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Sandpiper Haven: Whidbey Waterfront, Amazing VIEWS, Beach, Penn Cove, Kayaks, AC

Photo gallery for Sandpiper Haven: Whidbey Waterfront, Amazing VIEWS, Beach, Penn Cove, Kayaks, AC

Beautiful Waterfront Beach Cabin on Penn Cove, 180' VIEWS. near Coupeville
Comfy Great Room with VIEWS, fireplace w/driftwood and LED candle insert- no gas
Great Room with front row seats to enjoy a book and watch the wildlife.
Comfy Great Room is inviting you to enjoy the views, fireplace with LED candles.
Make lasting family memories. [Photo credit: Guest Jenn T 2024 - thank you]

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 51100 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Pool
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Oak Harbor, WA
  • Fort Ebey State Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Coupeville Wharf
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Oak Harbor, WA (ODW-Wes Lupien)
    ‪4 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds and 1 Crib

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Sandpiper Haven: Whidbey Waterfront, Amazing VIEWS, Beach, Penn Cove, Kayaks, AC

Welcome to Sandpiper Haven! A sister property to Sunset Beach Haven, this beloved retreat on Whidbey Island is the perfect getaway. Nestled on famous Penn Cove, this charming single-story, 2BR, 2BA home offers direct beach access, stunning 180° views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains and all the comforts of home including Air Conditioning.

NEW! For 2025 is central AC for those few hot days we now get. An efficient NEW mini-split heat pump has been installed in 2025 for quiet and comfortable heating and cooling.

Unwind on our spacious deck, gather around the fire pit, stroll the beach, hide away on the private outdoor promontory, or cozy up inside to enjoy the scenery. Plus, enjoy seasonal use of kayaks and a rowboat (waiver required).

Most comfortable for groups of up to four Guests, but we can accommodate a fifth Guest with an additional fee. Children, including infants need to be included in Guest count as we are on a sensitive two bedroom septic system.

Conveniently located between Coupeville and Oak Harbor, enjoy fabulous VIEWS south across Penn Cove of the Olympic Mountains and Coupeville, and east of the Cascades! With annual rainfall of just over 21 inches, nearly half of the regional rainfall, you can enjoy being in the rain shadow of Whidbey Island.

Read our over 500 combined 5 star reviews and this should paint a picture of what we value most - YOU, our Guests, and providing beautiful and comfortable spaces that are well-supplied so you can create wonderful memories in amazing settings.

Sandpiper Haven is truly a bird watcher's paradise with floating flocks of resident and migratory water fowl and overhead visits by a neighboring family of eagles. For the seafood lovers, try mussel and clam digging and enjoy fishing just steps from the back door.

The day brings beautiful views of boats, seals and otters playing in the water, and of the snowy peaks of the Olympic Mountains rising in the distance beyond the shores of Penn Cove. To the east catch glimpses of the Cascade Mountains as well. The house is south facing to capture the warmth of the sun on a large private deck in fair weather, or inspire romance watching storm-churned waves while comfortably seated indoors by the large stone fireplace with esthetic LED candle light and drift wood insert.

Evenings can be spent by a private fire pit roasting marshmallows, curled up with a book in our comfy Great Room, playing games and doing puzzles with friends and family, or watching a movie.

Or, you may prefer an evening out with great dining options in Coupeville, Langley, Oak Harbor and beyond.

This is a low-allergen environment. For this reason, no pets (including service animals) and no smoking /vaping/marijuana use are permitted in the house or on any part of the property, including the deck, gardens, and promontory. Odors can waft from outside into the house and our rules are strictly enforced. Thank you for your commitment to keeping our home low-allergen. Ask if you have any questions.

During Peak Months (basically May through Sept, and occasionally later in April and early October) also enjoy access to two sea kayaks and a 12' Rowboat to Qualified Guests to explore the cove, fish or crab. We have crabbing and fishing gear too. Separate signed waiver required to access the boats. Ask before you book if you need confirmation if the boats are available to you outside of May through September dates.

Also, possible access to the local small, private, heated outdoor community pool as our valued Guests mid-June through Labor Day is on a limited basis. We cannot guarantee pool access to Guests as our CC&R is subject to changing their rules without notice.

We have a heavenly pillow-top Queen Bed in the Master, and two twins in the 2nd bedroom also with pillow-top mattresses, that you an push together to make a King Bed (extra linens and a joiner are provided). A sleeper sofa with additional memory foam topper is in the Living Room, and the couch is also the size of a twin bed with the cushions removed. We provide extra linens to help accommodate your sleeping arrangements. We even provide a portable crib and bedding for infants.

An outdoor private promontory allows you to get further away from it all, boasting even more up front amazing views down the beach and across Penn Cove towards Coupeville and the mountains.

Action seekers may kayak the cove (seasonal use of our boats with waiver) or explore the many hiking and bike trails within minutes from the house. Bring your own boat, kayak, or stand up paddle board and launch it from our private community-owned boat launch and dock just several houses from the property.

The house was built in 2003 so is well-insulated and perfect for year-round enjoyment and newly updated heating and cooling systems for central heat and air. Many Guests spend their holidays here, finding plenty of cookware and now also enjoy (2024) our new stainless appliances to their cook holiday meals.

More about the area: The historic waterfront town of Coupeville, visible across the cove, can be reached in minutes by car. Oak Harbor, to the North, is also minutes away for major shopping amenities and restaurants. And to the West lies Historical Ebey's Landing Preserve and the nearby Coupeville Ferry with service to historic Port Townsend. Greenbank Winery, antiques shops, galleries, the town of Langley, and Deception Pass are also nearby. Are you a Practical Magic fan? Find iconic movie locations nearby.

Best suited for: families, romantic getaways, anniversary celebrations, couples retreats, friend weekends away, visiting others during a local reunion, remote work location, lodging while attending a local workshop, attending a wedding, holiday gatherings, anniversary presents for the grandparents, adventure-seekers, and many more. Although we can only accommodate up to 5 Guests, and cannot host events, it is a great stepping off point for enjoying other events on the island.

As Top Performers, we have earned Premier Status with VRBO, and are Superhosts and have Certificate of Excellence elsewhere. Experience for yourself what sets us apart from the pack! Our goal is to exceed your expectations.

Note, although we allow for "instant book", we send follow-up questions for Guests to answer to make sure we are a good fit with each other. In the very rare instance, if we discover Guests are not the right fit (such as bringing too many Guests, or pets, or previous poor reviews, or smokers), we request you cancel your booking. To be honest, this has only come up about twice in over 14 years of property management. Just know that we value great communication and conscientious Guests. Thank you.

On even more rare occasions (maybe once in over 13 years) we may have received a booking on a different listing site that has not updated to VRBO (usually synced several times a day). We commit to resolving such unlikely events promptly, within 24 hours, and ask forgiveness in advance if such an extremely unlikely event were to occur.

Please note we do have two external motion detection security cameras off the front of the house. These comply with all VRBO guidelines, of course. But make sure to ask if you have any questions.

Apologies, we are not yet set up for EV Vehicle charging. Guests are not authorized to run electrical charging cables from our home to charge vehicles. We hope to add a charging station someday. There are charging stations nearby in Oak Harbor and Coupeville. Thank you.

Note that we do not typically book more than 12 months out. If your booking is more than 12 months from now, kindly send an inquiry first to ensure you are getting the correct rates and no schedule conflicts. If you are booking more than 12 months in advance, there is a chance your rate may need to be accurate. Again, we ask for understanding and we truly try and keep our rates and calendar up to date as much as possible.

We have a maximum of 14 day bookings. If you book for longer than this we may need to have you shorten or cancel your stay. We can review greater than 14 day stays, but inquire first. There are additional cleaning fees and other considerations. Thank you.

Already booked at Sandpiper Haven, check out our other property:
Sunset Beach Haven (property no. 4059156), also waterfront and located on the dramatic west beach of Whidbey Island. It is seriously waterfront, and truly "Like Living on a Boat".

Thank you again!
Julie and Peter

Property manager

Julie and Peter Mattson
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
We have a portacrib w/ linens and a high chair.
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Events

No events allowed
Small property. No large gatherings or weddings.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Strictly enforced incl no vaping. No marajuana.
NO Smoking, No Tobacco, No Marijuana, No Vaping, NO Pets, No parties IN the house or on any part of grounds, including the deck. Minimum $250 Charge.
MAXIMUM 14 night stay. Prior approval required for longer stays. SEPTIC TANK: Nothing but human waste and toilet paper in toilets. Minimum $500 Charge
All Guests at the property/house must be included in Guest count, including children/infants. Min. fee $150/night per guest for undisclosed guests.

Important information

You need to know

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
Note from host: Small property. No large gatherings or weddings.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector 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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Oak Harbor

Located in Oak Harbor, this holiday home is in the mountains and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Deception Pass State Park and Fort Ebey State Park, while PBY Memorial Foundation PBY-Naval Air Museum and Island County Historical Society are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Oak Harbor, WA

What's nearby

  • Fort Ebey State Park - 5 min drive - 5.2 km
  • Lavender Wind Farm - 5 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve - 7 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Island County Historical Society - 8 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Coupeville Wharf - 8 min drive - 8.9 km

Getting around

  • Stanwood Station - 74 min drive
  • Lopez Island, WA (LPS) - 127 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wendy's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Whidbey Coffee - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪MOD Pizza - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Honeymoon Bay Coffee Roasters - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Sandpiper Haven: Whidbey Waterfront, Amazing VIEWS, Beach, Penn Cove, Kayaks, AC have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Sandpiper Haven: Whidbey Waterfront, Amazing VIEWS, Beach, Penn Cove, Kayaks, AC pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Sandpiper Haven: Whidbey Waterfront, Amazing VIEWS, Beach, Penn Cove, Kayaks, AC?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sandpiper Haven: Whidbey Waterfront, Amazing VIEWS, Beach, Penn Cove, Kayaks, AC?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Sandpiper Haven: Whidbey Waterfront, Amazing VIEWS, Beach, Penn Cove, Kayaks, AC located?

Nestled on the beach, this Oak Harbor holiday home is within 3 mi (5 km) of Libbey Beach County Park, West Beach and Fort Ebey State Park. Lavender Wind Farm is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 265 out of 271 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 271 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 271 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 271 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 271 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mark K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

We had a quick get away and loved staying here. It was absolutely perfect. Quiet, picturesque, and relaxing.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We love this place

Cozy little place for a refreshing midwinter getaway. We have been here several times and it never disappoints.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical stay on Penn Cove

We had a fabulous girlfriend’s getaway at Sandpiper Haven. The beachfront house was immaculate and beautifully equipped. The outside spaces were beautiful and well maintained. Our hosts thought of everything, and communicating with them was easy. The only thing we’d change is the twin beds in the second bedroom. While the queen bed in the other bedroom was fabulous, the twin mattresses were uncomfortable. One of us slept like a princess, the other had a rough night. All in all, we’d still go again because everything else was exceptional!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Flavio M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Gem, Beautiful Views

This is one of those gems you go to when you need to sit back and just relax. Great location, short distance to Oak Harbor for restaurants. You're also close to Deception Pass to the north or Ebby's Landing to the south. You're in the middle of both so the best location for getting outdoors too.The house sits in a quiet neighborhood, with stairs leading down to the beach area. Amazing windows to just sit and enjoy the water views. We loved it and have it saved as one of our Whidbey Island favorites.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

douglas t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Views and locale just as in the photos. A very, very well supplied vacation home
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bryan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another wonderful weekend!

This is our go to place for a fun weekend. Beautiful views and of course a cozy, comfortable house to enjoy. Perfect as always! Thank you Julie & Peter
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely home and wonderful location

Really enjoyed our stay - great location overlooking the harbor. We searched for shells, watched the geese, walked out on the pier, enjoyed a fire in the fire pit but really just enjoyed sitting on the deck looking out at the water! So peaceful! Also enjoyed excursions to Coupeville (really great Halloween decorations all over downtown), Ft Casey & Oak Harbor! The house itself includes everything you need for a very comfortable stay - all very clean & tidy. We hope to be able to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ivy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing water view

Loved it. The house is cozy but comfortable with an amazing water view. A small jewel with access to a walkable shoreline. About 10 minutes from Oak Harbor, yet tranquil. You can see otters and an assortment of birds from the property Owners were great at following up and communicating with us.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Blake K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

perfect getaway

Wonderfully stocked, perfect location, perfect hosts
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pam B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning view

I believe it to be the best place to stay on the island. Clean, comfy, everything you need, clear and friendly communication and an absolute stunning view from all the windows of the home overlooking the water. The pictures do not do this house justice. Beautiful place and wonderful hosts!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach House

👍
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sandpiper Haven-A Penn Cove Gem

Sandpiper Haven is perfectly located on Penn Cove to watch the water and the wildlife. The house is comfortable and clean and well-stocked with anything you may need. Communication is excellent. Julie and Peter are gracious and generous hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shannon V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Whidbey Home

We enjoyed this beautiful waterfront home so much. It was clean, comfy, cozy and a great location to travel the island. We saw seals, eagles and many birds from the deck. The views of the mountains were stunning. Peter and Julie are wonderful hosts. We look forward to staying again.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jonna P.

We loved the place!!

Everything you need and very clean.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great views

We had a great stay here, they have everything you need to enjoy your stay and the beach!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Glen L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sandpiper Haven holiday

We greatly enjoyed our stay again as we have in previous years. Our favorite activity of the day quickly became wildlife watching, with seals, heron, and especially the diving waterfowl. Kapaw's Iskreme in Coupeville is the best! We also did a sunflower stroll at Scenic Isle Farm and the beautiful sunflowers were a wonderful photo op. Price's Sculpture Forest was a unique outdoor activity, especially the Augmented Reality exhibit. A real treat was the marionberry pie from Three Sisters Market just around the corner. Wonderful view, great food options, all contributed to a relaxing family vacation. Hosts Julie and Peter are great communicators, responsive, and make the rental easy.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bryan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Best

Love this property - we have been here multiple times. We hope to extend our stay next time!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrea I., Seattle, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another Happy Stay

Sandpiper Haven is a favorite of our family. This visit we especially loved exploring low tides and watching the herons. The house is clean and well-stocked making it a great home-away-from home.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Teresa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic water front cute house

Great owners, great location, nice decorations, clean, fantastic views, and will come back for sure
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gary and Susan W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

San de Fuca Piper

equipped splendidly, but we stayed so briefly that we didn't gain full advantage. Next time!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect every time

We’ve stayed here many times and love it. The view and sounds of Penn Cove are restoring. The space is comfortable, cozy and somehow has everything we need without clutter or fuss. The hosts are terrific communicators. A wonderful spot!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Return visit

We’ve stayed at this little gem before, and we plan to return. I can’t say enough good things about it, or about our kind hosts, who think of everything.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charles S. D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cottage with a view

Very well appointed, clean, spacious. Great location to travel & explore the island and its many treasures.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Melissa F.

Perfect little, waterfront property with amazing views!

The hosts have thoughtfully created a charming and extremely comfortable vacation property. We loved every minute of our short stay and look forward to our next (and preferably much longer) visit!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2017

10/10 Excellent

Christina P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect house in Whidbey!!!!

We had an absolutely fabulous stay in Sandpiper Haven located on Penn Cove. The location is perfect for your stay on Whidbey Island. The charming town of Coupeville is right across the cove, and a thirty minute drive south brings you to the lovely town of Langley. The house itself is ideal. All comforts are considered, and waking up each morning to the splendors of Penn Cove is enchanting. We saw otters, diving ducks, and bald eagles right outside the door. This is THE PLACE to stay!!!!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

About the host

Hosted by Julie and Peter Mattson

Host profile image
We are a family of four and have always loved the out of doors. Here's a pic of us enjoying Alaska's Kenai Fjords. Julie grew up outside of Boston, and Pete in Durango, and we both met out in the Seattle area back in 1994 through our love of kayaking and the out-of-doors. Come and stay at our home and see what we enjoy so much about the Pacific Northwest (PNW), Whidbey Island, and Sandpiper Haven in particular.

Why they chose this property

We love Whidbey Island and have spent years traveling around the Pacific Northwest exploring. We looked at many different communities when considering a second home. Whidbey Island was by far the winner, and Sandpiper Haven took the cake. We are hooked. Whidbey has so much of everything great that the northwest to offer and perfect our family - views, mountains, water, beach, hiking, biking, clamming, kayaking, fishing, and exploring, or just plain kicking back as a family with games, puzzles, a good home-cooked meal, or curling up on the couch with a good book.

What makes this property unique

Sandpiper Haven is really 'Heaven' to us - we love the beauty, peace, direct access to beach, easy exploring of the area, and comfort of this beautiful home. Sometimes we choose to just simply hang out and do puzzles, play games, read books, and enjoy each other's company. Other times, we love sitting on the expansive deck viewing wildlife such as the bald eagle that perched on our nearby dock for TWO hours the other day, or the kingfisher hovering right out front and the abundance of hummingbirds that are curious beautiful little birds. If you can't find Julie she might be sipping her coffee in the morning or enjoying an evening glass of wine at our peaceful private promontory.

And then there is kayaking, clamming, crabbing, boating, and all the great parks and exploring nearby. A short drive to Coupeville is always rewarded with ice cream for the kids at their fabulous ice cream parlor, Kapaw's. A short trip over to Port-Townsend on the ferry is rewarded with great restaurants, used book stores, and hikes around Fort Worden and the Marine Science Center.

Come and enjoy Sandpiper Haven and we hope (believe) that you'll love to come back year after year! Just read our Reviews and see what others have to say.... We have some Guests who stay with us 4 times a year! And many who have booked year after year. Some for several month stays or remote work "getaways". We strive to create a home where Guests can feel comfortable coming back year after year and creating memories to last a lifetime! It brings us great joy. Thank you!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests