Cedar and Stone Haven

Set on a large  corner double lot in one of the premier neighborhoods on South Whidbey Island near the tranquil shoreline of Mutiny Bay with westerly unobstructed views of the Olympic Mountains and all ship traffic crossing Admiralty Inlet, this once sixty-year-old tiny summer cabin has been transformed into a family compound embraced by lush and thoughtfully designed gardens and lawns surrounding the cedar shingle cladded newly renovated home.

Puget Sound breezes flow through a massive old white birch anchoring the property shading a fern garden below while distinct garden spaces throughout the property function as separate rooms contained in terraced beds defined by hand crafted granite stone walls that add character and frame the greenery and vivid garden colors. 

​The gardens feature flourishing borders overflowing with lavender, rosemary, and sea thrift chosen for their salt tolerance and aromatic foliage and plantings of hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, sea holly, hardy geraniums, phlox, larkspur, monkshood, potentilla, spirea, daphne, echinacea, and multiple species of salvia chosen for their ability to thrive in the challenging seaside environment and deer resistance.

An inviting courtyard centered by a coral bark maple in the center, surrounded by large rocks, joined by a collection of unique dwarf conifers and a balcony from a loft over the garage separate from the main house creates a grand entrance. On the north side of the house a private outdoor shower leads to a stone pathway with succulent ground cover bordered by a line of white “Annabelle” hydrangeas on one side and a hedge of spring blooming fragrant white burkwoodii osmanthus flowers on the other.

​Lime green ceramic pots bursting with colorful annuals rests on porches, on a fire pit patio, and on decks. Japanese forest grass and lily of the valley line narrow winding river rock pathways between  garden spaces and with each turn along thee paths, the interplay between the rugged stones walls, the softness of the plantings, the warm tones of cedar and light create a garden that is both inviting and inspiring – a true costal haven wrapped around a welcoming custom shingle-sided home.

Accessibility Challenges - Uneven rock pathways, rock steps without railings, uneven ground and sloped terrain.