If you’re a seasoned Pacific Northwesterner, you’re in on the secret: Summer here is spectacular. Gone are the drizzly, slate-colored days of mid-winter … enter instead glorious bluebird afternoons when the mountain peaks to the east and west seem like something straight out of Ansel Adams’ daydreams.
Whether you prefer hiking boots or kayak paddles as your accessory of choice, these ideally located homes are the perfect new home base for your summertime adventures. And when the sun sets on the final BBQ of the season, there’s no need to put away your toys. From east of the Cascades in Roslyn to the bustling Kitsap Peninsula to verdant Bainbridge Island, these homes inspire outdoor exploration year-round. After all, no day in the PNW is too wet and gray when you have the right outerwear and a hot tub or fireplace waiting at home.
A Roslyn Retreat
For those who recall the TV series, “Northern Exposure,” this is your chance to live the relaxed, rural lifestyle of that fictional small town. (You’ll even find iconic landmarks in town, including Roslyn Grocery, the KBHR Radio Station Set and Cicely’s Gift Shop.) Historic Roslyn is part of greater upper Kittitas County, along with Ronald, Cle Elum, Suncadia and Tumble Creek, and sits just off I-90 within 90 minutes of Seattle.
The former coal-mining town is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Neighbors quickly become friends, giving you plenty of company for year-round adventuring. Grab coffee at Roslyn Café, followed by a great hike in the North Cascades or along the mellow Coal Mines Trail (practically out your front door). Round out the day with a cold brew and live music at The Brick Saloon.
Roslyn is that “just right” size, small enough that you can slow down and soak up every moment of your quieter, forested environment, while offering enough of a community vibe that you won’t feel completely off the grid. There’s a charming Roslyn Theatre with an iconic Marlon Brando mural, several restaurants and even Basecamp, acting as a sort of town “backyard” with giant fire pits made from old coal cars, outdoor games, live music, trivia events and summertime outdoor movies.
Robin’s Nest
Whether you’re ready to move in full-time or are seeking an investment property for weekends of hiking or skiing at nearby Snoqualmie Pass, “Robin’s Nest” is a Craftsman-style, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom charmer. The recently remodeled 1909 home was originally 2,245 square feet and now offers more than 2,600 square feet after a full lower-level renovation. The handsome blue and white façade is set off by an eye-catching red metal roof, ideal for standing up to Pacific Northwest winters.
Every detail has been attended to so that an outdoorsy homeowner can move right in. All new rustic-modern furnishings and appliances, as well as mattresses and linens, are ready for new owners. The warm, modern-farmhouse kitchen features a spacious island with bar seating, original hardwood floors, gleaming white subway tile, Shaker cabinetry and a shiplap ceiling, with iron and natural wood accents throughout.
Character-filled bedrooms are ready for relaxing post-adventure, with soothing colors, comfy beds and sliding barn doors. Two bathrooms are ensuite, one featuring a portion of the house’s brick chimney and a large glassed-in shower with a wood-inspired wall treatment. Additional bunk beds increase the occupancy to eight, perfect for visiting friends and family.
Three wall TVs are included with the home, as well as an outfitted game room with shuffleboard, a foosball table and more. Outside, a patio, hot tub, gas BBQ, firepit, chairs and even a colorful totem pole are complemented by professional landscaping. Linger outside on sultry summer evenings and build snow forts in the winter.
The heart of Roslyn is just a two-minute walk away, offering shops, restaurants and historic points of interest. With its plum location, easy parking for up to five cars, incredible turn-key value with everything carefully curated and included for a dream home or vacation spot, Robin’s Nest is the mountain hideaway you’ve been seeking.
Island Life
Summertime in the Pacific Northwest means more time on the water, and when you live in the Day Island community in University Place, it’s easy to do. This historic South Sound island was used for centuries by Native Americans to hunt duck and shellfish. In 1869, it was included in a 160-acre homestead claim purchased from the US and was later resold in 1871 to the Kautz family, who owned it for 36 years.
Today, the small, close-knit community located off the mainland of University Place offers a peaceful neighborhood ambiance within easy driving distance of Tacoma. Residents have quick access to downtown as well as to the communities and recreational activities of the Kitsap Peninsula over the nearby Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
For those who love to beachcomb, kayak and paddleboard, Day Island is a dream address. Wake up to water views, walk to the beach (greeting friendly neighbors along the way), strike out on the glassy water on your paddleboard, then return home to carry on your day. Leafy paths lead to Day Island’s two public beaches, one of which is a prime dive spot. An underwater cliff drops off about 100 feet and is said to be home to giant octopuses (residents have seen them on the beach during very low tides). For those who care to, it’s easy to join the Day Island Community Club (membership includes event-hosting privileges).
When not relishing the small-town feel of Day Island and its aquatic and natural charms, you can easily drive (or take your boat) to the Kitsap Peninsula for a day. With 371 miles of shoreline, the National Water Trails offer even more mileage for paddling. Or, launch your kayak from 61-acre Point No Point County Park, with its scenic views of Admiralty Inlet where it meets Puget Sound, walking trails and a historic lighthouse. With mountain biking, horseback riding, golf, cycling, and endless state parks all available within an easy drive of Day Island, outdoor-loving residents are always close to their next adventure, any time of year.
Waterfront Wonder
Welcome to the idyllic island life, where you’ll feel worlds away from the city, yet close enough to access all the amenities you might need within a quick drive. This Day Island 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home with tideland rights has been freshly renovated and thoughtfully redesigned to capture and enhance striking views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, Fox Island and more.
Natural light streams into the first floor of the 1,558-square-foot home through walls of huge windows, framing water and mountain views everywhere you turn. All new drywall and engineered hardwood, fresh interior and exterior paint, detailed trim work, thoughtfully chosen fixtures and lighting, and updated electrical and plumbing have given the 1910 home a new lease on life, transforming it into an island gem.
Up the custom-designed staircase, you’ll find the primary bedroom. Wake up to a water view, then step out to your private deck for a few sun salutations or to simply sit in peace with your first cup of coffee. An in-room fireplace provides the cozy factor during the colder months. There’s ample closet space for storing all those layers one needs for year-round Pacific Northwest adventures.
Indoor-outdoor living comes naturally here, with a wraparound deck and covered outdoor living space on the east side, and a well-manicured, fenced yard on the west side. The water is directly across the street from the front door. The garage holds one car, with potential for two, and has a new electric garage door on the west and a glass garage door on the east for all your beach toys.
On a quiet, dead-end street on Day Island, nestled between two bodies of water, this is your little slice of heaven.
The Jewel of Puget Sound
Summer shows off on Bainbridge Island. With parks for days, miles of shoreline to explore, art galleries and boutique shops to browse, farmers markets, festivals and more, it’s the kind of place you can visit for a day and come back dreaming of living there full time. So why not take the plunge?
Bainbridge residents are spoiled for choice when the warmer months arrive in our corner of the world. What to do first? Kayak or paddleboard in view of the Seattle skyline, the Cascades, the Olympics and Mount Rainer? Grab the dog and go for a hike at Grand Forest, Fort Ward or Battle Point Park? Beachcomb for sea glass and other treasures at low tide at Fay Bainbridge Park? While summer does bring with it warmer temperatures, the secret to Bainbridge living is that you can partake in these outdoor activities anytime of year. Take a colorful fall stroll through Bloedel Reserve, one of the world’s top-rated botanical gardens – and right in your backyard!
Spend a quiet weekday at one of the island’s captivating museums. Visit the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial or get swept away by the local art showcased at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. Later, meet neighbors at a Bainbridge Island winery tasting room in downtown Winslow or grab a beer at Bainbridge Brewery. Hungry? No need to hop on the ferry to Seattle … Winslow has a selection of fine dining restaurants that range from the family-owned Ba Sa Vietnamese eatery to local shellfish and organic beef, complemented by fresh island produce at Restaurant Marche.
Blank Canvas on Bainbridge
Breathe new life into this renovator’s dream ready to inspire your imagination. The 4-bedroom, 1.75-bathroom, 2,088-square-foot residence is seeking a creative buyer to unleash its untapped potential. Situated on an enviable Bainbridge waterfront lot, this is an excellent investment opportunity for those who have long dreamed of the island lifestyle.
Turn the classic mid-century home into your vision. Open spaces and walls of windows reflect the sunny summer and frame unparalleled views of Mount Baker, the Cascades, the shipping lanes on Puget Sound and Seattle. A gently sloping lawn and mature landscaping lead to a private bulkhead and 102 feet of Bainbridge Island’s finest sandy beach and tidelands. The 35,719-square-foot lot on a quiet cul-de-sac includes room for RV parking (for those still-to-come adventures) and outbuildings that can be transformed to meet your needs.
