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Custom Waterfront Home - easy walk to Roche Harbor & Picnic Island

Beachfront holiday home with kitchen and balcony

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Heron House on Westcott Bay. Permit Number 16-0015
Waterfront property on Westcott Bay
Picnic Island & Heron Point
Great Blue Heron on Heron Point, Picnic Island.
Looking toward Picnic Island

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8255.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View map
Friday Harbor, WA
  • Place, Wescott Bay
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, San Juan Islands Sculpture Park
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Roche Harbor Marina
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Airport, Friday Harbor, WA (FRD)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Custom Waterfront Home - easy walk to Roche Harbor & Picnic Island

Heron House on Westcott Bay – Waterfront living near Roche Harbor

Welcome to picturesque Westcott Bay, a quiet retreat, 5 minutes walk from Roche Harbor Resort, shopping and all marina facilities. Heron House is a dog friendly vacation rental newly constructed in October of 2017…3 minutes walk to Roche Harbor’s dog park. Fly in, boat in, or drive in, you’re never more than 5 minutes walk to the Heron House.

What to do on Westcott Bay? Well, you could walk 50 feet out your back door to the beach, or stroll, on all but the highest tides, to Picnic Island. Use the two fishing kayaks to paddle around the bay, troll a line, or set a crab trap. On the weekend, paddle over to the Westcott Bay Shellfish farm for their famous barbequed oysters. Maybe you’d like to hike the nationally recognized trails … all without having to get in your car! If it’s a stroll you have in mind, walk the 3 mile loop past the sculpture gardens (off leash for dogs), through Roche Harbor Resort itself, stopping briefly at Westcott Bay Cider for a tasting, catch a rare Pokémon at the lighthouse mailbox opposite the old quarry 9 swimming hole, and … you’re back home.

If drive you must, head over to Lime Kiln Point for some orca watching, tide pooling, or having a picnic lunch. You could drive 9 miles into the big city of Friday Harbor for all the amenities of a small town.

Roche Harbor Resort provides the opportunity to book a whale watching trip, join a kayak tour around the north end of Henry Island, or, if you’re lucky…schedule a wedding 

The Heron House is named for the great blue herons that daily stalk the shallows or perch on Picnic Island. Bring your camera for some close up shots of them or the bald eagles that fish in Westcott Bay.

However you enjoy our home, we’re glad you stopped by.

Cheers,

Dave and Sue and Stella-mae

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
High chair available, travel bed for babies/toddle
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Dogs only with prior approval
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking in or around the house
We allow up to 3 well trained and well behaved dogs. The dogs must not wander into our neighbor's yards & owners are expected to clean up after them.
Quiet hours are from 10:00pm to 7:00am.
Please remember, we live on an island. Water should not be wasted.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 16-0015

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Friday Harbor

Located in Friday Harbor, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Posey Island State Park and San Juan Island National Historic Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Whale Museum and Jones Island State Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Lolly Gobble Sweet Shop, or check out an event or a game at San Juan Golf & Tennis Club. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Friday Harbor, WA

What's nearby

  • Wescott Bay - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • San Juan Islands Sculpture Park - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Roche Harbor Marina - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • San Juan County Park - 14 min drive - 16.5 km
  • Lime Kiln Point State Park - 21 min drive - 19.7 km

Getting around

  • Roche Harbor, WA (RCE) - 1 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Duck Soup - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Westcott Bay Shellfish Co. - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Lime Kiln Cafe - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪San Juan Vineyard - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Big Foot Lodge Wine Cellar - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Custom Waterfront Home - easy walk to Roche Harbor & Picnic Island pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Custom Waterfront Home - easy walk to Roche Harbor & Picnic Island?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Custom Waterfront Home - easy walk to Roche Harbor & Picnic Island?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Custom Waterfront Home - easy walk to Roche Harbor & Picnic Island located?

Nestled on the beach, this Friday Harbor holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Wescott Bay and San Juan Islands Sculpture Park. Roche Harbor Marina and Posey Island State Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 225 out of 230 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 230 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 230 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 230 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 230 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Anne C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were an extended family with our dog. The home was perfect for birdwatching, walks, and we appreciated the boats and bikes.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ana C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heron House is a beautiful, comfortable home. We love the location and had a wonderful week on the island.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Les&Morgan Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house is in such a perfect location to enjoy the West side of the island! It was clean, well appointed and had very comfortable beds! We hope to stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carl P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Outstanding location for a quiet birthday celebration week. The home was perfect with nothing to want but more time! The dining table set up on arrival was totally welcoming and first class. Thanks for your hospitality!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

roseanne b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very well appointed. Clean. Couch and chairs were not comfortable (cushions and support worn out). Beds comfortable. couldn't figure out the TV. Kitchen had everything needed. Decorations were so perfect, Loved the letters outline where we put our corks.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bridget C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heron House in Roche Harbor

Beautiful home with endless entertainment features. The kitchen is a cooks's dream come true and the bedrooms are well appointed, each with it own private bath.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rob c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Stay

Property was clean, perfect place for a family with a dog. We used all the amenities, highly recommend to all
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Jan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
The home was not well stocked and there was no organization in the kitchen
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Connie C., Mercer Island, WA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place near Roche Harbor

Within walking distance of the resort and restaurants. Great walking trails and Sculpture garden nearby.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Megan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thoughtfully Appointed

Spacious, with a great view, close to amenities. We really enjoyed being cozy and watching the storm on the bay and taking shot walk when there was a sun break. Would definitely bring family again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Conor T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bayside getaway

Beautiful house. There was actually three kayaks and we were able to go out on the bay three times, saw seals, jellyfish, comb jellies, fish, and lots of waterfowl. House also close walk to Roche Harbor and other trails. Rooms were great. Everything clean. Easy to reach hosts
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Taylor B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful view, home, and location

Great place and location. Very quite and private. Very clean and well kept with lots of amenities. Easily walkable (if you like a few hills) to Roche Harbor with restaurants, coffee, groceries/liquor. We enjoyed our stay and would certainly return.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

gorgeous

This place is nicer than the pictures!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patrick R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

We had a wonderful trip. Dave and Sue were great hosts. Amazing location. Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marlene J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely retreat!

We loved the quiet setting and all the wildlife in the area. A great location walking distance to Roche Harbor The kitchen was well stocked with utensils and dishes. Nice decor. Only suggestion would be to update the bedroom pillows. Thank you! We had a wonderful stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristy E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for family vacation

This home had everything we needed traveling with young kids and a pet. The older kids loved clamming on the beach each morning. The hosts had clam buckets, tons of clam boots and shovels for the experience! We enjoyed kayaking around the bay. Walking or biking distance to Roche Harbor for a sunset and dinner. The home and hosts were wonderful!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Home

Our 2 adult children, their spouses and 2 rescue doggies stayed comfortably in this wonderful home. The home is right on the water, has gorgeous views, is a pleasant walk to Roche Harbor and was well furnished. Our thanks to the owners for sharing their home.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

mary s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway

The Roche Harbor Waterfront Home was everything and more. With the large space and beautiful views from every room, we couldn't ask for a better place for an early fall vacation. The recreational equipment that was provided by the owners had our kids playing for hours and the short walk to Roche Harbor meant many walks for a bowl of ice cream. Great that we could enjoy all of this with our dog as well. This was our second visit to the home, and definitely won't be our last.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great House, great location

This house is perfect for families. It is spacious, well kept and the kayaks, bikes and ping pong were great amenities. The location is perfect - walking distance to Roche, which made it easy for us to do things separately as well as together without getting in the car. The car charger, albeit slow, was a great surprise. I never needed to use gas on the island in my hybrid. All in all a great stay!!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

75th family birthday party

Excellent, but we were on the very end of season & weather was pretty raw! Even with heavy rain & winds, the house was cozy & fun for a group of adults. Fireplace was a great enhancement, as well as the many windows for lighting.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Island getaway

Beautiful home, well appointed, amazing location with killer views! All bedrooms & baths were nicely decorated & home absolutely clean! The only comment I have would be to purchase new bed pillows. The ones there were flat & the duvet pillows lumpy. Overall a spectacular property! . lump
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josh S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

2nd Stay at the Heron House

We stayed here last year for our 20th Anniversary. Upon our return this year we wondered if the house would be as magical as we remembered it? It turned out to be better. It was almost like coming home. Beautiful view from the living room/kitchen area, comforting gas fire place, comfortable bed, and clean! Simply put, anytime we return to San Juan Island from here on our, there’s only one place we will stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josh S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

20th Anniversary Trip

A Five Star Rating doesn’t do this place justice. When you walk through the front door it smells clean. The house is stunning. Communication with the hosts is amazing. If you’re thinking about a VRBO on San Juan just stay here and quit looking. I know we won’t stay anywhere else again! I can’t imagine spending our 20th Anniversary in a more beautiful setting!
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terry and Jeannie V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heron House

The 6 of us had a wonderful time! We all agree we would come back in the future. 3 king size bedrooms with en-suite bathroom. 1 bedroom with a queen bed. The picnic Island and wildlife was exceptional. We loved all there was to do on San Juan Island. Great walks and hikes, Whale watching, British and American Camp, Friday Harbor and Rouche Harbor, great restaurants too. We loved Duck Soup. We also loved cooking in the beautiful kitchen. Amazing, beautiful home!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

John S., Seattle, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect San Juan getaway

What a beautiful house! This home is amazing - it’s huge yet has a very cozy feeling. It has an awesome view of the water, plus a tiny island you can walk to when the tide is out. It’s super close to Roche Harbor, which has restaurants, a market, and several water/boat activities. It’s even just a 15 minute drive to Friday Harbor! It was just the two of us, plus our pup. We could have brought our families with us and still had room! The kitchen is awesome and fully stocked with everything you need. It’s hard to find a house that accepts pets - this one even had doggie towels for their feet and a drawer full of supplies! Our host, Sue, was great! She was always quick to respond and eager to assist us. We loved our stay so much, we’re returning in the fall! Don’t hesitate to book this home for your next trip to San Juan Island!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Dave and Sue Ambrose

Host profile image
We purchased the property in 2015 and began construction June of 2016. We worked through the winter finishing the interior of the house with Sue doing the tile work, stone work and painting. Dave mostly drank beer and watched golf matches :-p We completed the finishing work in October and are proud to offer the house as a brand new residence.

Why they chose this property

This property was irresistible to us mostly because of the beach, the island, and access to the ocean for water activities. We hope you will use the two kayaks and the paddle board to explore Westcott Bay and maybe catch a few dungeness crab in the process. This is the second house we have built together and had so much fun on the first one, that we decided to do it all over again.

What makes this property unique

Beautiful sunrises, abundant wildlife and magnificent views across and down the length of Westcott Bay. Walking distance (3 min to Roche Harbor's dog park and 5 minutes to Roche Harbor Marina. Also, immediate access to a nationally recognized trail system. Don't miss the view from the top of Mount Young.

Languages:

English

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