Thank you Tess & Morris for your lovely, serene ranch and friendly hospitality! You spared us from…read morewhat could have been a dismal getaway weekend. We were headed to Sooke Harbor, BC for a much-needed, long weekend. Imagine our disappointment after driving 2+ hours from our home in Kirkland to the Black Ball Ferry in Port Angeles, only to find there was no room for us on the only afternoon ferry to Victoria!! Note: we learned a valuable lesson - make reservations if you want onboard!!
Our spirits dashed, we began to formulate Plan B after canceling our reservation at Sooke Harbor. We searched the interweb for hotels or lodges in the vicinity and came across the Bond Retreat Ranch. After finding other places booked solid or not yet open for the season, we were very relieved when Tess said we could have the Cottage for the weekend! We headed straight to the Ranch where we were greeted by the congenial Tess and her sidekick, Goofy the hound dog. She took us on a quick tour of the Ranch - a lovely, well-maintained spread, which includes 5 guest rooms with the B&B, a large pasture for the two resident horses, a cute wedding chapel, covered patio for gathering, breakfast room made from a converted barn, pavilion for dancing, and several other outbuildings. Then we were escorted to our private little cottage with a cozy living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and a private yard with chairs, porch, picnic table, lots of trees and a nice view of the ranch. The B&B wasn't open for the season, but Tess was happy to put us up. All the buildings on the ranch were built by Morris, the 70 year-old owner and Tess' longtime partner. Morris bought the land when he was 18, logged the trees, milled the lumber and built it all himself, including their home on the premises. The workmanship is impressive and the entire place is clean, inviting, rustic and charming. The ranch is a lovely venue for a wedding, family reunion or group getaway. In season they have a nightly campfire and serve breakfast in the barn and patio.
The Cottage was spotless - not a speck of dust or cobweb in sight! I found this very impressive considering we arrived off-season. The bed was so cozy - we slept like babies! There were lots of warm quilts and fluffy pillows to snuggle into. The kitchen has a fridge, sink, small range and is stocked with enough dishes, pans & utensils to prepare light meals. If you want to grill, there is one at the pavilion or they will bring one down to the Cottage. There is a book of local restaurant recommendations, some magazines about the area and an electric fireplace in the living room. What they don't have is a TV or wifi - so you are delightfully unplugged! The pavilion does have wireless if really needed (cell service on Verizon was sketchy at best).
We spent two full days exploring the surroundings and east side of the Olympic National Park - Salt Creek State Park, Crescent Bay, Madison Falls, Hurricane Ridge, the Elwha Valley, Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls, the Lake Crescent Lodge, etc. We hiked a LOT! The weather was nice - our last day it was fantastic! We had a delicious dinner at the Alder Wood Bistro (highly recommended) and a crazy-good breakfast at the Oak Table Cafe, both in Sequim. We picked up some groceries at the Sunny Farms Country Store with its great selection of organic and local produce & meats, raw honey, etc. All of these are within 10 min of the Ranch. For our 2nd night we picnicked in the front yard, enjoying the vibrant, northwest skies for sunset.
This was the best Plan B ever! We can't wait to come back and explore more of the area and hopefully spend another stay at the Ranch. Sadly, Morris & Tess are
Looking to retire, so the Ranch is on the market. How I wish I had the youth and money to buy it! What a lovely piece of paradise. Fortunately, the Ranch will be open in the meantime and we highly recommend you check it out!