Bainbridge Island Beach Cottage

What’s that saying… even a blind squirrel finds an acorn? Well, this cottage isn’t exactly a nut, but it sure was a pleasant surprise.
See…I’m not in the habit of trusting a one review place on Unilocal,especially as far back as from 2006, but I rolled the dice on this one and came up a hard 7. Sweet!
The directions from the owner, Julie, were spot-​on and made the property easy to find. The place is right off a small road, and you back your car into a very nice private driveway. There are actually 2 cottages here… a small studio, and a larger 2 bedroom one. We stayed at the studio. Both are nicely separated and very private. So getting out of the car, you first notice an expanse of green lawn and well maintained landscaping overlooking a small bay in Rich Passage. There’s a few steps that takes you to a rocky beach on the bay. Take a breath and feel your stress level plunging. Weird, but true.
The cottage is set back from the beach and has a small porch with 2 Adirondack rockers. You immediately notice the attention to detail: Weber kettle grill with lighter fluid and charcoal tucked away. This continues when you step inside: a handwritten welcome card from Julie, local bath salts, local soap, Hotel Collection bath towels, robes, current magazines, Dawn Hand Renewal with Olay dish soap, Bounty towels, comforter, and one of the most amazing beds you could ask for. Seriously… this isn’t a beach cottage, but more like a 5 star hotel made of wood and with windows that don’t lock! Wow.
If there was one word to describe this place, that word would be… comfort. Everything, from the towels to the bed to the peace of mind this place affords, describes comfort. Even for rainy and cool weather, the place was warm and pleasant inside. Huge plus for the heated TP! Placing the heater under the roll is a stroke of pure genius.
What a memorable 4 days on the island and making G’s b-​day that much better. She actually cried when we had to leave :)

If I am very very good and don’t make any noise, can I stay?
We stayed here in the Spring of 2004 while looking for a house on Bainbridge.
This is a charming vacation getaway.
Julie, the proprietor does keep the place spotless and it is a bit pricey — as the other reviewer indicated.
I think the price can be justified by the stunning location, and the feeling that you have stepped back in time to old Bainbridge.
That being said, I would feel better about the price if the fridge were stocked with some cold drinks, and maybe some cookies and coffee available.
I did not want to leave — Julie had to practically kick me out!
After putting an offer on a new house, I sat on the lawn overlooking Rich Passage and cried because what I really wanted was a little old Bainbridge summer house like this is.
I am happy to say that that offer fell through and now I have my very own Bainbridge Beach cottage (uninsulated and everything — yipee!). Now, if I could just get Julie to maintain it for me!
UPDATE: June 2006 — peeked in on my way to the beach, and there is now a whole lotta fabulous new landscaping, making the cottage much more private and separate from the family home — it’s even more gorgeous than before!