Garden Terrace

Wake up above the trees with sweeping views of Bellingham Bay, watch bald eagles soar past your windows, then end the day soaking in the hot tub beneath the stars.
Perched among the evergreens overlooking the bay, this modern home feels like a private treehouse—peaceful, secluded, and surprisingly close to everything that makes Bellingham special.
Designed for month-long stays, remote work, relocation, or simply slowing down, Garden Terrace is a place to truly settle in and experience Bellingham like a local.

More than a place to stay, Garden Terrace is a place to settle in.
Designed for longer stays and slower mornings, this luxury home combines elevated design, unforgettable views, and the everyday comforts that make it easy to feel at home. Whether you're relocating, remodeling, working remotely, visiting family, or spending a season in the Pacific Northwest, daily life here tends to feel a little more like vacation.
Perched among the evergreens overlooking Bellingham Bay, the home has a rare treehouse feel—surrounded by nature while remaining just minutes from downtown, Fairhaven, Boulevard Park, and the waterfront.
The main level brings together the chef's kitchen, dining area, living room, and primary suite. Large windows keep the bay and surrounding trees in view throughout the home.
The kitchen is stocked for real cooking with a gas range, quality cookware, a stand mixer, and the kinds of thoughtful extras that make longer stays comfortable.
Step outside and enjoy three distinct outdoor living spaces:
• Front deck: Private hot tub beneath the wisteria, Adirondack rocking chairs, string lights, and a fully fenced setting.
• Upper deck: Outdoor dining, gas grill, and sweeping sunset views across Bellingham Bay.
• Covered lower deck: Comfortable sectional seating tucked into the trees—perfect for rainy mornings, afternoon reading, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
The primary suite is conveniently located on the main level and features a king bed, private en suite bathroom with a soaking tub beneath a skylight, and a spacious walk-in closet.
Downstairs you'll find:
• King bedroom
• Queen bedroom
• Dedicated office with a queen-size futon for additional sleeping
• Full bathroom with combination tub/shower
• Second living room with TV
• Covered outdoor lounge
Bald eagles are frequent visitors, and if you're especially lucky, you may even spot a whale in the bay.
30-night minimum stay. Longer stays welcome.
Well-behaved, house-trained dogs are welcome with prior approval and an additional pet fee.
Sorry, no cats.

One of our favorite things about this location is how easy it is to enjoy Bellingham without feeling like you’re in the middle of it.

Garden Terrace sits on a quiet hillside street with a tucked-away feel. The home feels peaceful and surrounded by greenery, but many of Bellingham’s favorite spots are within walking distance.

Nearby:
• Downtown Bellingham — restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and local shops
• Fairhaven — historic district with restaurants, bookstores, and waterfront access
• WWU — convenient for visiting faculty, families, and campus events
• The arboretum and trail system
• Boulevard Park and the waterfront

A car can be helpful for exploring areas beyond town, nearby hiking, or day trips. For everyday life, many guests enjoy walking or biking around town.
The home also includes a two-car garage and space to park one car along the street.

🏡 House Rules

Thank you for your interest in staying with us. We work hard to create welcoming, thoughtfully designed properties — the kind of places we would want to stay ourselves.

Please treat the property, neighbors, and our team with care and respect. By booking with us, you — and everyone you invite to the property — agree to follow these rules and acknowledge the terms outlined in the Legal section below. We're happy to answer any questions, so if something is unclear, just ask.

👥 Guest Count & Occupancy
Our pricing varies based on the number of people included in the reservation. To make sure your rate is accurate, please confirm your guest count before booking.

Your reservation should include all overnight guests, regardless of age. We define overnight guests as anyone on the property after 9 PM.

We structure pricing this way intentionally. Smaller groups create fewer variable costs — such as cleaning time, linens, utilities, supplies, and wear and tear — and we pass those savings on to them. Larger groups naturally require more resources, so rates adjust accordingly. This allows us to keep the property affordable and fair for groups of all sizes.

If someone will be staying only part of your reservation, please let us know in advance. With prior written approval, we can bill additional guests on a per-night basis for the nights they are present.

Daytime Visitors
Daytime or early-evening visitors are welcome, provided you:
•do not exceed the maximum occupancy of the listing
•are respectful of the property and neighbors
•clean up after your visitors
•ensure visitors leave before 9 PM

If you have any questions about guest count or visitors, just ask — we're happy to clarify.

Parties, Unreported Guests & Excess Occupancy
We have a strict no-party policy.

If you bring unreported overnight guests, host a gathering, or exceed maximum occupancy without prior written approval, we may:
•charge additional guest fees (up to 2× the applicable additional guest rate), and/or
•terminate the reservation and require all guests to leave without refund.

If excess occupancy results in additional cleaning, damage, refunds, relocation, or other operational costs, you agree to reimburse those expenses.

👤 Booking Responsibility
Please book for yourself unless we've approved otherwise in advance.

If you're reserving on behalf of someone else, let us know ahead of time and provide contact information for the staying guest. The booking guest remains responsible for ensuring house rules are followed and for any resulting damages or fees.

🔕 Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are 9 PM – 9 AM.

Our properties are in residential areas or near full-time neighbors. Sound travels more than people expect. Please be mindful of music, loud conversations, and other noisy activities — especially when outside or later in the evening.

If we receive a complaint or if behavior disrupts neighbors, we may reach out to ask you to reduce noise. Continued disturbances or failure to respond may result in early termination of the reservation without refund.

🐶 Pet Policy
As pet lovers, we understand how important it is to travel with your pets. As a general rule, we're happy to host dogs.

Each dog must be added to your reservation under the "pets" category. The pet fee is charged per pet. If you're unsure whether your pet has been added, please ask.

More than two dogs — or pets other than dogs — require advance written approval.

Pet owners are responsible for:
•cleaning all waste (indoors and outdoors)
•promptly cleaning any accidents
•managing shedding (bringing blankets or covers if needed)
•preventing disruptive or aggressive behavior
•keeping pets leashed in all outdoor areas
•assuming full responsibility for their pet's safety
•ensuring their pets are not a threat or nuisance to neighbors, other guests, or animals on site

The pet fee covers standard wear. Damage, excessive cleaning (including shedding, accidents, and messes), or disruption to neighbors or other guests is billable.

Unreported pets are subject to a $50 additional cleaning fee per pet, in addition to the standard pet fee.

Service animals performing trained tasks may be excluded from the pet fee; however, damage, disruption, or additional cleaning remains billable.

🚭 No Smoking or Vaping Indoors
Smoking or vaping is not permitted inside the property.

A $200 remediation fee will apply if evidence of indoor smoking is found. If additional cleaning, equipment, refunds, or relocation of other guests is required beyond standard remediation, those costs will also be billed.

Outdoor smoking is permitted away from entrances and windows, with proper disposal of all materials.

Illegal activity of any kind is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate termination of the reservation without refund.

🚗 Parking
Parking availability and rules vary by property. Details specific to your reservation will be provided in your welcome instructions.

Please park only in designated areas and comply with any posted signage, building rules, or local regulations. Guests are responsible for any parking citations, towing fees, or fines incurred during their stay.

⏰ Check-In
Check-in begins at 4 PM.

Our properties are self-check-in. You may arrive anytime after check-in begins. If arriving late at night, please be mindful of noise as others may be sleeping.

Early check-in requires advance written approval and may involve an additional fee. Please do not arrive early without confirmation.

⏰ Check-Out
Check-out is by 10 AM.

We schedule turnover staff and incoming reservations around this time. Staying past check-out without written approval creates real operational disruption. Guests who remain past checkout without permission are overstaying their reservation.

If you'd like a late departure, reach out in advance. Late check-outs may be available for an additional fee but must be approved in writing before your departure date.

Unapproved late departures are charged $50 per hour, rounded up.

If a late departure materially interferes with an incoming reservation — including requiring us to block the calendar, delay or cancel a stay, or re-accommodate another guest — you will be responsible for resulting costs. These charges are in addition to the hourly late departure fee and may include the applicable nightly rate or other documented expenses.

In the rare case a guest overstays without communication, we reserve the right to enter the unit to prepare for incoming guests. If belongings must be moved to allow turnover, you will be charged for the time required in addition to any applicable late-stay fees.

🧼 Cleaning & Departure Expectations
Your turnover cleaning fee covers:
•laundering linens and towels
•disinfecting and cleaning surfaces
•trash removal from in-unit receptacles
•restocking standard supplies

It does not cover:
•dirty dishes
•excessive garbage
•spills or stains
•excessive pet hair or waste
•moving furniture or décor

Before departure, please:
•wash dishes
•place trash in indoor bins (no need to take it outside — just don't leave it strewn about)
•return any moved items to their original location
•leave towels in a pile
•leave dirty beds unmade

If additional labor is required to restore the property to its original condition, extraordinary cleaning time will be billed. This may include draining, cleaning, and refilling the hot tub if necessary.

🩳 OUTDOOR AREAS, DECKS & PROPERTY SAFETY

We hope you enjoy the outdoor spaces during your stay.

Please note that use of the property and all amenities is at your own risk. This includes, but is not limited to, the decks, hot tub, grill, stairs, walkways, hillside terrain, and other outdoor areas. You are responsible for ensuring that all members of your group use these areas safely.

The home is located on a hillside with steep terrain, stairs, and uneven surfaces. Weather and wind conditions can change quickly. Please use caution when moving around the property and supervise children at all times.

The front and back decks are available for your enjoyment. Because the property can experience strong winds:

• Do not leave personal belongings unattended outdoors.
• Do not move indoor furniture outside.
• Do not bring additional furniture or large items onto the decks.
• Secure any lightweight items that may be affected by wind.

The deck string lights operate on an automatic timer and typically turn on at dusk and remain illuminated for approximately four hours.

⸻

PROPANE GRILL

A propane grill is available on the upper deck for guest use.

If the propane tank runs out during your stay, you may replace it and we will reimburse the cost of the exchange or replacement tank. This is often the fastest option. If you prefer, contact us and we will arrange a replacement.

Using the Grill

1. Open the propane tank valve.
2. Ignite the burners using the ignition button.
3. Allow the grill to preheat before cooking.
4. After use, ensure all burners and the propane supply are completely turned off.

Cleaning the Grill

Please clean the grill after each use.

1. Set the grill to medium heat.
2. Wet the provided grill-cleaning sponge.
3. Scrub the grates to remove food residue.
4. Rinse and clean the sponge after use.
5. Return all grill tools to the kitchen after washing them.

Keeping the grill clean helps ensure it is ready for the next guest.

⸻

HOT TUB

The hot tub on the front porch is professionally maintained between stays for your enjoyment.

Water levels and chemical balance are checked prior to arrival. A bromine floater is provided to help maintain water quality. Additional hot tub supplies are stored in the garage if needed.

To keep the hot tub clean and safe:

• Shower before entering to remove lotions, oils, sunscreen, and other products.
• Do not add soaps, bubble bath, bath salts, oils, or any other substances to the water.
• No food or glass containers in or around the hot tub.
• Replace the cover after each use.
• Do not remove, adjust, or tamper with the bromine floater unless absolutely necessary.

Adding soaps, oils, or other substances can damage the filtration system and may require the hot tub to be drained, cleaned, and refilled. Guests may be responsible for any resulting cleaning, maintenance, or service costs.

💸 Damage, Disruption & Liability
You are responsible for damage, excessive cleaning, rule violations, or disruptions caused by anyone in your group — including visitors you invite to the property.

Outlined fees (such as smoking, pet, or additional guest charges) do not cap or limit your total responsibility.

If your stay results in:
•property damage
•specialty or excessive cleaning
•delayed turnover
•refunds or concessions to neighboring or subsequent guests
•relocation or re-accommodation expenses
•building, HOA, or municipal fines
•documented remedies required to address neighbor complaints or operational impact
...you agree to reimburse those costs.

If behavior during your stay materially disrupts neighbors or impacts the continued operation of the property, and we must take reasonable, documented steps to remedy the situation, you are responsible for those associated expenses.

🛠 Maintenance & Access
If something isn't working, please let us know promptly so we can address it as quickly as possible.

We reserve the right to enter the property at reasonable times with reasonable notice to inspect, maintain, or address issues. In cases of emergency, active safety concerns, or ongoing rule violations, we may enter without advance notice.

📅 Cancellations & Changes
We are a small business and do not oversell our properties. When you book, we reserve those dates specifically for you and turn away other potential guests.

Cancellation terms are governed by the platform through which you booked and the rate selected at the time of booking. Many of our reservations are non-refundable. In some cases, certain platforms or listings may offer a refundable or flexible rate option at a higher price.

If you book a non-refundable rate, the reservation generally cannot be cancelled, shortened, or modified outside the applicable cancellation window.
Refundable or flexible rates are offered at a premium. In exchange for that premium, guests may have the option to cancel or adjust their reservation with advance notice according to the terms shown at booking.

If your travel plans are uncertain, we recommend selecting a flexible rate when available or purchasing travel insurance.

📸 Photography, Content & Commercial Shoots
We love that guests share their stays — and we're genuinely open to hosting shoots when the right approvals are in place.

Personal social media
Photos and videos for your own personal social media are always welcome — no approval needed. Enjoy and tag us if you'd like.

Content creation
If you're creating content professionally or commercially — YouTube videos, brand-affiliated social posts, sponsored content, or similar — please let us know in advance. This tier requires prior written notice and a modest content creation fee. Crew must remain within your approved guest count.

Commercial productions
Full productions — including paid crew, lighting equipment, client work, editorial shoots, or advertising content — require advance written approval, a completed production inquiry form, a crew list, and a certificate of general liability insurance naming the property owner as additionally insured. A production fee applies and is determined by scope.

Shoots that arrive without prior approval, or misrepresent their nature at booking, may be turned away or result in reservation cancellation without refund.
In all cases
• Guest count rules apply — all crew and talent count toward your occupancy
• The property must be left in its original condition; furniture and décor may not be permanently moved
• Standard house rules remain in effect throughout the shoot
• Any damage, excessive cleaning, or operational disruption is billable

To inquire about a shoot, request our Production Inquiry Form or reach out with details about your project. We're happy to work with you.

📜 Legal & Safety
Temporary Lodging
This is temporary lodging only and may not be used or claimed as a permanent residence.

Guest Supervision
The booking guest is responsible for supervising all individuals and pets they invite to the property, including minors. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times, particularly around amenities such as pools, hot tubs, fireplaces, grills, bunk beds, elevated areas, and outdoor spaces.

Amenity Use & Assumption of Risk
This property includes amenities that carry inherent risk, including but not limited to: pool/hot tub, fireplace/fire pit, grill, stairs and elevated areas, bunk beds, and outdoor areas (which may include exposure to local wildlife). Guests use all amenities at their own risk.

By booking, guests acknowledge these risks and agree that the host is not liable for injury, illness, or harm arising from the use of any amenity or area of the property, provided the property has been maintained in a reasonably safe condition.

Guests are responsible for following any posted safety instructions and for ensuring all members of their group — including children — use amenities appropriately and safely.

Limitation of Liability
The host is not liable for injury, illness, loss, theft, or damage to personal property occurring during a guest's stay. Guests assume full responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those they invite to the property.

We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings left at the property before, during, or after a stay.

Indemnification
By booking, guests agree to indemnify and hold harmless the host, property owner, and any affiliated parties from any claims, losses, damages, or expenses — including legal fees — arising from guest's use of the property or failure to follow these house rules.

Security & Monitoring
Exterior security cameras are in use at this property and may capture activity in outdoor areas. Cameras may also be present in building common areas such as hallways or shared laundry spaces.
Noise-monitoring devices are in use to help us ensure quiet hours and prevent disruptions. These devices measure sound levels only and do not record conversations or audio.
No cameras or recording devices of any kind are located inside the rental units.

Firearms & Weapons
Firearms and weapons are not permitted on the property.

Wildlife & Natural Environment
This property is located in a natural setting, and wildlife is commonly present in the surrounding area. Depending on the season, guests may encounter animals such as deer, insects, and other wildlife.
By booking this property, guests acknowledge that they are choosing to stay in nature and assume the inherent risks associated with outdoor environments.
Guests agree to follow common-sense wildlife safety practices, including:
• Do not feed wildlife under any circumstances
• Store all trash and food waste in designated containers and do not leave trash, food, or coolers outside, except in designated containers
• Secure food, trash, and scented items properly
• Keep doors and windows closed when not actively using them to avoid attracting animals inside
• Supervise children closely when outdoors
• Keep pets leashed and under control at all times outside
• Do not allow pets to roam freely outdoors
• Maintain a safe distance from any wildlife encountered
Guests are responsible for their own safety and the safety of their group when using outdoor areas of the property.
If wildlife is attracted to the property due to guest actions — including leaving food, trash, or doors open — guests may be responsible for any resulting damage, cleanup, or remediation costs.

Events & Commercial Use
The property may not be used for commercial filming, photography, social media productions, or organized events without prior written approval. Gatherings beyond the listed occupancy — even informal ones — are subject to our guest count and no-party policies.

🌿 A Final Note
We rarely need to enforce additional fees. Most stays are smooth and enjoyable. These guidelines simply clarify expectations in advance so there are no surprises on either side.

If something changes or you need help, reach out early. We're responsive and always prefer to work things out proactively.

Thank you for staying with us — we hope you have a wonderful stay. 🏡

We do not live on site, but our team is available via chat or email to assist you with anything that comes up during your stay.