WATERFRONT living - The MARKETING Awards

WATERFRONT
living
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NorthSoundLife.com
Wa t e r fro nt Li v i ng
F E AT U R E S
Unparalleled views and outstanding values
characterize waterfront properties in
Northwestern Washington
By Hilary Parker
Ask around, and you’re likely to hear
one of the top reasons people love living in
Northwestern Washington is because of the
water. Whether it’s a sunset over Semiahmoo
or a quick tip to set your kayak in the waters
of Samish Bay, the water possesses a certain
allure that draws and keeps us in this corner
of the country.
It’s no surprise then, that waterfront living is
highly coveted, whether it’s simply a stunning
view or actual beachfront access. It’s also no
surprise that buying a waterfront property is a
great investment.
Waterfront properties held onto their value
better during the recent recession than real
estate inland, said Kathy Stauffer, a Realtor
with Windermere.
Still, waterfront homes are an excellent deal,
especially for those coming from other parts
of the country – or world. “It is a bargain for
people coming from places like California and
Vancouver (B.C.),” notes another local Realtor,
Ken Harrison with Coldwell Banker Bain.
Yes, it is true that buyers from Canada, China
and even Switzerland have interest in homes in
Whatcom County, but “You cannot discount
local,” says Harrison. In fact, both real estate
agents said there are a number of people within
the area simply moving “up” by moving a few
miles away. Based on some research Stauffer
conducted, locals are moving on average just
11 miles when they relocate within the county,
often to waterfront locations.
Who wouldn’t want a piece of the stunning
waterfront that makes up our coastline? The
views are breathtaking, and people from all
over are taking notice. “I’ve sold homes to
people who could have chosen anywhere
in the world, and they chose Bellingham,”
Harrison said.
Area waterfront homes will continue to be
a great value as well as a great investment. It’s
not too late to get a little slice of the region’s
waterfront for yourself.
BUYING WATERFRONT?
BE SURE TO ASK THE RIGHT
QUESTIONS
“Waterfront is a broad stoke in this town,” says
Realtor Ken Harrison, and therefore buyers need
to know what just what “waterfront” means for
each property.
Points to consider include:
• What kind of access to the water does it have?
A private or community beach? A deep-water
dock? No beach access but a stunning view?
• How do you get to the water? Down a path or
stairs? Across train tracks?
• How far to the water does the property
extend? Some stop at the beach, others may
extend to the low-tide line.
Many of these questions apply to lakefront
property as well, Harrison notes. For example,
many homes near Lake Whatcom have
community beach access, but homeowners may
have to walk across the street to get there.
June/July 2012
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Wa t e r fro nt Li v i ng
Anacortes
F E AT U R E S
By Jaynie Hancock
By the Numbers
Population: 15,778
Total Housing Units: 7,680
Median Age: 42.6
Neighborhood profile photos by Jaynie Hancock
History
Dine
Located on Fidalgo Island, the city of Anacortes is
surrounded by water but accessible by bridge. The city
was named after Annie Curtis, the wife of early Fidalgo
Island settler Amos Bowman. Anacortes was an early fish
and lumber town, developing many other industries over
the years from glass and brick manufacturing to boat
building and repair. Marinas began to replace canneries
and mills, and the success of the city attracted people
from all over. Today, Anacortes is a destination point
for many, and a variety of artists call it home. As the
homeport to the San Juan Islands, it is known for the
Washington State Ferries dock and terminal serving Lopez
Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island and San Juan Island, as
well as Sidney, B.C., on Vancouver Island. You’ll also find
the Skagit County-run ferry, which serves Guemes Island,
the residential island located north of Anacortes.
Within walking distance, you’ll find restaurants that
offer food from casual fish and chips, to elegant dishes
such as Dungeness crab and salmon. Anacortes’ Adrift
restaurant is one of the many unique dining experiences
the city has to offer. Choose from delicious burgers,
pastas, sandwiches, seafood and plenty of vegetarian
options. Organic and local ingredients make up Adrift’s
Northwest flavor. If you’re looking for something other
than Northwest favorites, Anacortes has restaurants
with cuisines from around the world, including Mexican,
Greek, Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese and Thai.
Shop
A great deal of Anacortes’ character derives from its
unique array of shops, bookstores, florists, and more than
50 antique shops in 25,000 square feet of floor space. As
the home to many talented Northwest artists, this vibrant
city offers an art walk at local art galleries the first Friday
of each month. Keep an eye out for colorful exterior wall
murals created by artist Bill Mitchell, painted on the side
of the city’s historic buildings.
Live
Whether you plan to stay for a day or for a
lifetime, Anacortes provides plenty of activities
for all ages – whale watching tours, kayaking
excursions, sailing, boating, fishing, crabbing,
hiking and biking. If you love the outdoors, the
Anacortes Community Forest Lands cover almost
2,800 acres within the city, and offer 50 miles of
multiple-use trails open to hikers, bikes, horses
and two-wheeled motorcycles. Off Commercial
Avenue, the historic Majestic Inn & Spa, among
other local inns, pleasantly accommodates those
who are just visiting.
June/July 2012
49
F EAT U RES
Wat e r f ro n t L iv in g
Birch Bay|Blaine
By Hilary Parker & Ari Liljenwall
By the Numbers
Blaine
Population - 4,684
Housing units - 1,737
Median Age - 39
Birch Bay
Population - 8,413
Housing units - 2,125
Median Age - 41
History
Dine
Birch Bay was named in 1792 by Archibald Menzies,
part of Capt. Vancouver’s expedition. But the area
wasn’t settled until the 1850s when prospectors began
heading north to the gold rush in British Columbia. In
1881, the county’s first salmon cannery was opened
in Blaine, which continued to be a lucrative business
for nearly a century. Logging and saw mills were big
business in Blaine as well. After the 1906 San Francisco
fire, saw mills here sent much of their lumber to help
rebuild the city. Gateway to Canada, Blaine is home to
the Peace Arch Monument and border crossing. During
Prohibition, the area was rife with rum running as
boats came down from Canada. The Birch Bay Village
community broke ground in 1966, and the area has
continued to grow and thrive as a tourist destination.
Casual dining favorite Bobs Burgers & Brew is located
in Birch Bay Square. The Blackberry House in Blaine is
a cozy destination for breakfast, lunch and coffee. Also
in Blaine, diners can enjoy fine dining at the Black Forest
Steakhouse. Nearby Dakota Creek Winery is a must
for wine enthusiasts. The boutique winery has garnered
numerous accolades for its wines.
Shop
Birch Bay Square is a favorite shopping destination
for locals as well as travelers headed to or from Canada.
From name brands such as Bass and Van Heusen, to
local retailers such as Seasons Fashion and Bow Wow &
Woofs, plus home, garden and grocery, shoppers have
one convenient stop. Look for antique and collectible
shops around the area for a special treasure. A long-time
favorite in Birch Bay is the C Shop, a candy store that
delights both young and old. Watch the owners make
candy, including specialties you won’t find anywhere else.
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NorthSoundLife.com
Live
Birch Bay has become one of the fastest-growing
places in Whatcom County, and prides itself on
a variety of activities and events that take place
year-round, including the New Year’s Polar Bear
Plunge and an old-fashioned 4th of July parade.
The water enables residents to go swimming,
fishing, wind surfing or skim boarding during the
warmer months. Originally a tourist destination,
a water park, mini golf and other family-friendly,
seasonal activities make the area a summer hot
spot. Downtown Blaine is seeing a resurgence as
developers take notice of this scenic location. The
Blaine Pier is a popular community gathering place,
where people often try their luck at fishing and
crabbing. Birding is another popular activity for
locals and visitors alike.
Wa t e r fro nt Li v i ng
South Hill|Fairhaven|Edgemoor
F E AT U R E S
By the Numbers
Population
South Hill - 3,052
Fairhaven - 880
Edgemoor - 1,980
Total - 5,912
Total Housing Units
South Hill - 1,700
Fairhaven - 577
Edgemoor - 856
Total - 3,133
By Hilary Parker & Ari Liljenwall
History
These three neighborhoods make up the southern end
of Bellingham’s waterfront. The area is steeped in history,
with characters such as Dirty Dan Harris and Charles
Larrabee still household names. Building on the South
Hill started in the mid-1800s and portions of South Hill
are today designated as a national historic district. Arts
& Crafts-style homes mingle with Ranch, Tudor Revival,
Queen Anne and ultra-modern dwellings. The Fairhaven
district prides itself on being the most historically rich
in the entire city. The roots of the area stretch back to
the original pioneer settlements on Bellingham Bay that
merged in 1903 when the city of Fairhaven boomed with
the anticipation of a railway terminus. When that promise
went bust, Fairhaven began a hibernation from which
it emerged in the last two decades to become a vibrant
retail and dining hub. Edgemoor, the southernmost
neighborhood of the three, is largely filled with homes
on half-acre lots, with the earliest construction dating
back tothe 1930s. Edgemoor is home to Lairmont Manor,
which started out the home of the prominent Larrabee
family. The manor was later was purchased by the Sisters
of Saint Joseph, and eventually became a cultural event
and wedding venue in 1967.
Shop
Shopping centers around the Fairhaven retail district. With
a mix of historic and modern structures, newer architecture
has been designed to give the area a vintage Victorian feel.
Among the shopping staples in Fairhaven is Village Books,
a neighborhood institution since 1980. Other long-time
businesses include Artwood Gallery, Fairhaven Bike & Ski,
A Lot of Flowers (see story page 38) and Fairhaven Runners
& Walkers. From boutique fashion to fine wines to unique
jewelry and gifts, Fairhaven is a shoppers’ mecca.
Dine
From surf ‘n turf to rustic Italian to flavorful Thai,
there’s a delicious variety of restaurants to choose from
in Fairhaven. The venues are as varied as the cuisine: try
fine dining with a lovely water view at Fino Wine Bar in
the Chrysalis Inn or stop by the quirky Fairhaven Fish
& Chips housed in an old double-decker bus. The South
Hill neighborhood is the location of one of the city’s
dining icons, the Cliff House restaurant. Known for its
premium steaks, whiskey crab soup and stunning views,
the Cliff House is true Northwest-style fine dining.
Live
These three neighborhoods offer a mix of culture,
urban living and outdoor opportunities. A neighborhood
hub sits at the base of South Hill at Boulevard Park. The
scenic park is a draw for city residents and visitors alike,
who often gather at The Woods Coffee shop in the park.
Pedestrians and bicyclists traverse through the park on
the South Bay trail, linking downtown with Fairhaven.
The Taylor Avenue Boardwalk deposits walkers next to
the Chrysalis Inn & Spa, where a pampering getaway
is as close as residents’ back yards. The Firehouse
Coffee Shop and Performing Arts Center is another
popular community gathering place, offering classes,
performances and killer chocolate chip cookies. Staying
active is a given, and the Fairhaven district is home to
yoga and Pilates studios, a tennis club and a community
boating center. Fairhaven’s Village Green is a community
gathering place with weekly events in the summer,
including a farmers market and movie nights.
June/July 2012
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Wa t e r fro nt Li v i ng
Semiahmoo
F E AT U R E S
By Hilary Parker & Ari Liljenwall
By the Numbers
Population: 1045
Total Housing Units: 618
Median Age: 52
History
One of Blaine’s main attractions is the Semiahmoo
Resort and Spa. This seaside hotel is situated amidst
picture-perfect scenery on Semiahmoo spit between
Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Just up the
hill from the resort is the planned community of
Semiahmoo, founded in 1987 and based around the
golf resort of the same name. Long before golf and
luxury living were the area’s hallmark, the Semiahmoo
Indians lived off the land in cedar-framed houses.
Today, condos, townhomes and single-family dwellings
make up this 1,100-acre community, which also
includes a championship golf course, fitness club,
swim center and marina.
Shop
Shopping options are similar to those in Blaine and
Birch Bay, not to mention Semiahmoo is just a short
drive to the quaint Dutch-themed downtown of Lynden
and the charming town of White Rock, B.C. White
Rock features galleries, boutiques and bookstores –
perfect for an afternoon’s shopping getaway.
Dine
From casual to fine dining, Semiahmoo Resort offers
several different dining options. Stars Restaurant offers
fine dining where the seafood shines. Packers Lounge is
the place to head to for upscale pub fare, microbrews, fine
wines and spirits. Both locations feature dining rooms
with majestic views overlooking Semiahmoo Bay. Located
at Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club, the Great Blue
Heron Grill serves pub fare in a casual setting.
Live
Known world-over for its golf courses, Semiahmoo
and Loomis Trail, golf is a way of life for many of those
who call this community home. Semiahmoo Golf
Resort was ranked number 55 of the top 75 golf resorts
in North America by Golf Digest in 2009. The course
was designed by golfing legend Arnold Palmer and was
voted the sixth best course in Washington by Golfweek
in 2011. Loomis Trail was ranked the No. 5 public golf
course in Washington state by Golfweek in 2012. When
relaxation is the name of the game, the resort’s day spa
pampers and renews its guests. Semiahmoo offers a
variety of family-friendly activities in addition to the golf
courses and spa. Residents and guests enjoy bicycling,
kayaking and miles of paved walking trails. The deepwater marina located next to the resort offers rentals
and boat slips. Often during the summer, residents are
found cooking fresh caught-crab and feasting on the
boardwalk. In the evenings, catch a movie at Discovery
Theater at the resort or take in live entertainment at
Packers Lounge.
June/July 2012
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FE AT U RES
Wat er f ro n t L iv in g
Chuckanut Drive
By Jaynie Hancock
By the Numbers
Population: 334
Total Housing Units: 168
Median Age: 47.8
History
Dine
Chuckanut Drive (Route 11) was once the only
road from Burlington to Bellingham, but now it’s your
slow-paced, scenic alternative to Interstate 5. Along the
way, you’ll pass by historical communities including
Blanchard and Edison. The mill town of Blanchard
was home to famed journalist Edward R. Murrow, and
is still the home to one of our state’s oldest wooden
train stations used today. Situated in the Samish delta,
Edison was an early logging and agricultural center, and
still thrives as a community hub. Distinct architecture,
barns and old pilings around the community reflect
Edison’s historical days. All along Chuckanut, your dining experience comes with
breathtaking views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands.
Experience these views at The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut
Drive while enjoying local seafood, herbs, fruits and vegetables. Chuckanut Manor Seafood and Grill also offers
these local Pacific Northwest favorites, along with Saturday
breakfasts and Sunday brunches, private dining, and the
option of staying in a two-room suite located above the
restaurant’s Sunset Lounge. Located 20 minutes south of
Fairhaven on Chuckanut, this restaurant strives to present
an atmosphere of “casusal elegance.” In Edison, the fresh,
local creations and laid-back atmosphere at Tweet’s are not
to be missed. Just be warned, the popular restaurant is only
open Friday, Saturday and Sunday and doesn’t take plastic.
Shop
Art, antiques and agriculture. Chuckanut Drive
takes you to some of the area’s most unique art
galleries and antique shops, and directs you to
several local farms selling fresh food. Located one
mile south of Fairhaven, Chuckanut Bay Gallery
and Sculpture Garden presents collections of unique
American craft. Some of the gallery’s artwork
includes infused and etched glass, glazed pottery,
handmade jewelry, wooden crafts and art prints.
Artwork to enhance your garden or back yard
includes sculptures, water features, lanterns, wind
chimes and bird house/feeders.
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NorthSoundLife.com
Live
Heading south from Fairhaven, explore the beach
at Teddy Bear Cove, or continue along the rocky
shoulder, and hike to lakes on Chuckanut and
Blanchard Mountains. Whether you’re driving or
biking, there are plenty of spots to stop for a picnic,
or just to stretch your legs and take in the views.
Larrabee State Park on Samish Bay has a little bit
of everything, including eight miles of hiking trails,
a stretch of beach, campsites, picnic tables, covered
areas, a playground, amphitheater and boat launch.
For more waterfront neighborhood profiles,
visit northsoundlife.com.