Custom Waterfront Home - easy walk to Roche Harbor & Picnic Island - Roche Harbor

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Heron House on Westcott Bay. Permit Number 16-0015

Heron House from Heron Point on Picnic Island (at high tide).

Great Blue Heron on Heron Point, Picnic Island.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 82750 sq ft

Popular amenities

Beach view
Dryer
Parking available
Washer
Fireplace

Explore the area

Friday Harbor, WA

Wescott Bay
‪1 min walk‬
San Juan Islands Sculpture Park
‪5 min walk‬
Roche Harbor Marina
‪14 min walk‬
Roche Harbor, WA (RCE)
‪9 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Balcony

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining area

About this property

Custom Waterfront Home - easy walk to Roche Harbor & Picnic Island

Heron House on Westcott Bay – Waterfront living near Roche Harbor

Welcome to picturesque Westcott Bay, a quiet retreat, 5 minutes walk from Roche Harbor Resort, shopping and all marina facilities. Heron House is a dog friendly vacation rental newly constructed in October of 2017…3 minutes walk to Roche Harbor’s dog park. Fly in, boat in, or drive in, you’re never more than 5 minutes walk to the Heron House.

What to do on Westcott Bay? Well, you could walk 50 feet out your back door to the beach, or stroll, on all but the highest tides, to Picnic Island. Use the two fishing kayaks to paddle around the bay, troll a line, or set a crab trap. On the weekend, paddle over to the Westcott Bay Shellfish farm for their famous barbequed oysters. Maybe you’d like to hike the nationally recognized trails … all without having to get in your car! If it’s a stroll you have in mind, walk the 3 mile loop past the sculpture gardens (off leash for dogs), through Roche Harbor Resort itself, stopping briefly at Westcott Bay Cider for a tasting, catch a rare Pokémon at the lighthouse mailbox opposite the old quarry 9 swimming hole, and … you’re back home.

If drive you must, head over to Lime Kiln Point for some orca watching, tide pooling, or having a picnic lunch. You could drive 9 miles into the big city of Friday Harbor for all the amenities of a small town.

Roche Harbor Resort provides the opportunity to book a whale watching trip, join a kayak tour around the north end of Henry Island, or, if you’re lucky…schedule a wedding 

The Heron House is named for the great blue herons that daily stalk the shallows or perch on Picnic Island. Bring your camera for some close up shots of them or the bald eagles that fish in Westcott Bay.

However you enjoy our home, we’re glad you stopped by.

Cheers,

Dave and Sue and Stella-mae

Property manager

Dave and Sue Ambrose

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

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Sea view
Pool
Kitchen
Washer

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

High chair available, travel bed for babies/toddle

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

Dogs only with prior approval

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No smoking in or around the house

We allow up to 3 well trained and well behaved dogs. The dogs must not wander into our neighbor's yards & owners are expected to clean up after them.

Quiet hours are from 10:00pm to 7:00am.

Please remember, we live on an island. Water should not be wasted.

Important information

You need to know

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

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

Property Registration Number 16-0015

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Friday Harbor

Located in Friday Harbor, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. San Juan Islands Sculpture Park and San Juan Island National Historic Park are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Whale Museum and Jones Island State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Friday Harbor, WA

What's nearby

Wescott Bay - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
San Juan Islands Sculpture Park - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
Roche Harbor Marina - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
English Camp - 7 min drive - 5.5 km
Lime Kiln Point State Park - 16 min drive - 14.9 km

Getting around

Roche Harbor, WA (RCE) - 1 min drive

Restaurants

‪Duck Soup Inn - ‬8 min drive
‪Lime Kiln Cafe - ‬14 min walk
‪Westcott Bay Shellfish - ‬5 min drive
‪San Juan Vineyards - ‬11 min drive
‪San Juan Island Distillery - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Custom Waterfront Home - easy walk to Roche Harbor & Picnic Island pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Custom Waterfront Home - easy walk to Roche Harbor & Picnic Island ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Custom Waterfront Home - easy walk to Roche Harbor & Picnic Island ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Custom Waterfront Home - easy walk to Roche Harbor & Picnic Island located?

Nestled on the beach, this Friday Harbor holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Wescott Bay and San Juan Islands Sculpture Park. Roche Harbor Marina and Posey Island State Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Sharon P.

28 Apr, 2025

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

Exeptional location and property

My friends and I gathered for a reunion in April. We got really lucky with the weather, and took full advantage of the opportunities for kayaking, ping pong, walking, cooking, eating, etc. We've enjoyed a variety of rental homes over the years, but this location is a little more fabulous in every way. Highly recommended!

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie C.

14 Apr, 2025

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

Rejuvenating and perfect for families

Heron house is the perfect place to relax and unwind. We had 3 generations staying together, plus a dog and it met everyone's needs. The table tennis was great for the teens, and the deck was perfect for soaking up some sun, reading a book and bird watching. The house was very clean and incredibly comfortable, offering a balance of adventure and relaxation. Would definitely recommend.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ali F.

21 Apr, 2025

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

Lovely stay on SJI

Great property with beach access, ample space for families with kids and a very well stocked kitchen for meal prep. The one upgrade that should be made for the price and quality of the house is improved bedding - some bedding was dirty and all the sheets and pillows need to be replaced. I would bring my own bedding next time.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Baris P.

8 Apr, 2025

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

Beautiful, tranquil location

The house is just about perfect. If I had to give any criticism it would be that some of the bedrooms don't provide a blackout capability, so you basically wake up with the sun, but it doesn't stream in through those windows. We were able to launch the host's paddleboard and kayaks right from the house.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Conor T.

6 Apr, 2025

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

Bayside getaway

Beautiful house. There was actually three kayaks and we were able to go out on the bay three times, saw seals, jellyfish, comb jellies, fish, and lots of waterfowl. House also close walk to Roche Harbor and other trails. Rooms were great. Everything clean. Easy to reach hosts

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gina S.

3 Mar, 2025

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

Beautiful island getway

Great location and easy to get around the island. The view is amazing. Three out of the four beds were king size and one of them were full size. It was great having a large and clean space. I would love to stay here again in the future.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josh S.

23 Mar, 2025

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

3rd Time at the Heron House

This is the third time we’ve stayed at the Heron House, and there’s multiple reasons for that:-The house is still clean and beautiful -The location is still awesome-Communication with the hosts is still fantastic-The neighborhood is still quietIt’s honestly a huge part of why we come back to San Juan Island. We refer to the Heron House as “our house” because it feels like home every time we check in. I can’t imagine staying somewhere else!

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Erin R.

29 Mar, 2025

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

Prime Location Near Roche Harbor

This property has a lot to offer, especially for families or groups. We really enjoyed the large front yard and amazing waterfront backyard with its own small inlet. The house is located in a quiet neighborhood but is walking distance to Roche and the Sculpture Park. We also really enjoyed that this home is dog friendly and close to the dog park. The only real drawback to this house was the living room furniture- it was very uncomfortable. The couch and the dining table chairs especially.

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ellen W.

22 Jan, 2025

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

January family get away

We enjoyed a very comfortable stay for a week. The bedrooms are spacious and the bathrooms well appointed. The kitchen counters are higher than standard, so tall people rejoice, but petite people may struggle to reach the upper cupboards. We loved touring the nearby sculpture garden as well as the historic sites and state and local parks.

Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary D.

29 Dec, 2024

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

Dec 2024 stay

Thoroughly enjoyed our time at Heron House after Christmas! Blessed with good weather, so we were able to explore many areas of the island. Highly recommend.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megan M.

26 Dec, 2024

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

Thoughtfully Appointed

Spacious, with a great view, close to amenities. We really enjoyed being cozy and watching the storm on the bay and taking shot walk when there was a sun break. Would definitely bring family again.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rob c.

9 Sept, 2024

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

Fantastic Stay

Property was clean, perfect place for a family with a dog. We used all the amenities, highly recommend to all

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian W.

26 Nov, 2024

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

Very responsive

Beautiful house in a beautiful setting. Owner was very responsive to my random inquiries which was very much appreciated.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill J.

25 Nov, 2024

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

Everything we needed

We had a wonderful time clamming, paddling, and exploring. The point served as an island for the kids' to adventure to at high tide. It was everything we needed! Thank you for sharing your home with us.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matt K.

19 Aug, 2024

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

2nd visit to this great house

Love staying in this house. Spacious home with beautiful views. Lots to do within walking distance.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca H.

10 Jun, 2024

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

Repeat Customer

Love this house so much that we keep coming back when we stay by Roche Harbor. Right on the water with great views of the bay and more privacy than staying on resort. Perfect place to stay with a group.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Connie C., Mercer Island, WA

27 May, 2023

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

Great place near Roche Harbor

Within walking distance of the resort and restaurants. Great walking trails and Sculpture garden nearby.

Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sharon E.

12 Mar, 2024

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

Great birding spot

The Heron House is a great location for viewing shorebirds. We had a lovely wintry vacation, warm and snug by the fireplace.

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori L., Monterey, CA

12 Jun, 2018

Great stay

Beautiful house, wonderful hosts. Would highly recommend this property.

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

3 Jul, 2024

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

Amazing trip and even better home!

We were staying on the island for a wedding at Roche Harbor and this house was amazing. Large and clean and walkable to the small town, water and venue. Thank you for hosting!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clayton J.

13 Dec, 2023

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

Beautiful home with a beautiful view

We really enjoyed our stay. Watching the birds from the dining/living room was really great. The beds and baths are all really nice. We would love to stay here again

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

MIKE B.

15 Mar, 2024

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

Great getaway

Very nice, comfortable, house on a bay. Well furnished and a lot of room.. Enjoyed time with our family.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie P.

26 Feb, 2024

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

Great weekend escape

Lovely home with a peaceful view. Great weekend stay for 4 adults. Accommodating and communicative hosts. Would be happy to book another stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Taylor B.

20 May, 2024

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

Beautiful view, home, and location

Great place and location. Very quite and private. Very clean and well kept with lots of amenities. Easily walkable (if you like a few hills) to Roche Harbor with restaurants, coffee, groceries/liquor. We enjoyed our stay and would certainly return.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick R.

31 May, 2024

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

Wonderful

We had a wonderful trip. Dave and Sue were great hosts. Amazing location. Thank you

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

About the host

Hosted by Dave and Sue Ambrose

We purchased the property in 2015 and began construction June of 2016. We worked through the winter finishing the interior of the house with Sue doing the tile work, stone work and painting. Dave mostly drank beer and watched golf matches :-p We completed the finishing work in October and are proud to offer the house as a brand new residence.

Why they chose this property

This property was irresistible to us mostly because of the beach, the island, and access to the ocean for water activities. We hope you will use the two kayaks and the paddle board to explore Westcott Bay and maybe catch a few dungeness crab in the process. This is the second house we have built together and had so much fun on the first one, that we decided to do it all over again.

What makes this property unique

Beautiful sunrises, abundant wildlife and magnificent views across and down the length of Westcott Bay. Walking distance (3 min to Roche Harbor's dog park and 5 minutes to Roche Harbor Marina. Also, immediate access to a nationally recognized trail system. Don't miss the view from the top of Mount Young.