Looking for the perfect waterfront vacation home? How about a private corporate retreat?  Or maybe you’ve dreamed of owning a bed-and-breakfast or an income-producing vacation rental, perfect for grand weddings and family reunions… Here it is, the estate at Chesley Park on the shores of the beautiful Lake Whatcom.

Nestled at the southern tip of Bellingham’s Lake Whatcom is a small waterfront community of a few dozen beautiful homes.  Many of these are vacation homes, owned by snowbirds from all over the World. Just up the hill, overlooking the lake is a magnificent estate that rests on almost six acres.

The estate consists of a carriage house, a main residence, a couple of outbuildings for parking, storage and landscaping equipment, as well as 460-ft of shared Lake Whatcom waterfront, including a dock. The main residence is a grand, custom-designed marvel consisting of 6 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. Designed and built in the early 90’s by its one and only owner, the home is like none other. The innovative floorplan includes a Great Room with 30-ft ceilings, a library, and a huge kitchen designed for traditional entertaining. The large deck extends from the dining and living area and faces north toward the private orchard and Lake Whatcom’s majestic blue waters. The carriage house offers 1725 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, with a double garage.  The finishes are high quality, though somewhat dated.  The right buyer with an eye for design could polish this gem into a shining masterpiece.

Click here for additional full-size pictures of the estate and surrounding area.

As a family friend of the owners, I have spent some time at this wonderful home over the years.  My personal feeling is that it is perfectly suited for a bed-and-breakfast, vacation rental or corporate retreat. It is possible to comfortably accommodate 15-20 people between the main house and carriage house. There is room for weddings and all sorts of gatherings in the front yard with the lake as a backdrop. Parking is ample, and the setting defines the words serene and private.  Weddings at comparable properties often go for thousands per day. Vacation rentals of this size can rent for thousands per week. The house is set up such that there is a true Master Suite on the main floor, apart from the rest of the house, perfect for a live-in operator of a bed-and-breakfast.  The opportunities and possibilities are myriad…limited only by the imagination and ambitions of an inspired new owner.

Currently listed at $1.25M, this home is truly unique. There is nothing else like it anywhere… 6 acres, 460-sf of Lake Whatcom waterfront, 8 bedrooms…surrounded by private forests… It may be beyond the scope of most of us, but there is a special someone out there for whom this magnificent estate will be a dream come true.

For more information, or to schedule a tour, contact Rob LeRoy directly at 206.883.6668 or by email at rob.leroy@exprealty.com

Thanks for Reading!

Looking for a last minute gift for your special someone?  Still struggling to figure out what to get for the person who has everything ? I’m here to help!  Believe me, I know how hard it is to find the perfect gift. Fortunately, I am a master of creativity. In my capacity as Realtor Extraordinaire, I am commonly asked for assistance with some of life’s biggest decisions. Here are some thoughts for great gift ideas:

• How about a nice remodeled craftsman bungalow?
• Or maybe a water-view condo with easy beach access?
• Perhaps that Lake Whatcom waterfront estate with a dock for your boat?
• Maybe a Fairhaven fixer project?
• Maybe a nice little cottage on the water in Birch Bay?

Just imagine the surprised and happy looks you’ll get when they tear the wrapping off of that huge box under the tree on Christmas morning! Just be careful when you try to explain the inherent paradox of Santa coming down the chimney of your house while carrying another house in his sack…it might get a little messy with the kids. Go ahead and dumb it down for them, if you like…

There is still time left to shop! Operators and lightning-fast escrow officers are standing by:

*first 5 callers will receive a free 100 yard spool of giant ribbon! (green, red, or sparkly silver)

Happy Holidays from Rob LeRoy and eXp Realty!  You can reach me any time at 206.883.6668 or by

e-mail at rob.leroy@exprealty.com

Not long ago, I took a drive over to Anacortes to see what I could see.   It had been a few years since my last visit, so I thought a refresher was in order.  I packed up the dog and my special ladyfriend Jody and headed South in the hope of discovering something new and interesting.

By the time we got into town, heading North on Commercial Street into the heart of Old Town, it became evident that  Dog was antsy and in need of either refreshment or outdoor “personal time”, so I decided to drive through a Fidalgo Bay coffee stand, which seemed fitting, given our proximity to the actual Fidalgo Bay.  Fortunately, the coffee person was wise enough to offer Dog a treat, lest she risk the loss of a portion of pinky or the more subtle, but devastatingly effective “eclate-de-chien”, which has been known to induce vomiting and night sweats.  Unfortunately, it soon became clear that I had misjudged Dog’s needs and an outdoor pit-stop was in immediate order. Also, we wanted cookies.  So we shifted West through town past the ferry terminal and ended up at the beautiful, if mysteriously titled, Washington Park.  At first we attempted a  beach landing, but were immediately turned back by the sudden emptying of a tour bus filled with wild-eyed octogenarians  hell-bent on storming the nearby barbecue hut.  We thought it best to leave them be,  having decided that now was not the time to risk life and limb in what could turn out to be a lengthy and treacherous ground assault.  Surely, at 220 acres, there was room enough in this park for all of us to co-exist peacefully…at least for the moment.

After a few minutes of slow cruising through a winding, single-lane road lined with Madrona trees reminiscent of Northern California, we arrived at a clearing near what seemed to be the high-point of the park.  The views were phenomenal and beyond compare, at nearly 200 degrees.

To the East the Skyline Marina of Burrows Bay was visible, while to the South and West the Rosario Strait stretched out toward the San Juan Islands.

Having parked, we started to hike down the hill toward the water below…about 100 very steep yards.  It took almost no time for Dog to conduct his personal business, and soon he was quite bouncy and tugging eagerly on his leash. This was a problem, due to the steep grade and the dusty nature of the path, which is composed of rocks and soil that are unusual, in that they are deficient in certain nutrients, causing a reddish tint and unstable texture. The path is especially  slippery and treacherous if tread upon without proper footwear. We were wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are pretty much the worst possible footwear one could choose, with the possible exception of a peg-leg, if that even qualifies as footwear.  Fortunately, as fate would have it, the pirate  community has already forsaken the park for political reasons unrelated to the particulars of the soil, leaving one-legged pirate tourists at little risk of taking an embarrassing spill down the dusty trails.

After reaching the bottom of the hill, stopping to pose for pictures and taking the obligatory 5-minutes to quietly pause and reflect, we decided it was time to head back. This proved to be quite difficult, given the aforementioned trail conditions and our woefully inadequate footwear.  Luckily, our cocktail consumption of the previous evening  had left us feeling more robust and agile than might be typical for a Sunday afternoon.  With some determined and carefully placed footfalls, a few grunts, and the occasional muffled obscenity we managed to reach the top in what seemed like only a few hours, but was in reality closer to 10 minutes.  Having finally arrived back at the car and caught our breath, we congratulated ourselves on having inadvertently stumbled into some exercise in our quest to find cookies.   With a quick high-five and some pats on our respective backs, we piled back into the car, dog in tow, and headed back into town in search of our hard-earned snacks.  All-in-all, it was a rewarding experience, and I plan on returning someday soon with my trusty hiking boots, so that I might more thoroughly explore  those  beautiful and unique trails.

Click here for more pictures! Click here for more of my articles!

Looking West from Washington Park

For part 7 of my Guide to Bellingham, I would like to take a break from talking about the myriad ways with which to fill your days, and instead tell you about where to spend your nights, at least until you’ve purchased a home of your own. Like most American cities, especially those with major Interstate highways bisecting them, Bellingham has all sorts of overnight lodging options.  We’ve got everything from four and five-star luxury hotels with water views and swanky wine bars, to flea-ridden, boarded-up shanties with hourly rates.  It is upon the former that I will dwell here, though there are certainly some entertaining stories to tell about the latter. Not from personal experience, necessarily…but I know people…friends of my brother’s college roommate, as it were. Just kidding. I don’t even have a brother….

The Best Western Lakeway Inn: Situated right in the middle of town, just off of I-5, the Lakeway Inn is not your average Best Western. They’ve got a high quality restaurant, conference space, a nice indoor pool, and a great bar (Poppe’s ) with live jazz and one of the best Happy Hours in town.  It is about a 10-15 minute walk to downtown and has easy access to everything.  They also happen to offer special rates to clients of mine who are in town to look for homes… 714 Lakeway Dr Bellingham, WA 98229 (360)671-1011

The Lakeway Inn

The Fairhaven Village Inn: Nestled in the heart of the Old Fairhaven historic district, the Fairhaven Village Inn is a cozy (22 rooms) and inviting slice of Bellingham history.  The Inn is across the street from the Fairhaven Village Green Park, which features a farmer’s market, outdoor movies, and several shops and restaurants nearby.  You won’t have to bother with a car here, as everything you’ll need is within easy walking distance. Dozens of unique and boutique little restaurants, shops and walking paths are right outside the door. If you do feel like a drive, downtown Bellingham is just 5-minutes to the north, as is Western Washington University, with the fabled Chuckanut Drive beginning it’s long and winding road just a few short miles to the south. 1200 10th St, Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-1311

The Fairhaven Village Inn

The Chrysalis Inn and Spa: If you want luxury and unparalleled pampering, try the Chrysalis Inn, also in Fairhaven.  Overlooking Bellingham Bay, the Chrysalis features the very finest of everything. The restaurant and wine bar, Fino, is fantastic, and the views are breathtaking, looking west over the Fairhaven boardwalk, Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands.  And then there’s the spa….Spending a day here will add years to your life, leaving you feeling younger and more vibrant than ever, like a real-life Benjamin Button… a character whose movie, ironically, took away what felt like years of my life…(Awwww…I kid David Fincher. It was pretty good…but 2 1/2 hours? Really? I finished college in less time than that!) 804 10th Street Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 756-1005

The Chrysalis Inn & Spa

The Hotel Bellwether: Well, you can tell right off the bat that this place is pretty swanky…the name just sounds fancy.  Anytime you say the word “hotel” before the actual name, you know it’s gonna be nice…and expensive. the Hotel Bellwether is both. Situated on Bellingham Bay (almost literally) the Bellwether is a classic luxury hotel in every way.  With grand rooms, an outstanding restaurant,  the popular Harborside Bistro (whose talented young chef happens to be a close friend) and a location that defines the word “exceptional”, the Hotel Bellwether is the kind of place you’ll want to include in your boring family slide-shows for years to come. Stay there for the weekend…remember it for a lifetime.  One Bellwether Way, Bellingham WA 98225 (360) 392-3100

The Hotel Bellwether

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars, Part 6: Pubs

Thanks for reading!  Please leave your comments below. If you have any questions about Bellingham, WA or real estate in general, please feel free to email me directly at rfleroy@gmail.com or call me at 206.883.6668

The Bellingham, WA bar scene has much to offer. There are great dive bars if you like to play pool, and great places to go see live music, but sometimes you just want a place to chill out and meet some people, or lay your weary head on a nice, wooden bar. That's when you need a good pub, or maybe a swanky cocktail lounge. When it's time to raise a glass with old friends, or get to know some new ones, nothing beats a good pub.  Whether your personal poison of preference be beer, wine or spirits, it is a comfort to us all to know a warm, inviting place to find it.  My palate tends to lean in the direction of beer, light or dark, domestic or imported, though I do have a special place in my liver heart for Canadian whiskey, the great gift of our neighbors to the North.  Years of exuberant experience have left me with a pretty good handle on the particulars of Bellingham's many offerings. These are my favorites...in no particular order.

Uisce Irish Pub

Uisce: OK, this one is my favorite, so I guess there is some particular order...  Uisce (pronounced "ISH-kuh,", the Irish word for "whiskey") is a glorious Irish pub in downtown Bellingham. Opened just a few years ago by native Bellinghamster Molly McGarry and her Irish-native husband, David, Uisce is a classic Irish pub, repleat with hardwood floors, a fire place, church pew benches, and a wide range of Irish and English beers on tap, not to mention a solid collection of The Pogues on the jukebox.  Lots of whiskey, too, of course...and darts. 1319 Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 738-7939

The Copper Hog

The Copper Hog: Another newbie to downtown Bellingham, The Copper Hog is a European-style gastro pub with a rotating array of 15+ beers from around the world, as well as a full bar.  Their menu is varied and enticing, and the atmosphere is cool, dim and classy, without being pretentious. They offer darts and free wi-fi, as well as limited outdoor seating in the warmer months.  The building The copper Hog occupies is about 100 years old, as evidenced by the beautiful woodwork and the rather creepy 19th Century asylum-esque bathrooms.  I mean "creepy" in the nicest possible way... 1327 N State St. Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 927-7888

Nimbus and Bellingham Tower

Nimbus: Though known more for its innovative gourmet food menu, Nimbus is unique in that it sits atop the tallest building in downtown Bellingham, the Bellingham Tower.  From 14 stories above the city (ok...big small-town), the views from Nimbus are unparalleled.  With windows on three sides, the views make Nimbus is a great place for before, during, or after dinner cocktails, especially if you're on a date... The custom blown-glass handles on the rotating beer taps add a cool, artsy touch to an altogether classy atmosphere.  The garlic French fries pair quite nicely with the Smithwick's draught, I must say...  119 N Commercial St # 1500 Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 676-1307

Archer Ale House

The Archer Ale house: Epitomizing Old Fairhaven's English atmosphere, Archer's feels the way Cheers would feel, if Cheers were in some quaint little English village. Nestled underground beneath some of Fairhaven's most popular boutiques, Archer's is warm and cozy, with a good range of European beers on tap, and a much larger variety of imported bottled beers.  Though the food is known to be a little hit-or-miss, the place is like none other in Bellingham.  The underground setting creates a genial, lively vibe that always feels inviting. They might not know your name, but everybody is in good spirits. 1212 10th St Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 647-7002

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars, Part 6: Pubs

Thanks for reading!  Please leave your comments below. If you have any questions about Bellingham, WA or real estate in general, please feel free to email me directly at rfleroy@gmail.com or call me at 206.883.6668

I’m a big fan of hiking. I don’t do it nearly as often as I would like to, but such is life.  My personal favorite hiking area is Blanchard Hill. It’s got it all: Views, lakes, forested sections and open areas. More variety than any other hike I’ve found.  Located on Chuckanut Mountain, (south of Bellingham between I-5 and Chuckanut Drive) Blanchard Hill is one of the area’s most beautiful natural landscapes and offers some of the best hikes and views around.  With several trails, Blanchard Hill offers hikes ranging from relaxing and quiet to slightly grueling. (Click here for full article with pictures)

There are multiple trails and access points, depending on the level of distance and difficulty you are looking for. It is possible to hike from the bottom, via Chuckanut Drive, or drive to a lookout about halfway up, then continue to the peak from there. There are a couple of small lakes (Lily and Lizard) along the way, depending on which trails you take.

From the parking area, the trail (part of the famous Pacific Northwest Trail) winds up toward a series of bat caves, and then up to the top, known as Oyster Dome. The views from Oyster Dome are unparalleled. Be warned, it’s a tough hike, but worth every sweaty step. The reviews I’d read before my first attempt sounded daunting, but it wasn’t too bad. My 11 year-old daughter made it up just fine… She also had no problem sitting right up near the edge at the top. I, however, clung to a nearby tree and occasionally peaked over the side. What can I say, I’m afraid of heights and I love to hike. I’m also afraid of water but love being on boats. To each their own, as they say… 

Bellingham has a long, rich history of producing and showcasing live music.  More than a few regional bands have cut their teeth in Bellingham’s bars before going on to varying levels of fame and fortune.  Though the scene has changed over the years, and venues have come and gone, a vibrant live music scene still remains among a handful of Bellingham bars and pubs. While there are a few all-ages halls with occasional shows, like Western’s Viking Union, I am not including them. That’s because I avoid all-ages shows whenever possible.  All kids and no beer makes Rob a dull boy.  So then this list, as usual, includes only those venues that I deem worthy of praise, adulation and literary attention. (Click here for the full article with pictures)

• The Nightlight Lounge: First, and probably finest, the Nightlight is among the newest of Bellingham’s live music venues. The Nightlight was built just a few years ago, and incorporates modern equipment and acoustical engineering with beautiful woodwork and innovative local art.  Laid out into several rooms, the Nightlight features pool tables, a VIP area, and two bars, with the stage at the center.  Priding itself on hosting the biggest names in town, the Nightlight presents commercially successful talent, as well as the best of the local up-and-comers.  It’s basement location gives it a hip, big-city feel that really sets it apart. 211 E Chestnut St Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 778-3240

• The Green Frog Acoustic Tavern: Eschewing brevity, both in its name and beer menu, the Green Frog is a tiny, glorious, hole-in-the-wall type of place on the edge of downtown Bellingham’s commercial corridor.  Dog friendly and littered with peanut shells, the Green Frog has nightly live music and one of the longest lists of micro-brews in town. In fact, other than the actual brew pubs, the Green Frog, whose beer-loving owner scours the Earth in search of the finest brews, has THE most unique and varied menus around. Even as a self-proclaimed beer-snob, I commonly find myself staring blankly at the lengthy and ever-changing list of exotic brews having NO idea what to ask for, either because I’ve never heard of them, or because there are just too many choices. Either way, that’s a good kind of problem to have.  Oh…the music!  I forgot! They have live music most of the time. Usually of the not-quite-ready-for-prime-time variety…in a good way. Whether eclectic, exotic or just plain strange, the musicians at the Green Frog are right there in your face. With only about 800 total square feet, the “stage” takes up most of the open space not already used up by the tables and bar, so it gets pretty cozy. Again, in a good way.  902 N. State St. #104 Bellingham, WA  98225 (360)756-1213

• The Wild Buffalo:  Known primarily for showcasing regional blues, reggae and folk-rock artists, the Wild Buffalo has  been a staple of the Bellingham music scene for several years.  They’ve got great, high ceilings, old wood floors with plenty of room for dancing…or just flailing around in slow motion, which is probably more accurate.  There is an excellent range of regional micro-brews on tap, as well as a full bar, pizza by the slice, and a few pool tables.  The Wild Buffalo is the kind of place you can take a group and be pretty much certain that everyone will be happy. 208 W Holly St Bellingham, WA 98225  (360) 312-3684

• Boundary Bay Brewery: Though famous mainly for its fantastic beer, Boundary is also a great place for live music, especially during the Summer, when the outdoor stage and beer garden are open.  The beer garden is an absolute staple in the Summers. Settled into a recessed, vacant lot between two brick buildings, with a terraced wall on one side, it has the feel of a small amphitheater, accented with glowing lights, intricate landscaping and a view of downtown Bellingham to the West.  The bands are always lively-usually folksy, bluegrass or reggae influenced. In the colder months they have smaller folk and jazz acts in the bar…  1107 Railroad Ave Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 647-5593

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below, or e-mail me at rob.leroy@exprealty.com, or call me at 206.883.6668

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars

Now that I’ve offered up my picks for the best Bellingham restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I think it’s time to move on to the nightlife. We all need a place to go after work to blow off some steam, regroup with friends, and suck down a few glasses of “medicine,” whether that comes in the form of a well-crafted micro-brew, a $10 martini, or a fine, overpriced Cabernet. As a connoisseur of Bellingham’s rich and varied nightlife, I have arranged my favorites into four categories: Dive Bars, Live Bars, Pubs and Breweries, and Classy Joints. (Click here for full article with pictures)

Part 4: Bellingham’s Best Dive Bars

• The Beaver: My #1, all-time favorite dive bar. The Beaver Inn has everything you could you want in a dive bar. Low ceilings, brick walls, really cheap beer, darts and a pair of pool tables. Don the Bartender (who can generously be described as “ill-humored”) has been there, 86-ing troublemakers, since the dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The only bartender I’ve ever known who will ban someone “for life”…a fate suffered by more than a few dear friends of mine over the years. No live music…but they have a popcorn machine. And it’s FREE!!! 1315 N State St. Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-3460

• The Up&Up Tavern: My second favorite dive bar of all-time. Back in college (when they had $1 pitchers of Busch Light! Mmmmm…), I think I spent more time at “The Up” than I did in class… The vintage sign claims the place is “World Famous”… I can’t say for sure, but it seems reasonable enough. Unfortunately, the Up&Up has been remodeled and renovated in recent years, making it kind of nice inside…and half the size of its former self (long story). However, they still have two pool tables, a huge selection of beer, cheap and micro, and one of Bellingham’s largest outdoor seating areas, a nice perk in the Spring and Summer. 1234 N State St. Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-9739

• Cap Hansen’s: Small and crowded, like every good dive bar should be, Cap’s has, in my humble opinion, THE best jukebox in town. Lots of Tom Waits, Pixies, and Willie Nelson… They have a good selection of beer on tap, including the essential PBR. The tall cans of Oly are a nice bonus… They have occasional live music, but the place is so small that the bands take up most of the room. Cap’s is a great place to warm up before a show at the Nightelight, located next door. 209 E Chestnut St. Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-0878

For part 3 of my “Guide to Bellingham” I will direct the reader to my favorite places to eat dinner. Keep in mind, some of these are also open for lunch…it is just a matter of personal preference that I usually choose them for dinner.  These restaurants lean heavily toward Italian, “American” and pub fare…  Though food quality is the main criteria, each of these restaurants has a unique character and style that add to the overall experience.  As with entries in my other guides, you won’t find any corporate cookie-cutter fat farms in here. These are all locally owned businesses that help make Bellingham such a great place to live. (Click here for full version with pictures)

Part 3: Bellingham’s Best Restaurants for Dinner

• Mambo Italiano:  Located in one of the oldest, most unique buildings in downtown Fairhaven, Mambo offers incredible Italian cuisine. It’s a pretty laid-back place, like most of the places on this list.  Try the tortellini carbonara. Cream sauce, peas, ham and cheese tortellini….and LOTS of garlic. Be careful with the Caesar salad- it’s great, but the default setting comes with anchovies. I find them disturbing and a little horrifying. What am I, a cat? 1303 12th St. Bellingam, WA 98225 (360) 734-7677

• Le Chat Noir (The Black Cat): Upstairs from Mambo in Fairhaven’s Sycamore Square building, The Black Cat feels like a 19th century French bistro…or the inside of a pirate ship. Admittedly, they aren’t known for always having the best service or consistent food quality. However, the location and style are ultra-cool, and the gouda-stuffed chicken with pesto cream sauce is on my top 5 list of favorite foods in the whole World. It’s really incredible…  1200 Harris Ave Ste 310 Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-6136
  

• D’Annas: Located in the heart of downtown Bellingam, D’Anna’s has some of the best Italian food in the city. It has a cozy, welcoming feel, and is usually busy. They have fresh-made pastas, with rotating specials. Try the lasagna or the chicken masala…with a Peroni from the tap.  1317 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 714-0188

• La Fiamma:  Known for its wood-fired pizza, La Fiamma is a perfect example of Bellingham’s progressive vision. The architecture and décor are modern and sort of industrial, but they recycle everything! The straws are made out of corn, and the utensils are all-in-one hybrids with characteristics of forks, knives and spoons. They’ve got outdoor seating with heat lamps… The pizza is their specialty, and it is fantastic. They also have some really good soups and desserts. Try the tomato bisque, the hummus plate and the BBQ chicken or Sofia pizzas. 200 E. Chestnut Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 647-0060