Gem in the Heart of Bellingham - Walk to WWU, Downtown and Waterfront
Nestled in a historic neighborhood, this newly built cottage has all modern features. It's a short walk to downtown shops, restaurants and brew pubs or through the Arboretum to Western Washington University. Easy access to Bellingham’s extensive trails, parks, and the waterfront. Hop in your car, and it’s an easy drive to skiing or hiking around Mt. Baker. Looking for urban life? Seattle is just an hour and a half drive. Across the border in Canada, Vancouver is just 50 miles away.
Sehome Hill Arboretum, a 165-acre forested park with 6 miles of winding trails, is just up the street. Beyond the Arboretum, Western Washington University’s campus stretches over the top of the hill. All around are vistas with views of Mt. Baker, Bellingham Bay, and the San Juan Islands.
Currently booking 30-night+ reservations. Tax free
The space Sehome Cottage is all new, but when we set out to build the cottage, along with our main house and studio, we were attentive to the architecture of the surrounding Historic Sehome Hill Neighborhood. All three buildings are situated around a common courtyard garden. The garden supports variety of native flowers, grasses and trees, and since deer and rabbits roam the neighborhood, you might encounter a few visitors.
Inside the Cottage, you’ll find a comfortable, open-plan home with up-to-date amenities. The full kitchen is outfitted with all the basics to cook full meals or to serve take-out. With smart TV and high-speed Wi-Fi, you can connect with work or relax to your choice of entertainment. Open the large sliding doors to the outside and take in the sounds of birds and swaying trees. But just in case the weather turns hot, central AC keeps the house cool. Step towards the back of the cottage, and the bedroom occupies a quiet corner with room-darkening shades and a comfortable queen. The bathroom is roomy and efficient, with a large walk-in shower and plenty of storage.
A dedicated parking spot lies along one side of the Cottage, a few steps away from the private entrance, and an automatic light illuminates your path after dark
Guest access Guests will have the exclusive use of the entire cottage.
The property is shared with the owners who live in the main house, but the spaces are separate with different entrances. You will see us gardening and going about our day. We are friendly and helpful if needed.
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Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Minimum age to rent: 25
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
No pets allowed, service animals permitted
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please put all used towels and bedding in the shower area.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Quiet hours are between 10pm and 8am.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number RR2024-00078
Property # 4056083vb
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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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
About the area
Bellingham
Sehome, a neighbourhood in Bellingham, is home to this cottage. Mount Baker Theatre and Whatcom Museum are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Mindport and Spark Museum of Electrical Invention. Marine Life Center and Sehome Hill Arboretum are also worth visiting.
Western Washington University - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Depot Market Square - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
South Bay Trail - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Cornwall Beach - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
Mount Baker Theatre - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
Getting around
Bellingham, WA (BLI-Bellingham Intl.) - 21 min drive
Restaurants
Starbucks - 15 min walk
Chipotle Mexican Grill - 12 min walk
Boomer's Drive-In - 6 min walk
Community Food Co-op - 11 min walk
Elk St Tavern - 11 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Gem in the Heart of Bellingham - Walk to WWU, Downtown and Waterfront pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at Gem in the Heart of Bellingham - Walk to WWU, Downtown and Waterfront?
As of 10 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Gem in the Heart of Bellingham - Walk to WWU, Downtown and Waterfront on 4 Jan 2027 start from AU$131, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Gem in the Heart of Bellingham - Walk to WWU, Downtown and Waterfront?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-out at Gem in the Heart of Bellingham - Walk to WWU, Downtown and Waterfront?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Gem in the Heart of Bellingham - Walk to WWU, Downtown and Waterfront located?
Located in Sehome, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Western Washington University, South Bay Trail and Sehome Hill Arboretum. Depot Market Square and Mindport are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Could not have been better!! Kathryn and Patrick are fabulous hosts and have thought of every comfort and necessity in this sweet space. I loved my time here and look forward to another visit soon.
The cottage was perfect for our stay. We enjoyed the warm and cozy atmosphere and the location was perfect for walking down to the Farmer’s Market, shops, etc. Very quiet and friendly neighborhood and Kathryn and Patrick were wonderful and very helpful with anything we needed. The cottage is well equipped and I was very thankful for sharp knives which is rare in a VRBO rental. Highly recommend this rental!!
I stayed at this cottage for 6 weeks. It is a beautiful and quaint cottage with everything you need for an amazing stay. Kathryn and Patrick are the consummate hosts and were very friendly and helpful. I was very grateful and appreciative Patrick and Luke went out of their way to help me with a project.. Kathryn was gracious and warm. I would recommend staying here.
Diane M.
Stayed 42 nights in Sep 2024
About the host
Hosted by Kathryn Sutton
Hi, I'm Kathryn. I was born and raised in the Puget Sound area but moved away for school and work. I missed home and am so happy we were able to move back here to Bellingham to build our new home.
I love hosting and creating comfortable, friendly spaces that can be your home away from home.