If you are intrigued by the broader ecosystem of British Columbia, Canada, the novels of Snow Falling on Cedars and Sea of Tranquility, and the wonders of sitting cliffside to bodies of water (the Puget Sound and the Salish Sea) that are home to Orca whales, then Orcas Island in the Pacific Northwest will enchant and captivate you.

Orcas Island is one of the four major islands that make up the chain of the San Juan Islands, located about 120 kilometers north of Seattle, Washington. Identified by the New York Times, major travel magazines like Lonely Planet and numerous media outlets as among the most scenic places to visit in the U.S., Orcas Island offers an unparalleled Northwest experience (see www.orcasislandchamber.com/orcas-island-in-the-news for countless articles and awards about this cherished place). In addition to its scenic wonders, Orcas Island is enjoying increasing attention for its food and artistic offerings. Hiking, kayaking, whale and wildlife watching are just a few outdoor opportunities that time on Orcas offers to nature enthusiasts.

Our Orcas cottage has been in our family for decades, with more recent renovations and updates (e.g., new interior, new furnishings, paint, and bedding). The cottage is located on the waterfront, facing due west toward Jones Island, so we are treated nightly to some of the most beautiful sunsets imaginable. Because of its proximity to the water, we also regularly hear the sounds of sea life--otters, eagles, salmon and occasionally Orca whales--as they emanate up from the Sound.

The cottage is divided into an upstairs, with kitchen, bedroom (with queen-size bed), bathroom (with soaking tub), living room, small dining area, wood stove and a large picture window with water view. Linked by a shared hallway, the downstairs is designed as an open studio apartment, complete with sleeping area (with a king-size bed), living and dining area, kitchen and bathroom (shower only). The upstairs also has a pull-out queen sofa as well.

Because our Orcas cottage is not our primary home, we are open to non-simultaneous house exchanges that best fit our respective travel schedules.