kids? Consider Blooms and Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including birdwatching.
View more Vacation Homes in FreelandOpens in a new window
Map
Freeland, WA

What's nearby

  • Mutiny Bay - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Whidbey Island Center for the Arts - 16 min drive - 15.2 km
  • Fort Casey State Park - 25 min drive - 33.7 km
  • Fort Ebey State Park - 34 min drive - 45.7 km
  • Boeing Everett Factory - 59 min drive - 31.2 km

Getting around

  • Everett Station - 58 min drive
  • Seattle Paine Field Intl. Airport (PAE) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Hansgrill - ‬121 min drive
  • ‪Jupiter Coffee - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Braeburn At The Barnyard - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Dancing Fish Vineyards - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Whidbey Coffee - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sunny Side Island Retreat by AvantStay | Backyard pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Sunny Side Island Retreat by AvantStay | Backyard?

As of Oct 31, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sunny Side Island Retreat by AvantStay | Backyard on Jan 23, 2027 start from $302, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Sunny Side Island Retreat by AvantStay | Backyard?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sunny Side Island Retreat by AvantStay | Backyard?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Sunny Side Island Retreat by AvantStay | Backyard located?

This family-friendly Freeland vacation home is located in a rural location, within 3 mi (5 km) of Mutiny Bay, Useless Bay and Double Bluff Beach. Double Bluff State Park and Holmes Harbor are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our rental on Whidbey exceeded our expectations! Easy to access and check out, very clean, was very well stocked with pantry, and basic toiletry items. The beds were comfy and the view is beautiful. We are planning to stay again soon.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2026
Response from Sunny Side Island Retreat by AvantStay | Backyard on Oct 20, 2026
Thank you! Whidbey has a way of exceeding expectations, and we're glad the home matched the view. We'll be ready for that return trip soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent. Very well stocked. Great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 18, 2026
Glad the home was well stocked, and the location worked out so well for your stay. Thank you for the kind words. We would love to welcome you back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very comfortable, clean, roomy, and well stocked with kitchen items, linens, games, tv/wifi etc.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2026
Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you found the home comfortable, clean, and well stocked with everything you needed—from the kitchen essentials to the games and entertainment. We’d love to host you again anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was well stocked, and the location was convenient for attractions in the area. Communication with the hosts was easy, and they were quick to respond. I would recommend this place for families or friends looking for an island getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 27, 2026
Happy to hear the home was well stocked and the location worked out for exploring the area! Quick, easy communication is something we really try to prioritize, so it's great that you came through. Thanks for the lovely recommendation — we'd love to host you again on your next island escape!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location and propertya

This is our second time here and we loved it just as much as the first time. The house is very comfortable to hang out in and it has a great location to all sorts the island activities.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 4, 2025
Thank you, Michelle! We’re so happy to welcome you back and glad you loved the house just as much the second time. It’s great to hear the comfort and location made your stay enjoyable. We look forward to having you again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really liked this place. The view from the front deck was beautiful! We spent a lot of time on both decks since we have two dogs. Rooms were clean. The layout of the house was perfect. Checking in and out was easy.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 1, 2026
Two dogs and two decks — sounds like everyone had their spot to soak in that beautiful view! Glad the layout worked perfectly for your crew and that clean rooms plus easy check-in and check-out kept everything simple. We'd love to welcome you all back — pups included — anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Avantstay was extremely responsive and helpful to a couple of questions we had about the property and procedure, which helped the week long stay run smooth and let us just relax and enjoy the time.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 4, 2025
We’re glad our team could help make your week stress-free and let you enjoy your stay. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quick Getaway

Quick getaway to the beach with family. Great doggie beach, fun artsy island, good food.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 14, 2025
Thank you, Maggie! We're so glad you had a great time on your beach getaway with family. It sounds like you made the most of the dog-friendly beach and all the fun on the island. We hope you can return for another relaxing trip soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything about this house was excellent. Our favorite part was the sunny deck in the mornings. We should have stayed longer! But we will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 2, 2026
It sounds like those sunny mornings on the deck were the perfect way to start the day—we love that it became your favorite spot! We're so glad everything about the home lived up to expectations, and we'll hold you to coming back. Next time, stay a little longer! We'd love to welcome you back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay for families! Plenty of amenities and toys for young children. Having a separate kitchen downstairs was a huge bonus! We loved the area - it was nice and close to Double Bluff Beach and not far to Langley. We were very appreciative of the fenced backyard and options for grilling. Will definitely be coming back!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 1, 2025
Thank you, Emily. We're glad the space and amenities worked well for your family and that you enjoyed the location and backyard. We look forward to welcoming you back!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mystery weekend

This property was so comfortable and spacious! The kitchen was well equipped and had some basic supplies available, coffee,tea,salt and pepper...so nice.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 14, 2023
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay! We hope you come and stay with us again soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location and View

Wonderful home and fabulous neighborhood. House was in great shape and had everything we needed. Will be back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 28, 2024
Thank you, Jana! We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed the home and the neighborhood, and that it had everything you needed. We’d love to welcome you back again anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable and well stocked

We had a great stay with 6 family members and two dogs. The house has a great layout and wonderful deck. The beds were comfortable, the kitchen was well stocked, and the house was clean. We also had an issue with the stove, which was very promptly fixed. Would rent again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 14, 2025
Thank you, Sarah! We're so glad the home worked well for your family and pups, and that you found everything comfortable and well-equipped. We appreciate you mentioning the quick resolution with the stove—glad we could take care of it promptly. We'd be happy to host you again anytime!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable family friendly home

We had a long weekend on Whidbey Island and it was lovely. The house is very comfortable, especially the memory foam beds. Clean and spacious. We really appreciated the kids toys and kids dishes/ high chair etc. The house is located on a safe dead end nice street and very close to the Double Bluff beach
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 14, 2023
Thank you for staying and enjoying our home! We hope you come back again soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Second House

My house is too small to accommodate my nephew's family so I rented this house for them. It was very convenient for us since it is right around the corner from us. They thought it was lovely and had a great time. They would be willing to visit again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 3, 2025
Thank you, Diane! We're glad the home was a convenient option for your nephew’s family and that they had a great stay. It’s wonderful to hear they’d be happy to visit again—we’d love to host them anytime!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything you need and close to everything!

Thoughtful touches made our stay very nice. From the pizza making kit, tote bag and sunglasses to the baby equipment, second kitchen and fenced yard for pets we were wanting for nothing. Awesome to have a bathroom for every sleeping space and especially the air conditioned rooms. Close to favorite spots in Langley, Freeland and Coupeville.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 5, 2024
Thank you, Anna! We’re happy to hear that the thoughtful touches made your stay enjoyable. It’s great that you found everything you needed and loved the convenient location. We’d love to welcome you back on your next visit!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our second time at this spacious island home with fabulous views. We have family on the island so this spot is ideal for us to use when visiting with our children, grandchildren and 2 dogs! Very comfortable beds, pet friendly flooring and beautiful bathrooms. Thoughtful touches like a blanket to lay out on the couch for the dogs. Front yard/lawn even bigger than the fenced backyard - lovely deck with chairs to enjoy the view.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from Management on Sep 30, 2026
Second visits with three generations and both pups make you part of the family, and we love that the dog blanket touch didn't go unnoticed! We're so glad the home keeps working as your island gathering spot, and we'll have it ready for your next family visit.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean spot and great for traveling with kids. Lots of games and things in the house. The challenge we had was with the frequent power outages in the area. All other neighbors have generators, and we lost power on our second night and had to leave early. It was great weather and the outage seemed to be without cause, but this is a frequent occurrence in the area because there were lots of instructions on when to use the water when the power is out. Just something to be aware of when booking!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2026
It is great to hear the home worked so well for your family and that the games and extras kept everyone entertained. We are truly sorry your stay was cut short by circumstances outside the home, and we understand how disruptive that must have been. Your feedback about how the property is equipped for these situations has been passed along to our team for review. Thank you for sharing your experience, and we hope to have the opportunity to host you again under better conditions.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property is very comfortable: 2 king-size beds and a queen make it suitable for groups of adults. There are a lot of accomodations for kids, including toys, games, and utensils - none of which we used, as a group of 4 adults. The interior was very clean upon arrival and sheets/blankets were cozy. The air conditioners were so important! It took a while to figure out the controls (as previous reviews have mentioned). The kitchen is incredibly well-stocked with multiples of everything! On the exterior, the new grill was great to prepare steaks, and we hung out on the front and back decks each day in the sun. I reported 3 issues to the host (AvantStay) by their text messaging service; I received a response on 2 of those - the last one was not acknowledged. Exterior lights in the back yard/deck were inoperable. The screen on the door to the back yard was torn out and allowed insects in, which was inconvenient since it's in the primary bedroom. The lights along the driveway had been driven over and were strewn, broken in the front yard. Most frustratingly, the bushes and landscaping the front and back yard were very overgrown and made the exterior feel unkempt. We had to duck under overgrown blackberry thorns to even get in the front door. Overall, I'd recommend the house as long as you know you're getting a 4-star property with some areas for easy improvement if the owners made the effort.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 6, 2026
We appreciate you taking the time to write such a detailed and fair review. It's good to hear the sleeping arrangements suited your group, the interior was clean and comfortable on arrival, and the well-stocked kitchen and new grill made the steaks and deck time easy. We're sorry that one of your messages went unacknowledged, and we understand how that compounds when you have already flagged other items. Everything you raised about the exterior and the maintenance concerns has been passed to our team so it can be properly addressed. Thank you for still recommending the home, and we hope to have the opportunity to host you again.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It's a lovely location and a nice house. There were several maintenance issues that we discovered when we checked in, but the most critical ones were addressed quickly by the host. It would be a big help if some instructions were provided on the particulars of how the AC/heat operates, as it is not obvious, and there was nothing anywhere on the premises about that, so we had to contact the host to figure out why the AC wouldn't run. The host team is responsive, which is good.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 25, 2026
So glad the location and the home itself made a good impression, and that our team could jump on the most critical maintenance items quickly! Thanks for the thoughtful, specific feedback too. You make a great point about the AC/heat; a simple set of instructions on the premises would save guests the guesswork, and we've shared that with our team along with the other maintenance notes. It's the kind of detail that makes a real difference. We're glad our responsiveness helped, and we'd love to welcome you back for an even smoother stay anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beds were comfortable. Property is well maintained.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 22, 2026
We're so glad you found the beds comfortable and the property well-maintained! Thank you for sharing your feedback, and we'd love to welcome you back anytime!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful family friendly home

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The house was perfect for our family vacation. The property was very clean and had the basics you need. The proximity to the beach was amazing- we appreciated that they had lawn chairs and beach towels for our family to use. The island is a magical place
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 14, 2023
Thank you for your comments. We are happy you had an enjoyable stay for your visit on Whdibey Island. We hope we can help you with your next stay on the Island.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Home

We lost a family member recently so we needed a place to stay while we made arrangements and secured his home. This home was perfect! Such a beautiful view and equipped with everything. Plenty of space for everyone and we loved seeing the deer in the yard. We will definitely book again when the weather is better.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 14, 2023
We're sorry to hear about your family member, but happy we could accommodate your needs. Thank you for choosing Tara Vacation Rentals. We hope to host you again under better circumstances!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway!

Great location, roomy space both inside and outside
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 14, 2023
Thank you so much for your stay! So happy to see that you enjoyed your time!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Wonderful Vacation Home

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We stayed in this lovely home for two weeks with our adult children. The downstairs suite gave our family members some privacy while the upstairs was a great place for family gathering. The decks were wonderful - always a sunny or shady spot to sit. It was convenient to grocery store, beaches and exploration on Whidbey. Washer-Dryer helpful for long stay. Great beach items provided - coolers, beach towels, toys for younger children. The fenced back yard was great for our son's small dog to play safely. Quiet street and location. Great views from front deck. Fireplace downstairs and gas fireplace upstairs added coziness.
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 14, 2023
Thank you for your comments. We are so happy your stay on Whidbey Island was so pleasurable and enjoyable. We hope we can help you and your family with your next stay visiting the Island.
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