This San Juan Islands home was beautifully redesigned around its scenic views

Aerial view of modern waterfront home with dark metal roof and solar panels nestled among Pacific Northwest trees

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Perched on the western shore of Orcas Island in Washington’s San Juan Islands, this waterfront home was redesigned by Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects with one goal in mind: to make the most of its breathtaking views. What was once a maze of small rooms with heavy stone fireplaces blocking the scenery is now a light-filled retreat that opens fully to its stunning surroundings

The architects worked closely with the homeowner to re-envision the floor plan to better suit a more contemporary lifestyle and modernize the dated aesthetic. By removing the numerous interior divisions of the previous design, the floor plan was opened, allowing natural light from new floor-to-ceiling windows to permeate the space.

Cedar-clad exterior with standing-seam metal roof framed by Japanese maple and lush garden plantings

A dramatic ‘cut’ through the center of the house makes room for a modern box element with a shed roof, breaking free of the surrounding hipped roofs and opening dramatically to the layered islands beyond.

Covered breezeway with steel-framed glass connector linking house wings over a Japanese-inspired courtyard garden

The interiors were completely redone, emphasizing the warm tones of white oak, with steel accents at fireplaces and stairs. Sustainable systems such as a tight building envelope, solar array, and a geothermal heat pump were integrated into the new construction.

Black steel canopy entry with floor-to-ceiling glass doors surrounded by hydrangeas, ferns, and native boulders

What We Love About This Home

We love how every room feels connected to the water, whether through a wall of glass, a corner window, or an open deck. The warm white oak interiors strike a perfect balance between cozy and refined, grounding the modern aesthetic in natural materials. The thoughtful details, from the LED-lit staircase to the cedar sauna, make this San Juan Island home feel as considered as it is beautiful.

Tell Us: Which space in this Orcas Island home would you never want to leave — the light-filled living room, the soaking tub with a view, or that dreamy daybed nook? Let us know in the comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: This black cabin in the San Juan Islands takes shelter in the woods and A couple’s dream retirement home boasts amazing views of the Puget Sound.

Entry hallway looking into sunlit living room with cream sectional sofa and panoramic water views

An Open, Light-Filled Retreat

Open-plan living room with wood ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows, cream sofas, and sweeping island water views

White Oak Interiors Bring Warmth

Modern kitchen with light oak cabinetry, black island countertop, cream barstools, and garden-view windows

Kitchen with dual islands, light wood cabinets, and open corner windows framing water and tree views

Floor-to-Ceiling Windows Frame Sweeping Water Views

Dining nook with round wood table beside floor-to-ceiling windows and open sliding doors to waterfront deck

Exterior waterside view showing pool, lavender-lined terrace, and cedar-clad home at golden hour

Golden hour view of cedar home through towering Pacific Northwest trees leading to private dock

Living room at dusk with linear gas fireplace, Eames lounge chair, and glowing sunset over the water

Dining room at sunset with large pendant light over oak table, floor-to-ceiling water-view windows

Close-up of oak staircase with under-step LED lighting creating a warm, sculptural glow

Upper stair landing with oak paneling, metal handrail, sculptural wire pendant light, and clerestory window

Detail of custom angular oak door pull with black metal bracket against white wall

Bedroom sitting area with charcoal sofa, dappled tree shadow on white wall, and floor-to-ceiling garden windows

Built-in daybed nook with tufted dark cushions and corner windows overlooking calm water and islands

View from tufted daybed through large picture window to serene bay with distant island silhouettes

Primary bedroom with low platform bed, sheer curtains, wood floors, and open glass doors to water-view balcony

A Cedar Sauna and Soaking Tub Elevate the Owner’s Suite

Freestanding soaking tub beside large picture window with sheer curtains framing a waterfront tree view

Cedar-lined private sauna with glass door, tiered wood benches, and stainless steel heater

Indoor-Outdoor Living on the Waterfront

Modern waterfront deck with dark Adirondack chairs around a round fire bowl under overcast skies

A Guest Cottage Tucked Into the Forest

Low-profile guest cottage with dark metal hip roof nestled among boulders and native garden plantings

Guest cottage interior with exposed wood beam cathedral ceiling, open kitchen, and cream sectional sofa

View through open sliding glass door into guest cottage living room with vaulted beam ceiling and pendant light

Oak bathroom vanity with matte black fixtures, textured tile backsplash, and garden views through clerestory window

Forested deck off guest cottage with Adirondack chairs, wood dining table, and open sliding doors to kitchen

Aerial view of guest cottage with dark hip roof surrounded by lush Pacific Northwest forest and stepping stone path

PHOTOGRAPHER Andrew Pogue Photo