Vandervort Architects, along with Needham Construction, have designed this timeless waterfront retreat on Crane Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. Crane is not served by ferry, and although there is a ring road circling the island, most visitors arrive by boat. The site is a spectacular rocky, wooded peninsula jutting into Deer Harbor. An existing house occupied the site, and the new house was located within its footprint to minimize site disruption and take advantage of the views available there.
The primary design goal was to engage with views of the water on three sides and the upland areas of the property in a way that the original house did not, while functionally engaging movement around the site. Arrival from the pre-existing dock (the main arrival point), access to an existing guest house and garage (which was eventually torn down and rebuilt), and connection to the site’s outdoor spaces, both natural and curated.
The house’s exterior materials—weathered cedar, tinted concrete, and dark metal roofing—are meant to blend with the landscape so that a boat passing the property may not even notice the house tucked into the trees.
Perched on a rocky bluff overlooking the Salish Sea, this home is a stunning example of Pacific Northwest rustic elegance.
This 2,900-square-foot home has living areas that face the expansive views to the west and are oriented to arrival from the dock. The three bedrooms occupy the east side with more intimate/filtered views of the adjacent private cove.
What We Love: This timeless waterfront retreat boasts stunning vaulted ceilings, a concrete fireplace, custom millwork, and exceptional craftsmanship. Modern features like radiant heat flooring and an open-concept kitchen enhance comfort and functionality while maintaining the home’s rustic charm. The result is a unique waterfront haven that serves as a luxurious yet natural sanctuary.
Tell Us: Would this island home be your idea of the ultimate retreat? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: A modern refuge nestled in the woodlands of the Puget Sound Peninsula and A 1970s mid-century house gets a beautiful makeover in the Pacific Northwest.
The main living space was planned as a pavilion, with a rhythm of structural timber frames creating the volume and shou sugi ban clad niches defining individual spaces. Each space relates to the site and view in its own unique way. The Living area takes in the “big” view, an uninterrupted expanse of the Salish Sea, as well as the forested backdrop to the concrete fireplace.
The Kitchen and Dining areas enjoy the “perfect” view, the open sea filtered by madrones, firs, and outcroppings of rock.
The home’s timber frame construction evokes a sense of timelessness, while expansive windows and a wraparound deck draw the beauty of Crane Island into every room. Building on the rugged site presented logistical challenges, including transporting materials and crews by boat.
PHOTOGRAPHER Benjamin Benschneider
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