Reviews for this vacation cottage rental in Gig Harbor, Washington

Your hosts, Bill and Sue Spencer

From the Beach House Guest Book “What a terrific week! Storms, seals, eagles, rainbows too. Too many memories to list It will be awfully hard to return to the ‘real world’ after spending a week here. Thanks to Sue and Bill for providing a fantastic place to relax, enjoy the island and recharge the batteries.” Germaine Jarvis and Jon Znamiekowski Michigan and Hawaii January, 2008 “We had such a relaxing time at the cozy beach cottage. The awesome view was so beautiful and “therapeutic.” The décor and amenities made it so welcoming and comfortable.” Sherry and Dave Lindsey February, 2008 Note: Germaine and Jon returned the next year to celebrate their 25th anniversary with friends on the Beach House deck. “Your Beach house is beautiful and your hospitality has been most appreciated. Our ‘Chicks Club 50th Birthday” was perfectly located here … massages in ‘Old Gig Harbor’ and way too much Washington State wine contributed to a marvelous celebration for friends on 30 years.” Thanks, Jean, Jan, Varessa and Diana Snohomish, WA; Parker, CO; Bothell, WA; & Rochester, NY June, 2008

“Fabulous – highly recommend for adults. Great place to stay. Highly recommend by a well-seasoned traveler.

Not only was the king size bed very comfortable with tasteful bedding but also set up with high quality, high count sheets. In addition there were tons of very lush towels. Typical items that are not provided in most accommodations! Very quiet atmosphere with large windows over looking water on main floor and several skylights in bedroom loft which allow one to “sleep under the stars” if they prefer to not pull shades.

Best highlight for this “A” type personality is the massive deck. With the expansive view, and quiet atmosphere, I actually found it easy to relax and pick up a book which is not a typical situation at any other accommodation as even with suites as you always “feel” the confines of the room or balcony.

Would love to own this place. It is a gem! We had a great and relaxing time here. It’s really a beautiful place you have! You are really blessed to be here 24/7.

We are glad we found you. I’m sure we will be back.”

Cat and Ron Sutherland July, 2008
San Diego, CA

“Thank you for your generous hospitality. You have created a wonderful retreat at the Beach House. A perfect place for 2 close friends (1 from Seattle and 1 from Dublin, Ireland) to catch up with each other’s lives. We took advantage of the bbq and shared a bottle of wine on the very private deck looking at our gorgeous 180 degree view of the Puget Sound. The kitchen is well stocked with all the items you need The Beach House will now be our annual meeting place!!

The views, the privacy, the most comfortable bed I have ever slept on will never be forgotten. See you next year!”

Inez Jill
Dublin, Ireland Seattle, WA

“We could not have imagined a better location and setting for a week’s vacation. It was fun to spot eagles, seals, geese and dolphins right off the deck. The deck is a relaxing place to enjoy the gorgeous weather and scenery.

This was a great place to come back to after whale watching in the San Juan Islands. This was an excellent location … only a short trip to Tacoma and Seattle for sightseeing.

You guys were very generous and helpful and we had a wonderful time!”

Brian and Alisse
Dallas, TX July, 2008

“Thank you so much for providing the perfect place for this year’s vacation. I think you have the most beautiful view on the island and I could live in this Beach House forever. We appreciated all the cookware and pretty dishes, glasses, pottery. Also, appreciated all your help as far as locating restaurants, shops, etc.

I will never forget my 4 days on Fox Island,”

Ana Harris
Lander, WY July, 2008

“Thank you for a lovely place to spend the past week. We enjoyed exploring the many beaches on Fox Island, sitting on the deck of the Beach House, listening to the water lapping and with the incredible view before us all the time. We’ll see you again soon.”

Patricia and Judy July, 2008

“Thank you for the warm, friendly hospitality! We enjoyed our time at the Beach House immensely. The Views are incredible and the comfort and relaxed atmosphere were just what we were hoping for. We have many, happy memories to take home.”

The Donahues
Estes Park, CO July, 2008

Note: the Donahues returned again in August, 2010.

“Thank you very much for your warm hospitality and kindness to us and our family. Joe was thrilled to be able to use his boat here and we enjoyed fishing. The Grandsons enjoyed collecting shells, playing by the water and also playing tennis.

We’ll always have fond memories of the Beach House,

The Sheehys
Overland Park, KS August, 2008

“The past 2 months have been awesome! What a way to start a retirement after 44 years of a Nursing career. Your hospitality and friendship have been something I will not forget The weather could not have been better. I would recommend your Beach House to anyone who wants a beautiful place on the beach.”

Patty Chilcutt
Sheridan, WY September & October, 2008

“Your hospitality was more than we could have asked for. Thank you for making our Thanksgiving with our son who is leaving for Iraq, so wonderful!”

Bryant and Karlene
Gulf Shores, AL November, 2008

“This was a great place for an impromptu, 3 – day getaway. We only wish we could have stayed longer. We enjoyed watching many kinds of weather blow in from the South and hunting the elusive Clay Babies.”

Glenn and Deborah Evans
Seattle, WA March, 2009

“What a lovely spot you have.

From our canoe, your Beach House seems just right for really living on Puget Sound.”

Alan and Vicki Westerberg
Packwood, WA April, 2009

“We have really loved staying in your Beach House. The natural views, beauty, serenity and home were all more than we expected. Thanks for your hospitality and suggestions. We ended up at the Tides Tavern and really enjoyed it!

We look forward to keeping in touch and revisiting in the future.”

Jamie and Kyle Nixon
Chehalis, WA April, 2009

“How can we begin to say what a wonderful week this has been … restorative, entertaining, comfortable, terrific! Well be back!

My husband and I stayed here 10 days, to be near our Tacoma-based daughter and family but still to have an away-from-it all Puget Sound experience and do our own day-trip adventuring from time to time. Loved it. We'll be back.

Gorgeous waterfront view from the downstairs room and the large deck; very comfy king bed and skylights in the upstairs room. Easy to use kitchen. Books and homey touches all around. Sleep couch in downstairs main room has built-in air mattress--very comfy, our visiting son discovered.

Expansive view next door of owners' exquisite gardens, which one may visit. Owners Bill and Sue very welcoming and helpful. Had fun inviting grandkids to explore on the beach at low tide or pick blackberries; loved watching the tide--and two local seals--as the waters rose.

Small store on island for necessities, Gig Harbor 15-ish minutes away, for very good restaurants and grocery shopping; you can reach the Tacoma mainland in about a half-hour; you can do Rainier in a day. All that most convenient, but in the end, we always found ourselves coming back to the Beach House with a happy sigh, "Ah, home."

Sandy Crow and David Zopf
Wayne, PA

“Thank you so much for the use of your beautiful Beach House. We were able to observe some Harbor Seals splashing in the distance and the view of Mt. Rainier was just spectacular. We visited Mt. Rainier one day and Mt. St. Helens another. You really need more than a day to appreciate each of these parks.

We were also able to beach comb some Clay Babies where Bill told us to go. Your gardens and landscaping are something to behold.”

Tom and Chris
New Lenox, IL September, 2009

“Thanks so much for sharing your beach cottage with us. The setting is hard to improve upon. The cottage was the perfect getaway and we’re convinced that Fox Island is a unique gem in the sound.

We appreciate your hospitality and really enjoyed chatting. We look forward to an opportunity to return.”

Bern and Sandy
Redlands, CA October, 2009

“It has been such a wonderful little getaway after our conference Wish we could stay a little longer!!
We enjoyed the beach combing and even found some Clay Babies to take home. The museum was interesting also.

I am convinced that there is something very special about Fox Island. We loved your Beach House, such a wonderful setting. We would love to visit again and certainly plan on staying a little longer. Thank you for sharing your little piece of Heaven with us.”

Craig and Lorita Haueter
Kennewick, WA

“What a wonderful weekend getaway you provided me and Joel! It was perfect for all the studying we needed to do. Quiet and semi-isolated with few distractions. We couldn’t have asked for a better spot.

It is a very special place you have out here. I hope to see you all again.”

Joel and Caroline Rogers
University of Washington Graduate Students
Seattle, WA November, 2009

“What an amazing 6 weeks we spent here at the Beach House. It offered us a much needed time of peace, beauty and tranquility. Our Grand Children loved every minute they spent here and were enthralled with the Clay Babies.

Thank you for all of your kindness and for ordering spectacular weather along with it.

We look forward to seeing you again and spending more time here. Our memories from our time here will be with us forever.”

Bev and Allan
Kalispell, MT February and March 2010

“Your little Beach House is amazing … a wonderful experience being here …very spiritually uplifting for us.”

Randy and Robin Anderson
Reno, NV April 2010

Note: Randy and Robin travelled here for a friend’s funeral. They held a wake for a dozen or so of the deceased’s family and friends on the Beach House deck.

“It turned out to be a great Memorial Day weekend for our extended family who came up for a wedding.

It is simply beautiful here, rain or shine. This would certainly be a great place to stay for a long while. The views, the peacefulness, the nature and the “Green” … never have seen so much green.

Enjoyed the your gardens, the walks, finding the Clay Babies. We will just have to make it back again in the future.”

Tom and Jane, Mociute and Regina, Mark and Lorina
Southern, CA May, 2010

“Thank you so much for your generous hospitality. This was such a beautiful setting for our (small) wedding. You were so generous to let us use your gorgeous flowers and canopy.

We really enjoyed our stay here and hope to come back soon.”

Dedrick and Lindsay Williams
Fort Polk, LA June, 2010

“Thank you so much for the tour of your home and gardens … the wine bottle idea is terrific!

You two are the consummate hosts and you made a wonderful celebration even more perfect. You can be sure we will be telling friends about this magical place and your kindness.”

Mary Sloan
The Bride’s Mother
Spokane, WA June, 2010

“This beach house provides the ultimate in clean, quiet, private, well-appointed accommodation. Photos don't come close to capturing the pristine north-west beachfront sanctuary. The gracious hosts made us feel very welcome and while they were available and responsive, they allowed us our privacy.

We travel often and stay in many different types of accommodation. This one is wonderful and we'll definitely visit again....the deck is spectacular!

“What a wonderful Beach House and a beautiful view – we had a fantastic time. Thank you for your hospitality.”

Nick and Nora
Los Angeles, CA June, 2010

the Mauers
Cleveland, OH July, 2010

“Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and grounds. Our golfer did not get home until after dark so we never did do the beach fire! Thank you for setting the fire up anyway.”

The Hellmans
Cleveland, OF July, 2010

“Thank you for sharing your beautiful Beach House and all you kindness.

We wish we could have stayed for the whole time. Now we just pray the Ted will recover as we travel home. We will absolutely return under better circumstances.”

Pam and Jim
Santa Rosa, CA July, 2010

Note: Jim’s brother, Ted, had a heart attack in CA and they had to cut their visit short.”

Thank you for letting us stay in your cute Beach House. The views are beautiful off your deck. Take care of your little piece of Heaven and all those lovely flowers.”

Dan and Marla August, 2010

“What an amazing Beach House!

The property is right on the water with a large beautiful deck overlooking the water. There is an amazing peacefulness there.

I had a few friends and family over and we enjoyed a great afternoon BBQ on the deck.

I had a friend that lives across the way come over by kayak and then we were able go kayaking together and saw some amazing wildlife including otters, seals, and hawks perched up in the trees.

There is a nice downstairs area with full kitchen and dining room table. The upstairs bedroom is romantic and has a very comfortable bed. There is a bench window that you can sit in and read or look out on the water.

The owner (Bill) is very accommodating and provided excellent customer service. I am the Director of Guest Services at Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, TX and appreciate great customer service as that is what we strive to provide our guests daily. That is what Bill provided for us along with an amazing place to relax.”

Brent Wolf
Austin, TX August, 2010

Thank you so much for sharing your Beach House with us. The access to your boat ramp was awesome for our drift boat. We’ll have many fond memories of spending our afternoons fishing on the sound with breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier.

We enjoyed the beautiful Dahlias and the deer too.

Jim and Laura Collar
Portland, OR August, 2010

“We just returned to MN after staying at the Beach House for a 1week to visit our son and granddaughter. What a amazing week we had. The accommodations are 1st class with everything you would need is available including toys for our granddaughter. Since we arrived at night Bill was there with flashlight in hand to lead the way to the house.

Thank you Bill and Sue for your hospitality and for sharing the Beach House. We will be back in April for another relaxing vacation at The Beach House.”

the Martinez family
St. Paul, MN October, 2010

“We stayed here for a weekend, just to escape and re-connect. It was both beautiful and peaceful, just as described. The floor to ceiling windows provided a panoramic view of the ever-changing NW weather in November. Stunning!

Thank you Bill and Sue for your hospitality and attention to detail! The book of attractions was very helpful. We are planning our next visit!”

Crystal and Terry
Seattle, WA November, 2010

Dear Bill & Sue.

Thank you very much for your warm and friendly hospitality. We can highly recommend your house and Fox Island. The hole family enjoyed every day and we all have good memories from this week. This is a beautiful place with a great view and friendly people. The children loved every minute they spent on Fox Island and were enthralled with the Clay Babies.

You can be sure we will be telling friends about this magical place and your kindness.

Elias, Sigga, Helga, Villi og Ingo Guomun
Iceland, June 2011

Dear Sue & Bill,

Thank you so much for the wonderful time at your beach house. You have a lovely home with a breath taking view. Our family and all of Dans family had such a great time at your place, it was a huge high-light of everyones weekend. Kayaking, fishing, looking for seashells, sunning on the deck, visiting with family and enjoying quiet mornings listening to the water on the shore -- all memories that we will have to share with each other throughout the years. Thank you for being so gracious and accommodating, we truly appreciate all of your kindness.

Kaylene Palica
Vancouver, WA, July 2011