Frequently Asked Questions

 Is this a bed-and-breakfast?

No, but you’ll have everything you need to make meals (except food, which you can buy in town).  Our advantage is privacy, and a rare, quiet seaside setting.

Can I walk to town?

Not easily; we’re not that close -- about 6 miles by road.  It takes about 12 minutes to drive to town.

How isolated is it?

It's on 25 acres, and adjacent is another 25 acres with no houses.  But our house is 100 feet from you, though oriented toward the ocean so we're not really in each other's business.  So we're right there if you need something.  

May I bring my pet?
Yes.  Dogs love the fields and beach.  Our dog would love to play with yours.  You will want to keep pets inside at night.  Foxes, raccoons, mink and otters might tangle with them after darkness falls.

May I moor my boat?
There’s good anchorage out front in Mulno Cove, but we do not currently have an anchor buoy or a float on our dock (necessary because tides are extreme here).

How about my kayak?  

We have an excellent boat-launching ramp 100 feet from your door.  These sheltered waters are ideal for kayaking.

Are there good places to swim?

Puget Sound water is quite cold, but we do have a freshwater pond which has all the attributes of the ol' swimming hole, including the usual creepy-crawlies.  We have life jackets of various sizes you may borrow. You must supervise your kids when they swim!

Can you describe the cottage more completely?

It’s a cozy 380 square feet, a bathroom (with a shower) and one long room that incorporates a kitchen, a dining area, a queen-size bed and two built-in bunk beds.  Linens, towels and dishtowels are provided.  It ‘s heated by electric space heaters and, if you prefer, a wood stove.  The deck overlooks Griffin Bay.  A table and chairs allow you to dine outdoors, usually mosquito-free, thanks to the sea breeze.

This historic building was part of  San Juan Island’s American Camp in the 1850s where Captain George Pickett (who would later lead his famous, disastrous charge at Gettysburg) commanded his troops in the bloodless Pig War.  It was moved here in the 1940s to house the manager of a sawmill that operated on the property.  Roy and Kay Halsey refurbished it as a guest cottage in the 1950s and it has received a number of makeovers since.  Nobody has reported a ghost so far.

How well equipped is the kitchen?

A full complement of plates, dishes, utensils and cooking tools.  Full-size refrigerator-freezer, electric stove and oven, microwave, coffee maker and grinder, toaster.  No dishwasher.  Some condiments are on hand, but bring your own food to prepare.

Is there Internet access?

Yes, there's a booster in the cottage for our WiFi network, which is fast enough to keep up with Netflix, usually.  The cottage has no phone, though cell reception is good.

Do you take credit cards?

Not set up for that.  Please pay by check, PayPal or cash.

Is this a working farm?

There is light activity.  Fields are hayed in July.  We have no livestock at present.

Is there a hot tub?

No, sorry to say.

Will I see orcas?

Possibly.  They only occasionally visit the east side of the island.  Lime Kiln Park, on the west side, is the best orca-spotting place.  There's a parking charge.  Plenty of harbor seals, eagles, herons, mink and otters hang around Driftwood Farm, though. In Summer, you'll hear seals snorting at night. At midsummer, bioluminescent plankton put on a show.

I have mobility issues.  Is your place for me?

There are three steps up to the deck, so if you're wheelchair-bound, that's a challenge.  This old building is not ADA compliant.  The shower's a bit too narrow to accommodate a walker.  Once, an elderly lady couldn't make it into the upper bunk; so we put the mattress on the floor for her.  We'll work however we can to accommodate your needs.

How do I get there?

You'll be arriving on the island in Friday Harbor via Washington State Ferries (by car or walk-on)  San Juan Airlines (from Bellingham) or Kenmore Air (from Seattle), most likely.

This comprehensive page on transport to and among the islands is part of the Visitor's Bureau website.

Once you're in Friday Harbor:

Getting off the ferry, you'll be directed to Friday Harbor's main street, Spring Street.  Take it up the hill -- about a mile.

At the light brown coffee drive-through, at a traffic circle, turn left on Mullis street, and take it out of town (South).  In about a mile it becomes Cattle Point Road. 

About four miles down, turn left on Jensen Bay Road. 

One mile down, turn left again on Halsey Road.

We're second driveway on the left, 259 Halsey Road. The post says "Chadwick" and "Driftwood Farm" and has two reflectors on it like eyes.

Please watch out for the white dog and the black cat.

A few people have been steered into little dead-end side roads like Old Crab Lane by Google maps.  Stick to the big roads nearby like Cattle Pt. Rd and Jensen Bay Rd.

Important note on Ferries: this route has a 90% reservations policy.  They open reservations for 30% of the boat two months ahead, 30% two weeks ahead, and 30% two days ahead.  The 10% is for medical priorities and those lucky few who didn't book but still get on (and that's not many!). 

So go to Washington State Ferries and make a reservation when you can, ideally at 7:OO in the morning when the new tranche of reservations opens.

A last chance happens at 4:30 the day before sailing, because some people cancel before the 5:00 cutoff for returning their deposits and spots open up.   

Even with a reservation, they suggest arrive an hour before sailing.  In fact, you must be at the ticket booth at least 30 minutes prior to departure, or you lose your reservation.