Waterfront living has long been idealized in Western Washington. Whether it’s a secluded cove and private boat moorage to call one’s own, or the appeal of Puget Sound living in an effortless, shoreline condo, there are myriad ways to revel in the natural splendor our waterways provide. Watch for migrating whales and soaring bald eagles from your perch on a bluff above the Hood Canal. Gather with friends and family in the park-like setting of a Bainbridge Island estate, with an adorable pocket beach, mature trees, and stone firepit that make home feel like a year-round vacation. Or, literally walk from your back door right to the water’s edge and cast a line for fishing in the misty morning hours.
Whatever your waterfront dream, your RSIR real estate advisor has the inside edge on the properties that define this iconic style of PNW living. Here, we’ve offered a peek at some outstanding properties on Washington State’s saltwater and coastal waterways and identified the type of waterfront on which they sit, from stately bluffs to low banks, just a few short steps from the beach.
Bluff/High Bank: Poulsbo Charmer
What Does “Bluff or High Bank” Mean? When a property is said to be on a bluff or high bank, you can probably already envision it. These homes are set on a cliff or steep slope, overlooking dramatic views of the deep water below.
The design is in the details of this contemporary farmhouse-style home in Poulsbo boasting abundant natural light and breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Hood Canal. Elegant and sophisticated, yet homey and comfortable, the home was built in 2019 with an eye toward the iconic views and making the most of that precious PNW sunlight. An open floorplan allows the chef’s kitchen to flow seamlessly into the living and dining room, perfect for entertaining. A cozy home office and guest suite complete the main level.
Upstairs, spread out in a secondary living space, a luxurious primary suite with beautiful views, and two secondary bedrooms. The home’s livable space is further expanded on the lower level, where you’ll find a bonus kitchen, media room, and storage and flex space. Ideal for families and multigenerational living, this stunner of a home is as captivating as the views that surround it.
Low Bank & Moorage: Hamptons Style on Bainbridge Island
What Does “Low Bank” Mean? When your home is “low bank,” you can expect easy access via a small flight of stairs or an easy climb, typically down to a pocket beach with or without a dock. Most low-bank properties feature bulkheads that delineate the land that sits above the natural water line from the shoreline it protects. If the home has moorage, you can expect a private slip or dock to moor a boat.
This exquisite, 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom estate on coveted Country Club Road on Bainbridge Island has easy low-bank access to Blakely Harbor. Relax and entertain on 2.34 acres and 297 acres of prime waterfront, enjoying the private grounds, beautifully landscaped gardens, impressive Seattle views, and a forested creek.
Inside, luxury designer details abound. The gorgeous, whitewashed gourmet kitchen boasts Sub Zero/Viking appliances, Calcutta marble countertops, and stunning marble and glass backsplashes. The main floor primary suite opens to a wraparound deck with sweeping harbor views and overlooking the home’s expansive stone patio spaces and your two bobbing buoys in the harbor. Just a few steps away, a gorgeous stone firepit anchors a cozy waterfront seating area.
The home also features an extra 768 square feet of bonus space above the garage, additional outbuildings, and a separate, buildable lot, with seller financing available. Use your imagination and spread out as you wish!
No Bank: Direct Access to Bellingham Bay
What Does “No Bank” Mean? Exactly what you think. When a residence is listed as having no bank, you can walk right from the home to the water’s edge. The land gradually rolls right to the water’s edge.
Wake up to the glistening waters of Bellingham Bay in this exceptional sanctuary offering a rare 160 feet of water frontage. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets and unparalleled 180-degree views of the iconic San Juan Islands, shipping lanes, and incredible bird habitat. Step directly from your back door to the bay for kayaking, fishing, beachcombing, or simply relaxing with a book.
Within the 7,000-square-foot estate, you’ll find four bedrooms, two offices, a game room, open-concept living spaces with soaring ceilings, a remodeled chef’s kitchen, and two rock fireplaces. unwind in the grand primary suite, featuring a terrace with a view, enormous walk-in closets, and a luxurious spa bath. A two-story mother-in-law suite offers extra space and flexibility.
The professionally landscaped gardens are situated on nearly an acre, with total privacy. This sought-after Bellingham Bay waterfront is just five minutes from I-5, 30 minutes from Canada, and convenient to shopping and dining.
Lock and Leave: Roche Harbor Beauty
What Does Lock-and-Leave Mean? In the case of waterfront property, you’ll have the beauty and benefits of living within view of the water–and possible access to it via a dock, marina, or beach–but without the hassle of shoreline upkeep.
For those craving waterfront, but without the worry of upkeep, this beautiful two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse-style unit in the Roche Harbor Resort and Marina offers tranquil, turn-key island living. The top-floor, fully furnished end unit offers 1,033 square feet of modern living space and has two reserved parking spots. The open-concept design was recently remodeled and offers brand-new flooring throughout and an updated kitchen.
This is a can’t-miss opportunity to own a piece of Roche Harbor paradise, whether you keep the unit in the rental pool and use it when you visit or keep it as a second home. Whenever you’re here, you’ll be able to search the horizon for migrating whales, go kayaking, fishing, and more. Roche Harbor amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, airstrip, spa, restaurants, and marina.
Get inspired to find your own perfect piece of Washington waterfront. Explore these homes, and many more, from Puget Sound to the Pacific Ocean, with a trusted RSIR travel advisor by your side.