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Cabin

Lakeside Retreat on Whidbey Island

Photo gallery for Lakeside Retreat on Whidbey Island

Life is better at the cabin!
Private dock for enjoying the lake - canoe, rowboat, paddle board, water toys
Back of the cabin
Property grounds
Entrance

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Langley, WA

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Lakeside Retreat on Whidbey Island

Goss Lake vacation retreat! - Very nice 2 bedrooms and 1 bath cabin.

Any time of year is better at the lake - fishing in the spring, paddle sports in the summer or storm watching with a coffee and baileys - you always win at the lake!

This is a cabin with rustic charm - it is well appointed, cozy and has everything you need but is not a modern house.

The property also includes a small boathouse for play gear. The private dock allows for water sports and relaxation! Two houses are located on this property - your cabin is closest to the lake.

The lake is non-motorized (electric or paddle power only). It is stocked with rainbow and coastal cutthroat trout.

Beautiful Whidbey Island awaits you with this welcoming dog-friendly vacation home. You are right on Goss Lake, a very peaceful location that's still only a short drive from Clinton, Langley or Freeland. The house is very private - on the lake but set in the forest - ideal for enjoying all that Whidbey has to offer or just relaxing on the water.

The couch in the living room is a queen sofa-bed so the cabin can accommodate 6 guests but it is very cozy with 6 adults. It is better suited to 4 guests or 4 adults + children. We have had lots of rentals with 6 guests with no issues whatsoever but just wanted to mention this.

What's nearby:
It is only a 5 min walk away from the Putney Woods trail system - great for mountain biking, trail running, or hiking. Or it is just a short drive to the ocean with many beaches to explore.

The charming town of Langley is packed with shopping, dining, museums, and art galleries to explore. It also features its own beaches to experience thanks to Seawall Park.

Things to know:
Smart TV - Free WiFi
Roku - Netflix
VCR, CD Player, Nintendo 64
Lots of games, puzzles, books, lake toys
Washer / Dryer
Coffee / Tea / Hot Chocolate
Full kitchen with dishwasher
Canoe, deck chairs, fishing rods
Firepit

Dogs welcome!

There are not any stores near Goss lake - Freeland is the closest area for shopping and picking up essentials. It is only 4 miles and a 10 min drive away - the Payless grocery store has everything and the staff are very helpful and friendly.

*** Also, there is a soft tub at the cabin - we don't mention it in the listing description but yes I know there are pictures of it. The reason we don't mention it is that it is a fickle creature and prone to error. It does work almost all of the time and is super relaxing with an amazing view of the lake but every now and then it does not and it is hard to get someone in to service it these days. If your entire vacation is based on "having" a hot tub and it is a "must" item please book another property with a proper hot tub. We don't want to disappoint anyone in any way - thanks for your time and understanding!

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please follow all fire bans if applicable
Please clean up after pets
Please make sure the hot tub lid is swept off before removing it! Please clean your feet before getting in and try to avoid getting debris in the tub!

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3619123vb
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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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 and a deadlock

About the area

Langley

Located in Langley, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Callahan's Firehouse and Boeing Future of Flight are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Mukilteo Lighthouse Park and Fort Casey State Park. Blooms and Whidbey Island Center for the Arts are also worth visiting. Kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
View more Cabin rentals in LangleyOpens in a new window
Map
Langley, WA

Getting around

  • Everett Station - 59 min drive
  • Seattle Paine Field Intl. Airport (PAE) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jupiter Coffee - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Dancing Fish Vineyards - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Braeburn At The Barnyard - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Shell - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Taproom @ Bayview - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lakeside Retreat on Whidbey Island pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Lakeside Retreat on Whidbey Island?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Lakeside Retreat on Whidbey Island?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lakeside Retreat on Whidbey Island?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lakeside Retreat on Whidbey Island located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is steps from Goss Lake and 2.2 mi (3.6 km) from Holmes Harbor. Blooms and Marguerite Brons Memorial Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lauren B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was perfect! The place itself was exactly what we were looking for - beautiful view, cozy inside, easy outdoor and local access, relaxing and quiet, hot tub AND a lake. Everything was perfect and we have it saved to come back this summer!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute lake house for a weekend getaway. Had a dog-cation and they enjoyed runnung down to the dock. Hot tub was nice when it got to temperature. Hosts were very kind and accommodating.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kadin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was easy, from check in to check out. Cabin had everything we needed and more. So peaceful and in a great location for everything in south Whidbey.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Perry C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything about this cabin was super and the host was exceptional. Definitely plan to rebook and recommend to friends and family
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Sept 2025
Thank for your great review Perry. And thank for taking such great care of our cabin! I think it's the cleanest it's ever been after a guest's departure:) Cheers - Brent and JC
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adam F.

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

Can't beat staying on the lake

Great spot on Goss Lake. Nice little cabin.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter H.

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

Cabin stay

This was a nice little cabin on the lake.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy cabin, great lake view, use of lake equipment. Good communication with host.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

LEONARD C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful place with happiness vibes. Many thanks to Brent for sharing this special piece of paradise! I'm very thankful for this opportunity.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2025
So happy you enjoyed your stay at our cabin Leonard! Thank you for staying with us. Cheers
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A beautiful and peaceful location! This cottage suited our needs for a last minute getaway. You could take your choice of spots to gaze upon the lake, all very comfortable. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Sept 2025
Thank you for staying with us Michelle! And thank you for letting us know about the door handle:) Cheers
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim A.

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

Cabin on the Lake

Probably the best vacation rental I've been in - such an idyllic setting and a fun and old fashioned cabin. Very comfortable and homey - thank you Brent for sharing your slice of heaven!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gordon B.

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

Great vacation spot!

Stayed for the weekend with my family. Loved the cabin and lake!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Feb 2025
Thank you Gordon - so happy you enjoyed the lake - we love it! Stay well - cheers!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

matthew f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an incredible stay at Goss Lake. If the kids weren't in the lake they were in the hot tub. The cottage was well equipped and stayed surprisingly cool during a very warm week in August. Beds were comfortable and clean. Brent was very responsive to all our inquires.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2025
Thank you so much Matthew - I’m so glad you enjoyed the lake - such a beautiful place! Safe travels- all the best- Brent
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Picture perfect lake.Perfect, well laid out clean and charming cabin that includeall the amenities that make for a perfect vacation on the lake. My friends and I would absolutely not only recommend this magical place but would love to return to in the future.Our thanks to the Macdonald family for letting us stay at their beautiful lake side property.Sincerely,Susan and Besties
We loved canoeing around the lake!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Sept 2025
Thank you for your kind words Susan! And thank you for taking such great care of our cabin 😊
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mindy N.

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

Lake cabin

We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the cabin. It was darling, clean, well-appointed and homey with a fantastic view. We used the canoe and hot tub and marveled at the two nesting bald eagles, and a golden eagle as well as hummingbirds galore. We also had fires in the evening - the best time!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Richard P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is our 2nd time staying at Brent’s cabin. The location is spectacular — the outside of the cabin facing the lake is stunning with a cute firepit, hot tub, boats, paddle boards, and a great ambience. The house is small and rustic but with all the amenities. If you come in the summer, the public beach next to the house makes it quite loud and not private.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cher Ann K.

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

Perfect stay

Beautiful views from the house, the terraced yard and dock. The house had everything we needed though would add a second comfy chair in the living space. Really loved the property and the lake. A peaceful retreat! Definitely want to come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

HGB27

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

Spring break

Great weather at the lake. Paddling in canoe peacefully 53 acres of lake! Lovely cozy cabin!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie M.

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

Cozy and comfortable

We had a great stay at the cabin. It was too wet and cold to enjoy the lake but the fireplace was toasty and the view was still lovely. We did not get any cell phone reception but the Internet was fast and reliable so we were able to work remotely. The cabin was well-appointed and had everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marla B.

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

Beautiful and tranquil

This lakeside retreat was so cozy that we felt right at home as soon as we entered. Everything was as described and the host was very responsive and helpful. We felt like we were staying at a friend's place. The lake was absolutely beautiful and we were really able to relax.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Mar 2024
So glad you enjoyed the cabin Marla! It sure is a beautiful and peaceful spot:) Cheers!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joddy K.

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

Heavenly Lake Cabin!

We had an amazing stay at this cabin! Jumping off the dock into the lake was a blast, and warming up in the hot tub overlooking the lake afterward was delightful. We loved boating in the canoe and lounging by the fire with a view of the lake was incredibly relaxing. Watching eagles soar over the lake and the trees above us, also added a touch of magic to our trip. Bringing our two sweet doggies made our family vacation complete as we always vacation as a family. The owners are friendly, kind, and made sure we were well taken care of throughout our stay. We highly recommend this cabin for anyone looking for a peaceful and enjoyable family getaway!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 June 2024
Jddy was a great guest. She was easy to communicate with and left the cabin very clean
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vicki F.

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

A get away

We loved the lake access and the hot tube was easy to use. Inconvenient bathroom being on the first floor only. Only complaint. The master bedroom was lovely. Mattresses were right firmness. BBQ was easy to use. Lovely dtayuseLove.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Feb 2025
Thanks Vicki - safe travels - cheers!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Audrey W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love this little place so much will definitely be back! A few things to note for other guests: The host mentions the soft tub being fickle and it definitely is. We used it twice; the jets only work for like 5 minutes at a time and then it shuts off for about 30 minutes. The temperature stayed warm though which was most important.You can't really tell from the listing but this cabin is on property right behind a main house (I'm assuming the host's). We never saw or heard a thing, however just note that this isn't a remote cabin, it's more like a MIL unit logistics-wise. There are neighbors on each side as well although you can't really see much through the trees. The firepit is further down the back near the lake, which was nice since I felt like us talking wouldn't bother anyone, but just know that if you're looking to be secluded, loud, wild and free this is probably not the place. We weren't there to party tho, just relax and unplug, and we did just that. The VCR and N64 really added such a nice vibe; we went there to escape reality for a few days and stay off our phones and it was so perfect for that. Reminded me of my parents cabin in the Ozarks in the '80-'90s. We had such a lovely stay!!
Squirrel watch with a lovely view
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Alexandra J.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy

Needed to Cancel Trip

We were unable to travel due to a medical emergency that occured right before we needed to leave and host was not understanding with that.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Oct 2024
Hello Alexandra. I have contacted VRBO to have your review removed. We have done absolutely NOTHING WRONG and have followed VRBO procedures. You never had a chance to experience our cabin and should not have left a review. I would NEVER recommend you to other hosts.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

barbara r.

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

quiet and relaxing

quiet, a little deceiving in the picture - the dock is down hill and would be challenging for someone with a mobility issue. the cabin was neat and had all we needed. the hummingbirds were a delight and the bald eagle pair that we saw every day. The scheduling was challenging - there were issues with VRBO and required a lot of communication with the owner. Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Feb 2025
We have pictures of the trail steps and mention it in the listing description - no deception here - we would rather not rent it then deceive anyone - thanks
Verified

6/10 Okay

Sarah Ann M.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication
The setting of this property is lovely. We enjoyed the patio, the walk down to the lake, and the variety of equipment available for use on the water. These outdoor features made our time by the lake very enjoyable.Inside, however, the home felt dated and in need of some upgrades. The carpet and fixtures showed wear, the kitchen had limited counter and storage space, and the bathroom felt older as well. The hot tub was not working properly during our stay.Communication with the host was excellent leading up to the trip, but after checkout there were concerns raised about the condition of the property that we felt were not accurate. This created an uncomfortable ending to an otherwise pleasant trip.Overall, the outdoor amenities are wonderful, but updates to the interior and better communication would greatly improve the experience.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Aug 2025
Hosts, DO NOT RENT TO THESE GUESTS. I arrived at our beloved cabin after they left to find our patio screen door hanging off the hinges with a big rip at the bottom; the guest's response was that the door malfunctioned halfway through their stay. Our hot tub area was littered with gravel, with obvious kick marks from the side path. The bottom of our hot tub was covered in gravel, the water had do much debris and dirt in it that I could barely see through the water. Guests said the gravel "naturally blew in". I've never seen gravel blow in the wind. Dishes were so crusted in that everything had to be rewashed by hand. The entire cabin was in disarray. Cost to replace the door: $500 Cost to replace the hot tub: $600 Extra cleaning time: 6 hours Shameful, disrespectful guests who deliberately wrecked our cabin. Non-existent communication through the entire stay. Not sure what happened with them? I feel like I need to warn other hosts.

About the host

Hosted by Brent Macdonald

Host profile image
We love to travel and love our relaxing, down time! We love Goss lake and Whidey Island - the surrounding area is full of amazing trails, beaches, views, drives, quaint towns, wineries, cideries and even a meadery!

Our family has had many amazing adventures and so many great memories at the cabin! We really hope you will enjoy the lake and and Whidbey Is as much as we do!

Play safe, have an amazing time and thank you!

Why they chose this property

Just a 5 min walk away is a trail entrance to the Putney Woods County Park. More than 600 acres of forest and 15 miles of trail make Putney Woods a destination for horseback riders, hikers and mountain bikers. Owned by Island County and maintained with the help of the Backcountry Horsemen Island County Chapter.

A short drive away is Double Bluff beach - it is a great beach and an off leash dog area with amazing views of Mt Ranier - great spot to watch the sunset!

What makes this property unique

Beautiful Whidbey Island awaits you with this welcoming dog-friendly vacation home. You are right on Goss Lake, a very peaceful location that's still only a short drive from Clinton, Langley or Freeland. The house is very private - on the lake but set in the forest - ideal for enjoying all that Whidbey has to offer or just relaxing on the water.

The couch in the living room is a queen sofa-bed so the cabin can accommodate 6 guests but it is very cozy with 6 adults. It is better suited to 4 guests or 4 adults + children. We have had lots of rentals with 6 guests with no issues whatsoever but just wanted to mention this.

What's nearby:
It is only a 5 min walk away from the Putney Woods trail system - great for mountain biking, trail running, or hiking. Or it is just a short drive to the ocean with many beaches to explore.

The charming town of Langley is packed with shopping, dining, museums, and art galleries to explore. It also features its own beaches to experience thanks to Seawall Park.

Things to know:
Smart TV - Free WiFi
Roku - Netflix
VCR, CD Player, Nintendo 64
Lots of games, puzzles, books, lake toys
Washer / Dryer
Coffee / Tea / Hot Chocolate
Full kitchen with dishwasher
Canoe, deck chairs, fishing rods
Soft tub
Firepit

Dogs welcome!

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