Mere minutes to Galbraith Mountain, WWU & Lake Whatcom, this sunny, private apartment is perfect for...
mountain bikers (secure bike storage, steps from Galby!) WWU visitors remote workers (two desks & blazing fast WiFi) skiers (easy access to Mt. Baker Highway) adventure enthusiasts of all kinds!
Enjoy a well-stocked kitchen, in-unit laundry, warm bike wash, dog-friendly fenced yard w/ outdoor seating & off-street parking.
Nestled in nature, but only 10 minutes from downtown Bellingham!
Perfect for mountain bikers, WWU visitors, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a peaceful, well-equipped home base in Bellingham.
You’ll love the comfort, convenience and charm of this space, no matter your reason for traveling!
UNBEATABLE LOCATION Galbraith Mountain (world-class mountain biking & hiking): 2-min ride Lake Whatcom (swimming, kayaking, boating): 5-min walk Whatcom Falls Park (waterfalls, hiking, tennis, fishing): 3-min drive Western Washington University: 10-min drive Sudden Valley Golf: 10-min drive Downtown Bellingham: 10-min drive (right on bus line)
GUEST-FAVORITE FEATURES Bike & Ski Friendly – secure indoor storage for bikes, skis and gear, easy access to Mt. Baker Highway Work-Friendly – two separate desks for remote work Spacious & Comfortable – 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, in-unit laundry and plenty of natural light Private Outdoor Space – dog-friendly fenced yard with umbrella table for four, pergola, and landscaped terrace Easy Access & Parking – private, well-lit entrance and dedicated off-street parking Family friendly - baby gate, high chair, portable crib & toys (please request in advance)
EXTRA PERKS Quiet neighborhood perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure Friendly on-site “Golden Retriever Ambassador” (*optional* meet-and-greet!)
Please Note: We value our peaceful neighborhood—thank you for keeping noise to a minimum during your stay.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer visit, this apartment offers the perfect blend of nature, convenience, and privacy.
You’ll have plenty of privacy here, with off-street parking reserved just for you, a private entrance, and your own backyard space.
Outdoor living is a rare find in apartment rentals, but here you’ll have a sunny sitting area in the side yard for seclusion and visual privacy.
The space is beautifully terraced and landscaped - perfect for dining al fresco at the umbrella table or relaxing in the deep, cushioned chairs under the pergola.
Jim and Kjerstin live in the main house. Since we’re on-site, we can assist right away when we’re home.
Even when we’re out, we stay easily reachable by phone and can provide quick support when needed!
We are located in Geneva, a popular neighborhood in Bellingham. It takes only minutes to walk to Lake Whatcom. If you are a hiker or mountain biker, there are gorgeous trails on Galbraith Mountain just a short walk from the house. There are many nearby parks and since downtown is only a 10-minute drive (15-minute bus ride). All services are at your fingertips.
Learn more about Bellingham Happenings, as well as what's new with the apartment by visiting our social media pages.
The drive from the Geneva neighborhood to downtown Bellingham is only 10-minutes. Bellingham is a bike-friendly town, so if you prefer to bike, there is a bike lane most of the way from the apartment to downtown. From the apartment, you can walk to the bus stop in 2-3 minutes, and the bus runs straight downtown to the main terminal, where transfers are available to all over town and to the neighboring communities.
Our neighborhood is quiet and peaceful; we kindly ask our guests to help keep it that way for our neighbors.
We have a friendly Golden Retriever (our family pet.) If you prefer not to meet Winnie, no problem! Please let us know and we will bring her inside while you are enjoying the yard. * smoke-free * need prior permission for un-registered guests * renter responsible for keeping apartment clean (wash dishes before checkout) * park on gravel pad to the right of the garage
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Quiet Farm Stay with Hot Tub, Open Skies, and Room to Breathe
LYNDEN
Quiet Farm Stay with Hot Tub, Open Skies, and Room to Breathe
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please start the load of towels in the washer. (Thank you! This “head start” allows us to provide you with the latest check-out and earliest check-in possible.)
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 3667210
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the neighborhood
Bellingham
Located in Bellingham, this apartment is near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Larrabee State Park and Lake Whatcom, while Mindport and Spark Museum of Electrical Invention are cultural highlights. Marine Life Center and Sehome Hill Arboretum are also worth visiting.
Western Washington University - 11 min drive - 6.6 km
Bellis Fair Mall - 16 min drive - 11.0 km
Getting around
Bellingham, WA (BLI-Bellingham Intl.) - 20 min drive
Restaurants
Fred Meyer Fuel Center - 6 min drive
Starbucks - 7 min drive
Kulshan K2 - 7 min drive
El Pollo Feo Get Smashed - 7 min drive
The Woods Coffee - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Hip & Sunny Lake Whatcom Apartment pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Hip & Sunny Lake Whatcom Apartment?
As of May 12, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hip & Sunny Lake Whatcom Apartment on May 13, 2026 start from $241, 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 Hip & Sunny Lake Whatcom Apartment?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Hip & Sunny Lake Whatcom Apartment?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Hip & Sunny Lake Whatcom Apartment located?
Situated near the beach, this apartment building is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Lake Whatcom and within 3 mi (5 km) of Whatcom Falls Park and Bloedel Donovan Park. Mindport and Depot Market Square are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Jim and Kjerstin are thoughtful and welcoming hosts. Their apartment is cozy, clean, and very comfortable. Private entrance and easy parking. The kitchen was well stocked with cooking tools. Perfect location for visiting wwu students, wwu sporting events at Civic Stadium, and not far from N Bham. We would 100% stay here again, and again.
Hostess very personable, welcoming, and informative. The place was represented perfectly in listing. The whole place was very clean and comfortable. Location was right around the corner from my relative and close to downtown as well as outdoor activities. I would stay here again!
Crystal B.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 29, 2025
Thank you, Crystal! I'm really glad that the apartment met your needs. We'd be very pleased to host you again! :) K
Really well equipped bright and sunny apartment. Great parking and easy access, located close to Lake Whatcom and close to frequent bus service into town,We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and Kjerstin was a friendly and helpful host. We would definitely stay here again.
We went for a few days to see my son in college and find some “home” time away from home. This was perfect. We cooked, baked, visited and I was able to work remotely perfectly from the little office set up. Will definitely be back!
Comfortable, clean modern space with lots of light on a quiet street. Very thoughtful amenities, including ingredients for baking, coffee & tea. Our host communicated quickly. We will return.
Rosalyn P.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 18, 2025
We've loved hosting you multiple times, now - thanks for trusting us with your trip! See you next time! Warmly, Kjerstin
The apartment was very clean and spacious. It is bright and sunny with lots of windows, and the windows all have blinds. It is very well equipped with everything we needed. We felt the location was great, being really close to Lake Whatcom, easy access to Galbraith Mt, and close to shopping and restaurants. Highly recommend.
This visit was a respite stay for me and the location was perfect for me. The neighbourhood was quiet and felt very safe. All necessary amenities (groceries, gas, shopping, etc) were within a short drive. I appreciated the clean spacious interior with many extras provided. Kjerstin and family members even assisted me with some frustrating cell service issues. I highly recommend this property.
This completely separate apartment was an absolute treasure to have come across when planning a last minute family trip to Bellingham. The space was clean, modern, complete with any little thing you could possibly need, and happens to be in an incredible area. Kjerstin was very communicative and did whatever necessary to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. Would definitely stay here again, no question.
Kjerstin went above and beyond. So sweet and helpful, we felt incredibly welcome! Love the house and the location is great. Beautiful little getaway and was a stress free stay. Thank you thank you!
Shae J.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 17, 2024
I’m so pleased that everything worked out well for both of us! Thanks to your crew for leaving the unit so sparkling clean! I hope we can host you in the future.
The apartment is new and nicely furnished. The hosts have been very thoughtful in providing all the amenities and extras that made our stay comfortable. The shared outdoor space is delightful. The home is on a quiet street near the lake.
My wife and I stayed here for two weeks while searching for homes in Bellingham. The space is comfortable and thoughtfully appointed, with two office areas that can easily accommodate remote work. The layout makes sense, so it's easy to get situated. It feels like home away from home.During our stay, we enjoyed multiple deer sightings as they meandered through the neighborhood. Kjerstin and her husband showed great hospitality, giving us insider tips on different areas of Bellingham, as well as dining and activity suggestions.We wouldn't hesitate to stay here again in the future. Highly recommended!
This apartment is the perfect place to stay! It was very clean, fresh and comfortable! The kitchen was neat and organized, not full of "cast offs". There were extras that made our stay so nice including a shopping bag, umbrella, lovely bath salts, laundry soap and extra charging cords. The outside area was really great and we used it in the evenings. The owners were super nice and available for our needs. She even sent a text to let us know the Northern Lights were visible. Will definitely stay again!
We stayed at the apartment for 5 nights, and enjoyed it very much. The house is in a treed neighborhood and is very quiet and convenient. The apartment is over the garage attached to the house, which makes it even quieter. Getting Downtown or onto I-5 takes about 10 minutes, along Lakeway. The apartment is well outfitted, with all modern appliances and good wifi. Two thumbs up, would stay there again in a heartbeat...
The apartment was the perfect spot to call our home base when we came to Bellingham for a family reunion. Kjerstin was very responsive when we couldn't find the coffee filters and ensured we we had some extras immediately. The apartment was very well stocked. I would have given 5 stars, but the bed was not as comfortable for us. It wasn't terrible, but it was hard. It could use a memory foam or other thick mattress pad, which I did notify the host. Otherwise, the apartment was quite comfortable!
Julie M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 16, 2024
Julie was GREAT about giving us constructive feedback! I appreciated that she gave detailed suggestions and explained her rationale.
I was able to make two changes immediately, before the next guest arrived that afternoon.
I appreciate her comment - "responsive owner" - I strive for that! (Turns out the coffee filters were there all along! Julie just hadn't found them near the complimentary morning beverages, but regardless - we were able to get her filters within 10 minutes in two different manners!)
Beds are tricky, right? We are all different, and we have different preferences; the bulk of the feedback I receive is that the beds are *so* comfortable, but the beds certainly may be too firm for some. I'm considering how to best address this challenging issue, but I appreciate the feedback and will reflect upon it!
We'd love to see Julie come back!
Verified
6/10 Okay
Jennifer L.
Apr 25, 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
Planned for a week/stayed for one day
The property was meticulously organized, with everything in its designated place and clearly labeled. The host demonstrated exceptional hospitality towards my family and me. She went above and beyond to set up for small kids. Her kindness and effective communication were truly commendable.Regrettably, we had to shorten our stay due to the unforeseen discovery of bugs on the mattress in bedroom two on day two. The host responded with great concern and promptly assisted in finding a solution. She even offered an alternative accommodation option while we awaited the resolution.I wholeheartedly appreciated the prompt refund issued. I acknowledge that such occurrences can happen anywhere, and I am confident that with the issue resolved, this location has the potential to provide an exceptional stay.
Jennifer L.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 26, 2025
Thank you for your review.
It means a lot to hear how much you appreciated the organization of the home and the care taken to make your family—especially your little ones—feel comfortable and welcomed.
I’m sorry your stay was impacted by the unexpected discovery in bedroom two. As I promised, I contacted an exterminator to inspect the property, paying special attention to the mattresses and bedding. The only evidence of insects she could find was the video you sent me of the single bug on the bedspread. Harmless bugs can occasionally find their way indoors, especially in our natural and beautifully wooded surroundings.
That said, your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to respond quickly and make things right for you.
Thank you for highlighting the positive parts of your experience and the professional and thorough way we responded to your concern.
Warmly,
Kjerstin
Jim (Canadian) and Kjerstin (American) are enjoying living on both sides of the border in Bellingham as well as Vancouver, B.C. Our "main" house is in Bellingham, where we are having tons of fun hosting travelers in this cute apartment on the property. Jim works in wine distribution software and Kjerstin volunteers as a firefighter/EMT.
We also have a vacation home on Lummi Island where we welcome summer visitors (our "Family Reunion Gem" is listed on VRBO.)
All five of our adult kids are now living independent lives so we are enjoying traveling more and entertaining friends with our newfound spare time.
Why they chose this property
This is an old, established Lake Whatcom neighborhood in which people have been remodeling and renovating the original cabins into full-time, large family homes. Our street has a distinct "Craftsman" vibe. Houses are far apart, most sitting on half-acre or one-acre lots. The Geneva Neighborhood is still quite heavily forested, so it is quiet and yards are private.
What makes this property unique
It's no secret that Bellingham is located in the Pacific Northwest, where skies are grey for a large part of the year. This special apartment is lined with windows, and it is located on the second story where natural light floods the rooms with bright light every month of the year. (Air conditioning is provided for the sunny months!)
We've put a lot of energy and effort into making this unit really attractive and comfortable. The unit has stylish details like a stainless steel backsplash, fun paint colors, lots of local artwork, house plants, fabulous natural lighting and new (2023) rugs and furnishings. It just feels good to be in the space.
We've included lots of convenient "extras" like an umbrella (Remember? The Pacific NW?), coffee/tea, cooking basics (flour, sugar, oil, spices), laundry detergent and more.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests