It felt like the beach house I visited as a child: cozy, quiet, calming, and nestled into nature. The front view looks out over Puget Sound, so you can sit on the couch watching sailboats float by or storms roll in. Art and books line the walls. The kitchenette is just enough for preparing simple meals or dishing up takeout from the many excellent restaurants nearby. Janice is a lovely host who delivers home baked goodies and fresh flowers to your doorstep. If you have questions, she’s quick to respond and easy to talk to. The only downside turned into a positive: it’s hard to get into downtown Seattle right now, with the bridge still closed for the rest of the year. But keeping ourselves to West Seattle made for a trip that felt more relaxed and connected to the local community. We plan to return and bring our dog, so she can enjoy the cottage comforts and beach adventures along with us.