The Quinn Cottage An Orcas Island Waterfront Retreat San Juan County Permit #2004PROV006
The Quinn Cottage is a lovely waterfront home nestled on a sunny, wooded acre of land looking across Harney Channel to Shaw Island. The famous San Juan Island ferries and a continual romantic parade of pleasure boats sail by the cottage’s view throughout the day. The south-facing exposure catches the sunrise and sunset as well as all the sunlight and warmth possible through the seasons. It is a perfect location.
The cottage is just two miles from the Orcas Island ferry landing and public dock and the quaint Orcas Village with a well-stocked country market, shops and eateries, the Victorian era Orcas Hotel and Restaurant, movie rentals, whale watching excursion boats, and kayak rentals. Also two miles from the cottage is Bayhead Marina with boat slips and an easy boat and kayak launch ramp. Lake Killebrew, a small public lake only one mile away, is fun for fishing, hiking, and exploration.
An abundance of wildlife can be enjoyed from this pretty seaside retreat: deer, rabbits, raccoons, otters, mink, seals, bald eagles, heron, and an endless variety of other sea, shore, and land birds. At low tide the rocks at the water’s edge offer hours of exploration for oysters, starfish, crab, small fish, octopus, jelly fish, and other sea creatures.
Kayaking from this side of the island is fabulous. Other islands, coves, beaches, and villages are all within easy paddle distances. Rental guests are given information and advice so they can create their exciting kayaking adventures.
At night the sound of water lapping against the rocks and beach lulls visitors to sleep.
This light, airy, recently remodeled home has an open living room, dining room, and kitchen with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and floor to ceiling windows opening onto a large wrap-around main deck. The panoramic view from this 'great room' is stunning. It is also completely furnished with all the details of a cozy family cottage.
The home's sleeping areas include a private King bedroom, a private Queen bedroom, and a private office with a Queen bed, as well as two colorful bathrooms with showers. The bedrooms have lovely pillows and spreads, cozy comforters, and high quality bedding and linens. The entire home has many European Bed and Breakfast touches and amenities.
Wood is supplied for the charming wood-burning stove in the living room. In addition every room in the home has its own baseboard heater and separate thermostat for year-round comfort.
The open, sunny kitchen is fully equipped for cooking, dining, and entertaining with lovely dishes, table ware, and linens. Even the gourmet cook will find the necessary appliances, cookware, bake ware, and utensils for any special recipe.
The pantry/laundry room has a washer and dryer, cleaning and laundry supplies, picnic ware, beach towels, and ample storage space. Many cooking essentials are available for use by the rental guest, including spices, herbs, coffee, tea, sugar and oils, and much more.
The large glassed-in upper deck and the water's edge lower deck have Adirondack chairs, dining tables, a gas barbeque, a gas fire pit for 'camp fires,' and a hammock. Both upper and lower decks are lovely spots for reading, relaxing, dining, and the constant viewing of water and wildlife.
The landscaped areas around the house have whimsical pieces of “exterior art” and other treasures. The acre of land beyond the house is covered with mossy knolls and sunny fields, creating a cushion of peace for the cottage. No road noise can be heard from this serene spot.
Other amenities of this inviting home include Fiber Optic Wifi, Dish Network television, puzzles and games, a large library of adult and children’s movies, and a DVD player.
Orcas Island itself offers many adventures, including hiking, sea kayaking, lake and ocean fishing, boating, whale watching, canoeing, shopping, beach combing, and biking, as well as day trips by ferry to other islands and Victoria, British Columbia.
The island has many local fairs and celebrations, open-air music concerts, quality live theatre, flea markets, garage sales, and farmers’ markets.
Eastsound, the main village on the island, and a 15 to 20-minute drive from the Quinn Cottage through pastoral farmlands and beautiful mountain vistas, is a charming town with many restaurants, specialty shops, and a major super market.
A stay at the Quinn Cottage leaves all visitors with lasting memories of adventure, escape, and rejuvenation. One of the Quinn Cottage vacationers said it this way: “As I sat on the cottage deck on the last day of our week’s stay, watching the sun slowly set over the shimmering water in front of me, I got a lump in my throat knowing that I had to leave this amazing place. I could see why the Quinn's have been coming here for more than thirty years and still can’t wait to return. I knew that I would return as well.”
We invite you to visit this special island and stay in our own magic spot, the Quinn Cottage. Please check our website calendar for available dates. We look forward to getting your request by email. Please also feel free to request by email additional photos, Google Map location, as well as more excerpts from the Quinn Cottage guest book.
No Smoking, No Pets, Consult with owners about children under 5. Also see our #335603 Quinn Cottage San Diego.
Exceptional waterfront cottage with beach access. Private Hot Tub, One bedroom King Suite, Gas Fireplace, Radiant-Heated Floors, WIFI, Half Mile Walk to town along the beach. Kayak rentals nearby. Perfect for couples seeking relaxation by the water.
Eastsound
Exceptional waterfront cottage with beach access. Private Hot Tub, One bedroom King Suite, Gas Fireplace, Radiant-Heated Floors, WIFI, Half Mile Walk to town along the beach. Kayak rentals nearby. Perfect for couples seeking relaxation by the water.
We request that renters bring "inside shoes/slippers" so that they will leave "outside shoes" at the door.
We request that all food and drink be consumed at the dining room table or on the outside deck to protect the lovely interior furnishings from damage.
Re: a late cancellation -- most of your rental fees will be refunded if the house is re-rented. See the rental agreement for other safeguards.
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 and a first aid kit
About the area
Orcas
Located in Orcas, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Orcas Island Historical Museum and Whale Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Labyrinth and Darvill's Bookstore. Jones Island State Park and Sucia Island State Park are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and horse riding.
Orcas Island Historical Museum - 20 min drive - 18.4 km
Getting around
Westsound, WA (WSX) - 12 min drive
Restaurants
Galley Restaurant & Lounge - 41 min drive
Orcas Hotel Cafe - 7 min drive
Lopez Islander Lodge & Marina - 40 min drive
Islanders Bar & Grill - 46 min drive
Lascaux - 33 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Orcas Island Waterfront Home, Spectacular Views & Wildlife, Privately Sleeps 6 pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Orcas Island Waterfront Home, Spectacular Views & Wildlife, Privately Sleeps 6?
As of 18 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Orcas Island Waterfront Home, Spectacular Views & Wildlife, Privately Sleeps 6 on 5 May, 2026 start from S$635, 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 at Orcas Island Waterfront Home, Spectacular Views & Wildlife, Privately Sleeps 6?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Orcas Island Waterfront Home, Spectacular Views & Wildlife, Privately Sleeps 6?
Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.
What time is check-out at Orcas Island Waterfront Home, Spectacular Views & Wildlife, Privately Sleeps 6?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Orcas Island Waterfront Home, Spectacular Views & Wildlife, Privately Sleeps 6 located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of West Sound Marina, Blind Island State Park and Turtleback Mountain. Odlin County Park and Orcas Island Golf Course are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This little cottage on the sound is absolutely lovely!! The owners could not have been more helpful and gracious, and the stay in their beautifully maintained home was perfect! The best VRBO we've ever stayed in!!!
We had a wonderful stay! The views from the expansive deck are spectacular, the interior is quite cozy, and the location was easy to get to and from the ferry and all the points of interest on the island. Great communication from the owners with many helpful tips on travel and things to do. We would go back again tomorrow if we could!
Well appointed, cozy cottage with the BEST outdoor areas. From the bbq to the fire pit to the outdoor dining area to the perfect morning coffee spot, we spent the majority of our time soaking in the outdoors. We loved every minute!
Incredible views. Cottage very quaint and comfortable. Owner was amazing in providing detailed instructions about shopping prior to arrival, ferry reservations and activities to do once you arrived on Orcas
Very comfortable accommodations
Celebrating my husband‘s birthday with our adult children; Quinn cottage was wonderful! Gorgeous waterfront view, relaxing living and dining area, we were able to cook some meals and dine out in town for others. The sun shone upon us and everyone got good sleep. The tide pool stairs are indeed a perfect place to drink your morning coffee. A little piece of paradise!
Absolutely delightful! The cottage, set in an idyllic environment, is beautifully furnished. We stayed for three nights, exploring the island during the day, but the highlight of the trip was relaxing at the cottage, enjoying the view and the peace and beauty of this very special property. There were loads of extra touches that made us feel like houseguests -- friends of the owners -- not VRBO guests -- which also made our stay so special. I am a sensitive sleeper -- to noise, temperature and other things -- and slept wonderfully every night. The cottage came with all the supplies you can imagine and more. Thank you Mary and Jeff for our wonderful stay.
So beautiful and peaceful. Property was very clean and had everything we needed and more. Mary was so helpful and easy to work with. Can’t recommend enough. Would gladly return one day❤️
Beyond words to describe our experience at the Quinn Cottage. Perfect is not descriptive enough! We had a great vacation on Orcas/San Juan islands and did a ton of things, and this phenomenal home was the highlight. We were honored to have 4 orcas swim by the house on our last night, as well. Keep looking out the windows and magic appears. Wander the property - there is magic and whimsy and art everywhere you look. So cozy and comfortable. There are so many different places to sit and contemplate or socialize - with a group or by yourself. It's all there. Thank you Mary and Jeff for sharing your incredible home.
The property is even better than the picture show. Serene and relaxing with a great view of the water. Lots of creatures to see like deer, turkeys, seals and otters. Cell service doesn't really work there but there is good WIFI. Would be happy to return.
David D.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 May, 2021
David and his family were lovely rental guests. We would be pleased to have them back.
Just to clarify, although some cell services are weak there, others like T Mobile are strong. Setting phones to WIFI Calling seems to work well for all cell phones since WIFI there is excellent.
We were looking for a quiet location with a great view and a respite from the desert heat. We found it all the Quinn’s. We were even lucky to see a couple orcas at play one day from the house. The Kingfish Restaurant nearby is a gem. One of a kind menu. The Orcas Island winery is a great spot too. And you can find all you need in Eastsound
The description of this property is accurate. The view is outstanding! The house is cozy, thoughtfully decorated and well stocked for anyone who loves to cook. The outside decks and sitting areas are also very inviting and well thought out. I would highly recommend this property.
Regarding Mary and Jeff, they were very responsive and went out of their way to help us regarding the ends and outs of transportation and making sure our trip was wonderful.
We will definitely be back.
We really enjoyed our time at Quinn Cottage. Just my wife and I, looking to escape the heat of South Texas. Beautiful weather, a beautiful view from the back decks.
The ferries go by in the water behind the cottage; they are a good distance away so they are not annoying, in fact, it is kind of mesmerizing watching them glide across the water. Its a bit of a drive to get over to the restaurants (which are mostly in Eastsound), but we liked the relative isolation of the cottage.
We needed fast internet to conduct medical school interviews one day, and with both of us streaming (my wife inside, me on the deck) we were fine.
It was just the spot for us; we highly recommend it :)
My wife and I rented this lovely waterfront cottage for a week in May. On our second morning we were having breakfast, looking out the window and drinking in the luscious view, when I noticed a large black fin rise up out of the water. A big orca glided by, perhaps 100 yards from our window, in no particular hurry. During our stay, we also saw bald eagles, otters, deer, wild turkeys, harbor seals, king fishers, blue herons, hummingbirds, and other wildlife, all from the property. Wow. This is a rare and special place.
We can say enough about our “whole” experience here. You cannot beat the waterfront location and panorama views of the sea. The cottage itself has so much character with so much to be discovered! We spent our time on the deck sipping coffee, watching the ferry’s pass by to our delight. When the tide was low, we explored the tide pools below. Kitchen was fully stocked, had everything you need to make a meal. Of note, on of the bedrooms/bathroom is a separate entry, which you may like for privacy. Excellent host communication who walked us through every detail and provided excellent local advice. You can tell this place has heart and soul. We stayed for 4 nights, which we felt was a perfect amount for 1st time visitors. Highly recommend and will return!
This is a beautiful house in an amazing setting on Orcas Island. The views of the water from this secluded property and house are spectacular. Similar to other reviews, we experienced so much wildlife right from the spacious living areas both inside and outside, including bald eagles, otters, seals, kingfishers, herons, lots of song birds and yes, even an Orca whale passing by one morning! A shared memory our family will never forget!
Mary and Jeffrey are gracious and responsive hosts, and have a wealth of knowledge about Orcas and the other San Juan Islands. The house is well appointed with all manner of cooking appliances, an outdoor grill, and lots of amenities for preparing meals and having an enjoyable time at the house. We travelled with our two children and really enjoyed the quiet and solitude that this location offers, while also exploring the area and the island. An amazing getaway!
We wanted someplace peaceful, quiet, and comfortable where we could "settle in" and collect our wits after a very stressful year. This place delivered in spades and we're so glad we chose to stay here. Utterly breathtaking views. Not a sound but gentle lapping waves below the house and the wind in the trees. Watching the ferries glide soundlessly by at night. Morning walks down the quiet country road under the trees. We REALLY enjoyed our stay here.
Mary and Jeff couldn't have been nicer and were extremely responsive. I would say they are the most attentive and proactive hosts we've ever encountered. They've really put a lot of thought into making their guests feel at home and providing the little extras. (A stack of snuggly blankets in a big copper pot, ready for sitting out on the deck in the morning with a hot cup of coffee!) You just can't go wrong with the Quinn cottage.
Thank you for everything, Mary and Jeff!!
We spent a week at the delightful Quinn Cottage, just the two of us, and it was everything we hoped it would be! When we arrived, we were stunned by the exquisite setting. The cottage is nestled so naturally into its waterfront location, offering both incredible views and a sense of coziness all at the same time. The myriad of artistic touches, the numerous inviting nooks and crannies both inside and outside, and the endless opportunities for observing and enjoying the natural world made this property a real treat for all the senses. It is a quiet retreat, where watching the shore birds, anticipating the passing of the ferries, listening to the lapping of the waves, being awed by the sunrise and sunset from the various decks, and gazing at the setting moon and brilliant stars were all the entertainment we needed. The kitchen is well-stocked for serious cooking, all the better for staying put in the evenings to enjoy these incredible surroundings. The bed was super comfy, with a million dollar view right out the bedroom doors. The entire house was spotless, and filled with so many artful and homey touches, including cozy blankets, beautiful table settings, a great selection of books, and a welcome bottle of red wine. We loved the location, a quick drive to the local grocery, and lovely walks right from the door. Our hosts were responsive and helpful. It was a perfect stay in a very special home! Thanks Quinn’s for sharing your little slice of paradise with us! We will be back!
Wonderful location! Hosts were very timely and helpful!King size bed downstairs in a separate entrance is a wonderful mattress and has great pillows—great atmosphere for sleep.Owners have attention to detail—-unlike other places, did not instantly run out of paper towels and TP!!!! Nicely stocked kitchen.TV and Internet function very well.
There are no words to describe this property. By far the best rental I’ve ever had. We spent a lot of time at the property because the views were simply incredible. Waking up to the sound of the waves crashing from the ferries running was absolute heaven.
The kitchen was by far the best stocked I have used in a rental making it easy and convenient to cook meals. I only wish it would have been chilly enough to use the wood burning stove in the living room, but the weather was beyond amazing our whole visit.
I’m hoping to come back and stay at Mary’s again soon. We’ve been gone almost a week now, and I still can’t stop thinking about it!
Bre B.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022
About the host
Hosted by Mary Quinn
We have been vacationing on Orcas Island with our five children since 1979, traveling from San Diego to the San Juans for numerous years in a motorhome. After the first trip the children would not consider missing a yearly Orcas visit. For many years we rented a barn on the island, storing our toys (boats, kayaks, berry pie-making gear), looking forward to trips of fishing, crabbing, hiking, lake swimming, and berry-picking. As Orcas Island more and more became 'home' to our children, they cried as we left it each trip, motivating us to find our own place on the island. So after many years of drooling over island property, we finally purchased our own piece of 'the rock' in 2004, making our dream of a Quinn Cottage a reality. Now our seven (so far!) grandchildren join in the trips, adding more fun, adventures, and memories about Orcas. We know that Orcas Island and our Quinn Cottage will continue to be a huge part of our family culture for years to come. We invite you to visit and experience the magic yourself. Be prepared to fall in love with it as we did.
Jeff and Mary Quinn
Why they chose this property
After renting vacation homes for years on Orcas Island, we learned that the amount of sunlight and warmth varied greatly from one place on the island to another, greatly impacting our vacation experience. So we narrowed our search to only south-facing, sun-filled spots for our own home. In addition to catching both the sunrise and sunset, the orientation of Quinn Cottage gives it hours more of sunlight each day compared to north or east facing locations on the island. Even on short winter days Quinn Cottage gets every minute of sun and light available. This makes cottage vacation days longer and warmer, with sunsets and twilights that go on and on. The huge cottage windows and multiple skylights flood the cozy cottage interior with this lovely light all year round.
What makes this property unique
It is difficult to express the wonder, peace, and privacy found at our Quinn Cottage. The magic of the warm, sunny southern exposure, with the sunrise and sunset across water and islands, as well as the romantic parade of ferries and boats, is a never-ending delight. The number of land and bird species that can be watched from the huge cottage windows and wraparound deck is awesome. The off-season change of landscape colors and wildlife, viewed from the interior living space with a cozy fire, makes the best escape imaginable. Remembering our own experiences of years of renting summer homes on Orcas, we have been determined to make the Quinn Cottage an inviting, well-equipped, and charming place for our cottage rental guests to stay. Nothing pleases us more than to share our magic spot with others, so from the lovely furnishings to the spotless condition of the home, rental guests can tell immediately that they have made the perfect choice for their getaway. We love reading the glowing entries in our cottage guest book as well as receiving the grateful emails after guests' visits. We invite you to become one of our next cottage rental guests so you can also enjoy this very special place. Jeff and Mary Quinn