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Reviews of Elegant get-away with breathtaking views of the water, beach, and wetlands

Elegant get-away with breathtaking views of the water, beach, and wetlands
Freeland, WA

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 33 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Thomas S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sweet spot
This place is wonderful. Bald eagles, coyotes, swans etc. views. Walk to the beach is doable, great host. We want to return.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julia O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful spot!
Great place for family here for our daughter's wedding. Beautiful outlooks, very comfortable beds, lots of space. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B., Portland, OR

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Stay on Whidbey!
This was a great home base for our time on Whidbey. The house comes well equipped and has a very comfortable feel to it. We really enjoyed the street/neighborhood and the beautiful views from both the front and back of the house. The owners are great about communicating.
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Sept 2022
Thanks for the positive review Sarah. Yes, the street and the area is quiet and relaxing.

10/10 Excellent

Karen O.

Liked: Cleanliness
We loved our stay there
It was a beautiful home, clean, well-equipped and beautifully maintained. Couldn't be happier.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jun 2022
Thanks, Karen, glad you liked it. Come back soon!

10/10 Excellent

john b.

Liked: Cleanliness
home away from home
The house was very clean and met our needs as a guest house for family gathering very nicely.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jan 2022
Thanks for staying with us, and see you again another time.

10/10 Excellent

Jenny F., Wenatchee

Liked: Cleanliness
Great for a getaway with friends
We had a terrific time staying at this beautiful home. The close proximity to Double Bluff Beach was perfect for both morning and afternoon walking. We had a blustery day on Saturday and it was thrilling to watch the kite surfing. The home itself is wonderful. Very clean inside with many blankets for keeping warm. The gas fireplace on the main floor gave the home a cozy feel. We had a lot of fun playing ping pong as well. I have a feeling we'll be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Oct 2021
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, windy days can be spectacular, the kite surfers. Thanks also addressing the small "deficits" every house has!

10/10 Excellent

Pam C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet beach house
Great house - comfy beds & well stocked kitchen. You can look out the front windows at the water or the back windows at a nature preserve with pelicans & so many birds. One highlight was a great horned owl perched on the mailbox Saturday night.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Christine D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful; both home and surroundings
It's lovely, well equipped and could be very comfortable for an extended stay - almost like home.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Christy R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Beautiful views and endless exploring ! We had a fantastic time with our son and daughter-in-law. The house is lovely, especially the upstairs, with a bright modern feel. Great kitchen! The downstairs bath is very small. Markus was very attentive and made the entire process completely stress free!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lory K.

Liked: Cleanliness
A breath of Fresh Air
The house was a wonderful place to relax. Easy walk to the beach. Sat in the sand watching the water and eagles. It was a much-needed break from the busyness of life. Pelicans were fun to watch in the marsh a nice walk in the other direction. Depending on the time of day, the bugs going across the marsh were thick. My covid mask came in handy there. I could breathe and watch the pelicans eating. I would recomend this home.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2021
Lory, thanks for staying with us. Glad you had a good time. Yes, the house is good to relax, close to nature . Bird watching is one of the things you can do easily, the wetlands being so close.

10/10 Excellent

Ann R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Freeland family vacation.
This was the perfect spot and home for our family vacation. We had 6 people. Three were children 6,5 and 3. Our main goal was to explore the beach for swimming, fresh air and learning about nature. Mission accomplished. We learned everything about nature from tides to angels found in sand dollars. There was birds and wildlife galore. Bald Eagles, otters, fox and the howling of coyotes at night. What beautiful memories. Thanks Markus for letting us use your home and your rapid responses with any questions I had. Would come back in a heart beat.😊
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jul 2021
Thanks, Ann. Yes, the house is perfect to explore the beach, get a nature fix, watch the wild life. Glad you had a good time.

10/10 Excellent

Melinda W., Lake Stevens

Liked: Cleanliness
The perfect location!
We originally booked the beach house for two nights, and we loved it so much we decided to add on a third night! Markus was beyond easy to communicate with and very responsive. Checking in and out was a breeze and the house itself was perfect for my family of 5. Things to note if you're planning to visit, it's not baby proofed, so bring your own gates or plan to set up a safe area like we did if you have very young children. There are minimal curtains, so if you or your kids are used to blackouts that's something to consider. The beds are comfortable with plenty of extra blankets and pillows. The upstairs loft is one of the best parts of the house with beautiful views all around! The private beach at useless bay is absolutely fantastic! Google for the low tide, but it's pretty great all day long. Would absolutely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jul 2021
Thanks for the positive review, Melinda. Glad that you decided to stay an extra day, the house and the area are nice. Good point about the house not being "baby proof". and bringing your own gates.

10/10 Excellent

Alicia H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful
Location was great with easy access to the beach. Loved the house! Will definitely stay there again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Jun 2021
Thanks, Alicia, glad you had a good time. Being close to the beach is definitely one of the big plus of the house. Hope to see you again.

10/10 Excellent

Erick R.

Liked: Cleanliness
The best side of Useless Bay
The west side of Useless Baybis the best side. Quiet, quaint, and tucked between beautiful wetlands and the beach. We loved the third level loft. You can clearly see Seattle and the Sound. We cooked in and ate out. You are in close proximity to Langley and Freeland. IMHO this is the best location on the south side of the island.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May 2021
Thanks for your positive review, Erick. I agree with you that Shore Ave is a great location, quiet while still close to things. The top floor is our favorite, too.

10/10 Excellent

Owen HS H., Seattle USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway
Great property to stay in and we love the top floor with amazing view. My family and I had a great time there
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stan W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great weekend getaway
Great location and very quiet neighborhood. Easy nearby beach access. Saw 50 bald eagles and 12 Great Blue Heron on tidal sands, during afternoon low tide, about 1 mile east of house.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Apr 2021
Stan, glad you had a good time. The weather for sure was nice.

10/10 Excellent

Nancy S., Seattle

Liked: Cleanliness
Just right for a family spring break vacation!
The location is great. Not directly on the beach, but this worked well for us. The beach access is a short walk on a not-busy road. The beach has a view of Mt. Rainier and Seattle, is very sandy and super wide at low tide. Tons of sand dollars! My kids dug in the sand and explored for hours. The water was shallow and gentle. The house has a delightful backyard with shade, a deck for grilling, with views of wildlife and birds in the marsh. We set up the badminton net and croquet course found in the garage which kept our kids entertained on breaks from the beach. The two of them each had a bedroom on the ground floor, with French doors that open onto the backyard. They loved their rooms! The master bedroom on the main floor and “Eagles nest” room on third floor were both very comfortable with great views. The house is tastefully furnished and appointed with many engaging details, such as a bird guide and binoculars, books and games. We had everything we needed for a great week!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Apr 2021
Thanks for the positive feedback, Nancy, glad you had a good time!

10/10 Excellent

Martha P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful and quiet location and great family house
We had a delightful time at this property during Washington school vacation week. The house is clean and had everything we needed for a restful week of beach walks, bird-watching, cribbage games (we forgot our board and there was one on site!), and Whidbey sightseeing. The host was very responsive and easy to deal with.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Apr 2021
Thanks for the positive review, Martha. Glad we could help with the cribbage board, and that you liked the house and the area in general.

10/10 Excellent

Phoebe K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful place to stay
This sweet, light filled beach house is a standout! It’s exactly as advertised, and exactly what our family needed—I only wish we could have stayed longer. Some of my favorite things about it: -super clean home. In the age of Covid that matters even more. -Double Bluff beach is a short and pleasant walk away -Markus is an incredibly kind, gracious, and attentive host. Just one example, though there are many: I texted him when my toddler’s stroller tires were getting flat and he immediately responded letting me know where the bike pump was in the garage. -There’s a designated kids room with some books and toys. My kid loved getting to play with novel stuff! -very well-stocked kitchen—it was easy for us to grind coffee, scramble the very local eggs we picked up, and cook dinner so we didn’t have to rely on restaurants -The top floor is a light filled den with a captivating view. Heavenly! -Big backyard is great for kids. Bunnies running around the yard at dusk were a bonus. -House is a convenient drive to downtown Freeland -the beach neighborhood of Useless Bay Colony is quiet and serene Thanks, Markus, for providing such a great beach rental. We will definitely be back!
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2021
Thanks for the positive feedback, Phoebe. Glad you had a good stay, hope to have you back.

8/10 Good

Gilmara C., Seattle, WA

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful and comfortable vacation
The property was very well situated with easy access to the beachfront for exploring and a short drive to a great birding spot. We loved the layout of the home and the beautiful views. In the cold of winter, the home was warm and well insulated. I had a 7 y/o and a 9 month old, and we had plenty of space for the kids to set out their toys and get comfortable. The kitchen had all the supplies needed to cook lunch and dinner. I loved how easy it was to grab groceries and take out from the Freeland shopping area. I would definitely go back to this home in a heart beat, especially given the location near the beach/birding sanctuary, the quiet neighborhood and the comfort of the home. My only suggestion for possible improvements in the experience (not a deal breaker) is to update the microwave and dishwasher, as they are both on the older side and not as efficient as they could be.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Feb 2021
Gilmara, thanks for your feedback. The dishwasher will be replaced, we have noticed that it's not "doing well" ourselves. Glad that you still had a good time, hope to see you come back.

8/10 Good

El N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beach getaway
We loved the location and views. Birding was great, wifi worked well for Zoom, etc.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jane K., Seattle, WA

Liked: Cleanliness
The perfect escape!
This home was perfect for our family (2 parents, a 6 and 8 year old). Markus our host was incredibly proactive about communication from the moment he confirmed our booking and was easily accessible by text, phone, or email before and during our stay. The master bed was very comfortable, the kitchen was well-appointed and stocked, and the views were beautiful. There were no spiders (as a previous reviewer noted) and the place was very clean at check in. There were quite a few games (both indoor and outdoor) to keep us busy when we weren’t out exploring. We will come again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jan 2021
Thanks for the positive feedback, Jane. Glad you had a good time, and hope to have you come back.

10/10 Excellent

Sarah G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Shore Ave. Home!
We had a great stay at this home on Shore Ave. It was exactly as pictured with comfortable and stylish furniture and beautiful artwork. There was lots of space to spread out and relax and work/study. The best spot to work was definitely the top floor which had an amazing view of Deer Lagoon and the water. This is a great location on Whidbey with restaurants and takeout nearby. Shore Ave is beautiful and we had lots of walks on the beach and through the lagoon up into Useless Bay Colony. We hope we can come and stay again at this great house!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Oct 2020
Thanks for the positive review Sarah. Glad you had a good time, and will come back soon.

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

Liked: Cleanliness
love house
A very relaxing lovely home, set up well for 3 adults and 2 kids. Would suggest curtains in the downstairs bedrooms because light comes in early.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Katie, Thanks for your feedback. I can see your point on the "missing" curtains, but then, why would you sleep in when you are on vacation, would miss out on all the things you can do. :) Markus

10/10 Excellent

Brenda K., Issaquah WA

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for family vacation
Beautiful property. Wonderful views. Three generations vacationed together. Lots of space for everyone.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Place Beautiful Setting!
Marcus could not have been more proactive with his communication and information on the property which was spotless. More importantly, loved ALL the views. The view from the top floor of the sound and Seattle as well as the view from the back balcony of the marsh. The marsh with its lighting and all the wildlife is wonderful and enthralling beautiful. Perfect location to get easily to Freeland, Langley and the beach. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thanks for the positive review, Suzanne. Hope to see you again.

10/10 Excellent

sterling m.

Liked: Cleanliness
So perfect! Private and quiet and great views!
Communication was great and overall ease of stay was just spot on.

10/10 Excellent

Margaret G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Double Bluff Cabin
Great property. Lots of nice touches. Beds were very comfortable. Tons of bird life in Deer Lagoon. We used the Useless Bay turn out going North. Just a little easier with lots of traffic.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Christine M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Some pros and cons
Pros New paint, new deck exterior appearance. Beautiful décor, wood furnishings, wood floors. Beautiful view of water from top floor; loved sitting on back deck watching birds fly over the serene wetlands. Kitchen stocked with basics; check before you shop. Cons Spiders and webs everywhere. Pocket screen doors had debris and spider webs. A bedroom ceiling had spider with egg-sac in progress (alerted owner). Front deck chairs were too dirty to sit on. Small bathrooms. Downstairs bathroom so narrow you risk bumping your head on towel rack when you stand up. Upstairs toilet ran on occasion (alerted owner). Did not find light switch for outside light at front door. Had to use phone to light up keypad at night. Light switch for entry seems to be only at bottom of stairs. Had to use phones to light up stairs coming back at night. Noise from footsteps and voices carries throughout the house, and is especially bad in bedroom under kitchen area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thanks for your detailed feedback after staying at our house. We will take a look at the issues you raised. One of the greatest beauties of the house is that it nestled between an incredible wetland preserve and a beach with amazing wildlife. The downside is that spiders and birds droppings come with the territory and we cannot eliminate them completely from the house. We are sure that guests will understand that nature is part of the experience of this house.

10/10 Excellent

Nanette F.

mother/daughter/granddaughter retreat
What a wonderful stay! We had three generations--mother/daughter/baby granddaughter. The owner was gracious and very attentive. The rental home was beautiful! There are windows everywhere to allow incredible views of the Sound on one side, and the lagoon on the other side. The house was immaculate and beautifully furnished. Very easy walking to the beach access and to the lagoon. A perfect retreat!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lauren G.

Amazing property!
This property was extremely well-appointed and in a fantastic area of Whidbey Island. The house had a wonderful view, three big bedrooms with comfortable furniture, two living rooms, and two bathrooms. We enjoyed our stay immensely - Markus is also a wonderful and responsive property owner!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Hillary C.

Peaceful getaway
We loved staying at this beautiful home! It is located on one of our favorite Whidbey beaches. We are so lucky to live in the beautiful PNW thanks for letting us have your view for the holiday!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

lina b.

Amazing location and views.
Wonderful little house across the street from a private beach. There were incredible views from multiple rooms (particularly the upstairs). The beds were very comfortable. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018