B. Historic simple elegance rumored to be the closest to the water in Jefferson County, with UNOBSTRUCTED, EVOLVING PANORAMIC VIEWS from nearly every room. Convenient beach steps right from your expansive entertaining deck!!

C. FREE High speed wireless internet. A rare amenity in this region.

D. World renowned Olympic National Park/Forest with enticing waterfalls, hiking heaven, and forever views of downtown Seattle, Mt Rainier, Mt. Baker, the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, and most of Puget Sound!! Dosewallips State Park with scenic, and historic nature trails (historic logging train track route), is a mere 3 min walk.

Due to popularity and numerous daily inquiries received, PLEASE FULLY REVIEW MINIMUM NIGHTS, RATES, and AVAILABILITY CALENDAR if inquiring. RATE STRUCTURE is by BEDROOM, with exclusive, private use of facilities. It is recommended to book early to avoid disappointment.

THIS ROMANTIC NANTUCKET CHARMER IS IN PROCESS OF JOINING THE NATIONAL HISTORIC REGISTRY, and is rumored to be the closest home to the water in Jefferson County. It was constructed by T.B. Balch in 1920, one of the original founders of Brinnon. Located near the east side of Olympic National Park (closest to Seattle), and on the Dosewallips Wildlife Estuary, a MAJOR WILDLIFE DRAW and feeding ground! Observe The Roosevelt Elk herd, or oh-so-close bald eagles, PLAYFUL sea lions and pups, cute river otters, colorful, fascinating birds, and periodic orcas.

SUBMARINES and WILDLIFE..Also unique to The Historic Balch Retreat is the interesting Trident Navy sub's that practice next to the Estuary ''shelf'' in the middle of Hood Canal. You'll also enjoy beach stairs that connect right to your large view deck, and have a clear advantage of being RIGHT NEXT TO THE WATER (no building restrictions back in 1920). Mother of pearl beach combing awaits on 1,000 feet of privately owned beach, and 29 acres of former oyster farm!! Harvest from these private tidelands (no license required-limits apply) with plump, numerous varieties of sweet, succulent shellfish, and delectable crab and shrimp. You may even encounter a baby seal or two (in season). Bald eagles fly close in, and are a true sight to behold. The view through original leaded glass windows, is constantly changing, and panoramic from most rooms. This also includes Mt Rainier and Mt. Baker!

FANTASTIC HIKES, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, SPECTACULAR KAYAK/BOATING and so much more!! - Come experience some of the most scenic hikes. Three outstanding waterfalls, and some of the most amazing picturesque day hikes you can possibly imagine. One hike (or drive) overlooks most of the entire Puget Sound, Mt Rainier, Mt Baker, Olympics, and Cascades. Venture into world renowned Olympic National Park and Forest. Kayak, boat, and harvest superb tasting shellfish, crab and shrimp (thanks to the minerals coming out of the Dosewallips River), right in front of The Retreat. There is also a boat launch just a quick minute away at Pleasant Harbor Marina. Paddle kayak and canoes directly in front and around the Wildlife Estuary. There is also wine tasting, and so much to explore at quaint seaports, or soak in the soothing relaxation of your romantic Hood Canal paradise. The list is endless.

ROMANCE ABOUNDS...Popular with couples and honeymooners. Indulge with a romantic toasty fire (indoors or out), a relaxing indoor jetted spa with amazing Hood Canal view (the moonlight on the water is truly inspiring), and expansive master suite, with pillow top king bed. Reconnect on the unique cushioned leather double rocking chair for 2 (see photos) in front of the cozy, warm woodstove. Celebrate each other with so many appealing things to do together, or revel in total relaxation.

FOOD FOR THE SOUL - Come experience some of the sweetest, plumpest, and exceptionally large oysters from our acres of private tidelands along with clams and mussels.The perfection of our shellfish is due to the minerals coming out of the Dosewallips River next to The Retreat. Shellfish thrive on it! To cook that wonderful shellfish or favorite recipes, there is a large 1920 chef's style kitchen with original antique kitchen sink, and built in drainboard. Well appointed kitchen offers retro style small appliances, and all the modern amenities, complete with spice rack and FRESH MINT FROM YOUR GARDEN (summer and fall), and a large, new outdoor gas grill too.

PREFER NOT TO COOK? Esquire magazine's #2 choice for 'Best Bar in America' is just a three minute walk at the Geoduck Restaurant. Additionally, The Half Way House Restaurant a couple of minutes away, is famous for legendary HOME COOKING and HOMEMADE PIES.

SENIORS AND THOSE WITH LIMITED MOBILITY. Our retreat is user friendly. Only 3 steps down from the parking area, if staying on the main level in the charming ''blue room'' bedroom. The main level provides deluxe kitchen, 1920 style bathroom (with original shower ring tub), media room, dining, and living rooms. You'll love the covered view balcony off the 'blue room' bedroom and living room, with patio heater, zero gravity recliners, glider, and THE ULTIMATE IN VIEWS THAT IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING that abounds with wildlife!! It is rumored to be the closest home to the water in Jefferson County, so you can easily talk to those on the beach (NOT wheelchair accessible).

Please let us know if you wish to indulge in the simple elegance of 1920, Dosewallips Wildlife Estuary, superb seafood, Olympic National Park, and Hood Canal at its finest! *****PLEASE SEE RATES AND AVAILABILITY CALENDAR*****

Our guests appreciate that we understand your time is valuable, and provide quick responses to serious inquiries.