The owners of this hideaway on Orcas, the largest of the San Juan Islands off the Washington State coast, bought the main house in 2005 and, with a stroke of luck, nabbed a nearby guest house and tiny boathouse from a neighbor 11 years later.
“The homeowner always wanted a dock, so when the property went on sale, they jumped on it,” says designer LeeAnn Baker. Now, instead of taking the ferry over from Seattle, they or their guests can pull a seaplane right up to the newly built dock.
Orcas Island (named for a Spanish count, not the orca whale) is treasured for pure air, deep evergreens, and remote tranquility. The journey is part of the pleasure. Previous owners built the boathouse in the 1960s as a “hangout room” overlooking the water. Measuring about 400 square feet, with a bathroom, it was worn down and fit only for storage 50-plus years later.
But after Baker stepped in (she had also furnished the main house, designed by the same architect) everything was shipshape. Essentials: The blue Womb Chair with Ottoman from Design Within Reach, a daybed for napping and treasured sculptures. Now the little house (with pocket doors) is weatherproofed for year-round use. The plain-sawn oak ceilings were designed by the architect to swoop out over the exterior decking.
The main house (built in 1992) is still the couple’s first love, with a working river rock fireplace for chilly days. The couple’s two French Bulldogs have plenty of space to take charge or rest by the hearth.
“We used colors and materials that go well with the lush surroundings and are durable, for carefree entertaining,” says the designer. Both the main house and boathouse are furnished with sectional sofas. The main one is from Bernhardt. For durability, the boathouse pick by A. Rudin is upholstered in low-maintenance (dog-friendly) Kravet Smart Performance Essential Textures.
“This is the couple’s quiet refuge from their day-to-day city life, and they wanted the art, architecture and furnishings to reflect their desired tranquility,” Baker adds. In the primary bedroom, the bedding is from Garnet Hill (sink right in, you’re relaxing) and the rug from Driscoll Robbins.
The best part of this real estate is the view. “You’ve got deer, seagulls, herons, all kinds of fish,” says Baker. “Life is slower there. Everything is on island time.”
Interior design by LeeAnn Baker Interiors Ltd.
Architecture by Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects.
Photography by Andrew Giammarco Photography.
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