coastal grandmother

A Perfect Coastal Retreat 2 Hours from Seattle

Other than being famous for the Olympic Rainshadow, making it unusually sunny for a place in Western Washington, Sequim also might be the most idyllic landing spot for a soul looking for a quaint town and a little peace and quiet near the water.

Haus of Hygge has launched another magical property in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, a veritable dream of a beach house situated on five acres of estuary that heads out into into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A distant lighthouse glimmers over the peaceful water while an occasional ship sails by, amongst a constant flurry of birds dipping and soaring. While the house is a fully-stocked modern retreat, the true magic is in the view and the surroundings.

My friend Sydney and I headed out on a beautiful July weekend to photograph the property and take it in for ourselves, documenting our stay all the while. We traipsed through lavender fields, scored the jackpot of antiques and thrifts, dined al fresco, and cozied up to You’ve Got Mail to the distant tune of lapping waves. To say it was the restorative bliss a busy mother needs isn’t saying enough. You just have to experience it for yourself.

In the mornings we enjoyed fresh brewed coffee as the birds performed their dance. Mid-day we took in the quaint towns of Sequim and nearby Port Townsend. As the evening breeze took hold, we lit up the gas fireplace and enjoyed the combination of fresh sea air and warmth from the fire, fresh from the oversize shower after a hot tub dip.

Two hours from Seattle (either by driving or by ferry), Sequim is situated on the northern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. It’s a great stopping point if you’re road tripping around to the coast, but is worth a stay all of its own. Surrounded by literal dozens of lavender fields, a stroll through the mesmerizing rows is necessary during full bloom. (We visited B&B Family Lavender Farm.) Port Townsend is a 45-minute drive along winding country roads, and offers a historical dip into a quaint seaside town. (If you’re looking for an excellent burger high up on a waterfront patio, hit Sirens pub!)

As an interiors and travel photographer, I’ve slowly built a lifestyle of traveling and capturing the unique beauty of spaces all over. For me, the best way to capture a travel destination is by immersing myself in the environment. I love observing how the light changes and brings rooms to life. As we cooked dinner the first night, the most perfect ray of sunlight fell across the countertop as my friend was cutting a red bell pepper. You just can’t plan that stuff! And it truly tells the story of the space beyond your typical interior photographs. It’s the combination of those clean editorial images plus the handheld lifestyle snaps that bring the whole story together, creating an immersive peek into such beautifully curated spaces.

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage is available now to book! More information and booking details here.

Heron Haus | Seattle Airbnb Photographer

Just over an hour from Seattle, Port Orchard is a quaint little seaside town where you can find the Heron Haus. This beautifully appointed vacation rental is designed to bring forth the greatest sense of rest, relaxation and hygge. Set right on the water, the house affords incredible views all day long, with passing ferries and the occasional friendly harbor seal. It’s quiet as can be and is the perfect destination for a close-to-Seattle getaway.

In November I made a trip over to photograph the gorgeous natural interior design and to document a weekend of relaxing travel. I went with a dear old friend and treasured each moment of long conversations and life catching up. There were snacks, there were antiques, there was late night hot tubbin’, and (not pictured) a When Harry Met Sally snack-a-thon with impressive damages.

I recommend taking an old friends getaway ASAP. It’s so nice to have each other all to yourselves and to really catch up, reminisce, life-reflect and CHILL.

@the_heron_haus is generously offering you 20% off your stay with code EMILY20.

Book here 👇👇
theheronhaus.staydirectly.com

*Terms & Conditions: Not available on holidays. Offer not valid in combination with length of stay discounts. Strict cancellation policy, please see Haus rules. Reservation and stay must be completed by 2/28/2023.

What's After Coastal Grandmother?

You may wonder what happens when you reach pinnacle coastal grandmother status. The pant legs are wide, the proportions breezy, the layers interchangeable: what else could be better? Coastal Grandfather. That’s the answer. You might catch a late morning tee time, you might swing through a car wash after getting a crisp haircut, you might sit on a leather armchair and contemplate your investment strategy. It’s all smooth sailing from here.

Everlane is having their 4th of July sale starting Friday, July 1st, where you can grab some of your own coastal grandfather essentials for all the teetimes ahead.