House in Orcas, WA

Orcas Island Waterfront Home, Spectacular Views & Wildlife, Privately Sleeps 6

Orcas Island Waterfront Home, Spectacular Views & Wildlife, Privately Sleeps 6

Photo gallery for Orcas Island Waterfront Home, Spectacular Views & Wildlife, Privately Sleeps 6

One of many spectacular views from the Quinn Cottage Great Room and main deck
Aerial photo of the Cottage at water's edge looking south to Lopez and Shaw Is
Welcome sign at the top of the driveway
Unclassified image, 4 of 52, button
You have arrived!

Overview of Orcas Island Waterfront Home, Spectacular Views & Wildlife, Privately Sleeps 6

5 out of 5 Exceptional
2 bedroomsSleeps 61600 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor space
  • Sea view

Check out the area

Orcas, WA
  • Popular LocationCascade Lake31 min drive
  • Popular LocationOdlin County Park41 min drive
  • Popular LocationDoe Bay Hot Springs44 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Office 1

1 Queen Bed

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Orcas Island Waterfront Home, Spectacular Views & Wildlife, Privately Sleeps 6

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.

Keywords: home, waterfront, view, wildlife, privacy, quiet

Property manager

Mary Quinn

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Sea view

House Rules

Check in after 3:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 4
Check out before 10:30 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Contact the owners for children under 4.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed
Sorry -- no exceptions!

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
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.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

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 Darvill's Bookstore and Jones Island State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Cascade Lake - 31 min drive
  • Orcas Island Artworks - 33 min drive
  • Odlin County Park - 41 min drive
  • Doe Bay Hot Springs - 44 min drive
  • San Juan Islands Museum of Art - 60 min drive

Getting around

  • Westsound, WA (WSX) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • Lopez Islander Tiki Bar - 46 min drive
  • The Mansion Restaurant - 32 min drive
  • Boathouse Ciderworks - 7 min drive
  • Isabel's Espresso - 45 min drive
  • Haven Kitchen & Bar - 45 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.

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

5

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 5 - Excellent. 92 out of 95 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Good. 3 out of 95 reviews" "
Rating 3 - Okay. 0 out of 95 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Poor. 0 out of 95 reviews" "
Rating 1 - Terrible. 0 out of 95 reviews" "

4.9/5

Cleanliness

5/5

Check-in

5/5

Communication

5/5

Location

4.9/5

Listing accuracy

Reviews

5/5 Excellent

Laurie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful Paradise
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!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

5/5 Excellent

Thomas G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Orcas Island getaway
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!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

5/5 Excellent

Dean N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Orca for breakfast
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.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

5/5 Excellent

Pam R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quinn cottage
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
Stayed 13 nights in Apr 2023

About the host

Hosted by Mary Quinn

Host profile image
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
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