Everyone has fond memories of their childhood summer vacations, spending time with family and friends and playing outside for hours. Now it's time to make more of those memories with The Tides, just minutes from the Canada-U.S. border in Birch Bay, Washington. Canadian families have been coming to Birch Bay for generations: for the beach, the weather, and the cheap price of real estate.
"At The Tides, you get the best of both worlds," says Chris Hughes, a local RE/MAX broker who grew up in West Vancouver and a partner in Compass Point Project Marketing. "It's private, relaxed and quiet, but you can be at the beach in less than two minutes for all the activity and action you want."
The Tides is located on a sunny plateau with over eleven acres in total, of which seven acres are set aside as nature preserve, private treed parkland and trails, which creates a perfect setting for a second home getaway. There will also be picnic areas, a bocce ball court and an ocean-view lookout with a fire pit (called Sunset Point). The Clubhouse has a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, billiards area, community kitchen, BBQ area and a lounge.
The cottage style townhomes themselves are homes away from home, with stainless-steel appliances, granite or quartz countertops, a cozy stone-faced gas fireplace and "cottage" styled detailing. Outside, you'll find West Coast Craftsmen architecture and a private deck or patio. There are a variety of two- and three-bedroom floorplans available, ranging from 1,082 to over 1,500 square feet, including five ready for immediate occupancy.
The location is the biggest draw for buyers. The famous C Shop, which sells candy, ice cream, pizza, baked goods and other treats, is just a minute away. When the tide is out you can walk for miles on the sand and along the Birch Bay beachfront. There are a number of eclectic restaurants and cafes, and plenty of outdoor activities. You'll also find Birch Bay State Park and boat launch, water slides, go-carts, mini-golf, two marinas and several golf courses nearby.
"There are a ton of things to do," Hughes says, "including digging for clams, fishing and crabbing."
Organized activities include arts and music festivals, fireworks, the Birch Bay Marathon. parades, sandcastle contests, car shows and many other events.
"We're just 12 minutes from the border," says Hughes. "You can come down with the family for the entire summer or just for the day."
He also notes that if you're not able to come down to the cottage yourself, you can rent it out to other families looking for a beach getaway.
The developers of the property include two Canadian families, and most of the buyers so far are from the Lower Mainland.
"You can't touch real estate at this price anywhere in the Lower Mainland," Hughes says. "It's way more affordable to buy in the U.S., plus, there's no property purchase tax. You can buy a two-bedroom unit here at The Tides for less than a studio apartment in the Lower Mainland!"
Cottages at The Tides start in the low $200,000s. For more information, visit www.thetidesbirchbay.com, email info@thetidesbirchbay.com or call 1-888-255-8121. The show cottages are open at 4760 Tidal Way, Birch Bay Friday through Sunday between noon and 4 p.m. or by appointment any time.