"WOW!"

That was what Alan Gould, the first guest who ever stayed at the Villa, said to us. In fact, he and his family have stayed at several of our homes. Alan, who lives in Los Angeles, went on to say that this house, our latest family home retreat, "incorporates everything Whidbey Retreats (WR) has learned about how to make a luxury vacation home truly amazing:a masterpiece".  And Alan knows quality, as he is the publisher of one of the pre-eminent luxury travel web portals in the world www.oceancruises.com

This is the kind of home where everyone races to see which of the seven bedrooms, spread over four floors, will be theirs; and they have real trouble picking a favorite, as they are all great, and unique in their own way!  And the main areas show that we put our heart and soul into making it a wonderful experience.

There is two televisions in the family room/pool room area so that you can be watching your favorite action movie, while monitoring the game.  The main flat screen television on the main floor great room will rival any system out there, and can be seen from the island deck chairs, dining area, and luxury living area.  Do you have a great movie you’ve been waiting to play for that special getaway:you’ve found the place.

Want activities? This is the place to come, as you are adjacent to the Holmes Harbor Yacht  Golf Club.  

But if you don’t want to go out, stay home and enjoy one of the best gourmet kitchens imaginable, complete with stainless steel appliances, custom hickory cabinets and beautiful brazilian slate. Everything you need to prepare wonderful family dinners and/or special events, is right there at your finger tips; all to be served on designer tables with fine flatware and serving dishes.  For your convenience, there is even a pantry at your disposal.

Of course, if you want to go outside and enjoy the view, just off the main great room, are a series of French doors that open out to a wonderful family dining area, complete with great outdoor sconces, patio lights, and professional BBQ.  Eating out there, you feel like you are in a giant tree house perched over the harbor with your own private 90’ of waterfront.  The one thing that confirms that feeling, is when the eagles go by they are often at eye level!

The property was one of Whidbey’s oldest homes, with wonderful old growth amenities.  We worked hard to maintain the richness and heritage of those old beams while adding our own rich wood accents to create a feel that is beach comfortable, with a bit of an estate feel with all the lustrous wood which evokes such a warm rich feel.

And to make it all work, we have created a lighting environment that even Seattle Lighting would envy.  The mood will be set with all the built in lights, soft stair light, warm sconces, amazing chandeliers, and so much more.  And, of course, like all of Whidbey Retreat’s homes, it is a veritable showcase of art, many with gallery lighting to provide a gracious, luxury feel that will enhance your vacation.

And did we tell you about the hot tub?  Well, everything we learned about doing vacation hot tubs went into this one.  It, too, is perched right over the water, tucked discreetly under a deck away from prying eyes, yet easily accessible from the family pool table room.  Lots of seating around, as we have found that the hot tubs are where people congregate for cocktails, especially since this one is out of the weather and protected.  You’ll love it.

The grounds are the reason we named the property Harbor Villa, because it is like the fabulous oceanfront homes in Italy near Puerto Fino and Cinqueterra, that are perched above the water with a winding path to the beach; with each of the four floors having full oceanfront exposure, and each floor with a bathroom.  The only difference is that the property has great privacy, as it is surrounded by wonderful evergreens with even some green belt land to one side, the one where we have our dining, decks and hot tubs.  Of course, the beach is a strollers paradise, and with the addition of the yacht club, it will be even more lively soon.

Lastly, we need to talk about the bedrooms and bathrooms; we put our heart and soul into making this the ultimate vacation hideaway for small groups or family gatherings.  There are three bedrooms on the top floor with one of them the first of our master suites.  A second suite is located on the main floor with bath access.  The family room/pool room floor has two bedrooms, one of them the third suite and one bedroom with a "secret hideaway" that the little ones go crazy over.  And, lastly, on the bottom floor is the fourth and most private king bed suite in the house.

Each is enhanced with themed furniture, bed, lighting and art to create a separate and distinct feel to each:just take a look at the pictures!  When guests return they often want to swap rooms just because of the unique theme of the room, or different perspective on the view of the harbor

Of course, all of them have the latest in flat screen TV’s with built in DVD players, and many with true stereo.  So, everyone can go hole-up for awhile, and play their own music or favorite DVD’s. (Don’t we all like to do that on a vacation once in awhile!).  For the kids there are electronic game kits that will keep them busy, or we’ll tuck them away if you request.  

Harbor Villa Amenities: