Kingfisher Beach House - The Ideal Getaway for Integrating Nature, Creativity, and Family Time
The house faces the Puget Sound with stunning waterfront views
At Transcend, we are all about living intentionally, finding moments to slow down amidst the demands of everyday life. Even when things get busy, I’m always looking for ways to carve out pockets of time to recharge and spend quality moments with my family. With kids on summer break and some large work projects coming up, I knew I needed a change of scenery to help me reset—even if just for a few days.
In August, my family packed our bags for a quick getaway to Whidbey Island, searching for a place where we could balance focused work time with meaningful family time. After researching online, I discovered the Kingfisher Beach House, an architectural gem owned by Andy and Maggie Holloway. Nestled in nature and offering stunning panoramic views of Puget Sound, it was the perfect spot to retreat, do some work, and spend quality time with my family—all in one beautiful, peaceful location.
A Perfect Escape from City Life
Located just an hour and 15 minutes from Seattle (a short drive + ferry ride away), Kingfisher Beach House is close enough for a convenient getaway but far enough to feel worlds apart from the fast-paced city. The moment we arrived, the tension from busy workdays began to melt away as we took in the tranquil surroundings. With panoramic views of the Puget Sound stretching out before us, the house provides an idyllic setting to connect with nature, work without distractions, and spend uninterrupted time with loved ones.
Integrating Work and Family in a Natural Setting
As an entrepreneur, finding time to focus on work while also being present for my family is often a challenge. Kingfisher Beach House made it easy to do both. The spacious, thoughtfully designed interior allowed me to set up my workspace near large windows overlooking the water, giving me the focus I needed to tackle important tasks in the first few hours of the morning. The home’s modern amenities, combined with its serene environment, allowed us to seamlessly integrate work and family time. While I was able to dedicate focused hours to work, the rest of our time was spent reconnecting as a family—whether exploring the beach, cooking meals together in the beautifully designed kitchen, playing board games (thoughtfully provided at the Kingfisher House) or simply relaxing on the deck.
Designed for Mindfulness and Comfort
What makes Kingfisher Beach House truly special is how it blends modern luxury with the natural world. The house itself is intentionally designed to keep nature at the forefront, with large windows and open spaces that allow the beauty of Whidbey Island to be part of every moment. While the architecture is stunning, the true magic lies in how the home makes you feel—it invites you to slow down, be present, and enjoy the company of those you love most.
For my family and me, this getaway was not just about escaping the city—it was about creating meaningful moments together. Whether we were watching the sunset, playing outside, or enjoying evenings by the fire, the house provided the perfect backdrop for family time and reflection.
A David Price painting at the Kingfisher Beach House
A Creative Dream: Where Art, Nature, and Architecture Unite
The Kingfisher Beach House is more than just a place to stay; it’s a space where art and creativity flow seamlessly. Designed by renowned Pacific Northwest architect Bob Hoshide from Hoshide Wanzer, the house reflects a deep connection to nature and the creative vision of Andy Holloway. Andy’s dream was to “bring the outside, inside,” and this vision is evident in every detail. The home is filled with thoughtfully curated decor and art from local artists, including stunning pieces by David Price that grace the living room, adding to the space’s inviting and artistic ambiance. Even the lampshades, which took over a month to source from Japan (where Andy lived several years), reflect the meticulous care and attention to detail that went into every corner of this home. The house’s horizontal lines naturally draw the eye to the breathtaking views outside, blending the boundaries between the interior and the stunning Puget Sound landscape.
Building this home was no easy feat for Andy, who persevered through numerous challenges, including an 11-month wait for permits and skepticism about building so close to the water. He even worked on tying the sono tubes for the foundation with his two-year-old daughter by his side. Today, the Kingfisher Beach House stands as a testament to Andy’s creative dream and dedication, offering a space where families can recharge, find inspiration, and connect with the beauty of nature.
Plenty of spaces in the house to work and play
A Retreat for Work-Life Harmony
We wrapped up our 3 night trip with a refreshed mind and body, grateful for the time we spent at Kingfisher Beach House. It allowed my partner and I to be productive, yet present, and reminded us of the importance of making time for both work and family. This getaway was a much-needed reminder of the balance we all strive for—time to work, time to recharge, and most importantly, time to connect with the ones we love.
Whether you’re looking for a space to retreat in nature, get focused work done, or spend quality time with your family, I highly recommend Kingfisher Beach House for your next escape. Book your stay directly through kingfisherwhidbey.com and discover the perfect balance between work and family life in a setting that feels truly restorative.
Easy Online Booking
It is incredibly easy to book a stay directly through kingfisherwhidbey.com and you save up to 10% compared to booking on VRBO. Not only will you avoid the additional fees that third-party platforms charge, but the process is incredibly smooth. Andy and Maggie Holloway go above and beyond to ensure that the booking experience is seamless and personal, allowing families to focus on their time together without any added stress.
