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Lightkeeper's Cottage on Puget Sound 'One of Finest in U.S.'

Photo gallery for Lightkeeper's Cottage on Puget Sound 'One of Finest in U.S.'

Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
Amazing Sunsets
Sailboat Races

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6232 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Tacoma, WA
  • Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Tacoma Dome
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Tacoma, WA (TIW-Tacoma Narrows)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Lightkeeper's Cottage on Puget Sound 'One of Finest in U.S.'

***PLEASE READ PARAGRAPH BELOW***
"Each Saturday, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, trained docents will be in the cottage and on site from 12:30 to 4:30 pm, to conduct and narrate public tours. If your rental period includes a Saturday, we require that you vacate the cottage for four hours for the tours."

HISTORIC WATERFRONT HOME WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS

Beautifully restored, historic 1903 Light Keeper’s Residence, with a full
kitchen, and furnished with antiques. Described US Lighthouse Society as “one of the finest examples of lighthouse property restoration in the country.” It sleeps a maximum of 6 people (including children), in three large bedrooms. The waterfront home overlooks lush gardens and a sweeping park lawn that slopes gently down to the saltwater beach and the iconic Browns Point Lighthouse. Breathtaking views of Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, and Tacoma’s jewel box city lights.

Enjoy a unique experience during your stay as an Honorary Lighthouse keeper!

Please read our rental documents thoroughly before signing, to determine if this experience will fit your expectations and needs. There is a nonrefundable cleaning fee of $100.

The cottage rental is for personal use only. No parties, events, or wedding-related activities are permitted on this historic property.

No pets allowed. Parking space provided.

There are three large bedrooms, two have queen beds and the other has a queen and twin bed. We also have a portable crib, high chair (that straps on chair) and a baby seat. The cottage has a modern kitchen that is stocked with all the utensils you need to cook your meals. Wi-Fi, TV, and DVD player are available.

We look forward to hosting you!

Property manager

Ali, Browns Point Lighthouse Cottage Manager

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Ocean view

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Property grounds

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Tacoma

Located in Browns Point, a neighbourhood in Tacoma, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the beach. Tacoma Union Station Rotunda and Freighthouse Square are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit The Commons at Federal Way and 6th Ave. Travelling with kids? Make time for Wild Waves Theme and Water Park, or head to an event or a match at Tacoma Dome. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Tacoma, WA

What's nearby

  • Dash Point State Park - 5 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center - 16 min drive - 16.8 km
  • Tacoma Dome - 17 min drive - 17.3 km
  • MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital - 18 min drive - 19.2 km
  • Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium - 30 min drive - 27.2 km

Getting around

  • Union Station - 20 min drive
  • South 25th Street Station - 21 min drive
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Copper & Salt Northwest Kitchen - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪BigFoot Java - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Stack 571 Burger And Whiskey Bar - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Ice Cream Social - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lightkeeper's Cottage on Puget Sound 'One of Finest in U.S.' pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Lightkeeper's Cottage on Puget Sound 'One of Finest in U.S.'?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lightkeeper's Cottage on Puget Sound 'One of Finest in U.S.'?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lightkeeper's Cottage on Puget Sound 'One of Finest in U.S.' located?

This Browns Point holiday home is on the beach, 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from Dash Point State Park, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center and St. Francis Hospital. Federal Way Community Center and BJ's Bingo are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 101 out of 111 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 111 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 111 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 111 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 111 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Laura D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Genuinely Remarkable Place

I have been gushing about this cottage to anyone who will listen for days, it was that special. The location was perfect— close to Tacoma and Seattle, yet surrounded by immaculately maintained green space and gardens around the cottage, point and lighthouse. The cottage, grounds, park, lighthouse and shoreline are clearly well-loved by locals who come by to walk their dogs, take photos, get fresh air, etc, but the entire park closes to everyone but the cottage guests after 9pm, when it is all yours. The cottage is fenced within the grounds and offers both the amenities you want in a rental (kitchen basics, comfortable beds, quality linens and functional spaces) while still preserving the history and story of the place. I would highly recommend it.I visited in April, during the off season when tours were not available, so the cottage was mine the whole time. During the tour season, it does appear that guests are required to vacate the cottage for a few hours to allow tours. However, the surrounding area boasts plenty to do— from museums and waterfront restaurants in Tacoma or Seattle, to nearby national parks, hiking and recreation options, etc. The park is clearly well loved and used by locals, which can feel a little awkward at times (some park visitors ignore the signs and park in the space that is supposed to be reserved for the cottage renters), but it was wonderful to see so many dogs and people of all ages enjoying the beautiful space there.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard And Kathleen A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Traveling with famiky

This cottage is as advertised and MORE!! Beautiful! The experience to stay in this historical cottage was amazing!! My sister and I booked it to surprise our husbands that love American history and it did not disappoint! Next time we will stay longer!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location!

Historic. Very comfortable beds, incredible view. Very clean. My cousins visited from Mora, Sweden and thoroughly enjoyed this cottage. They loved the neighborhood and the friendly faces they met during their stay. Thank you Browns Point
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

2nd stay just as wonderful as the first!

I booked over a year in advance to return to the Keepers Cottage. My nieces asked me if we could go again. I love old things so this place is right up my alley. The first thing I do is open all the windows and let the salt air breeze through and flap the lace curtains.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

derek m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Special experience

Unique experience. Incredible location at the lighthouse park. Comfortable historic cottage. Great hosts. Of course, there are people visiting the park, but that's part of the charm. Loved staying here.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Delightful get away with my young adults!

First things first. This is an absolute gem!! We arrived just as the sun was going down and the ensueing golden hour was our first glimpse at the cottage. The gardens! We literally gasped in delight. On the inside, it is obvious that this cottage was lovingly maintained and restored with care. The beds were soft, we slept deeply and were awakened by the honk of geese overhead. That afternoon, there was a small party enjoying the shade of the willow tree out front and having a baby shower
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cathy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls weekend

We are four friends of a certain age. This is the third lighthouse where we have stayed. The location was perfect. We enjoyed walking on the beach, cooking meals, reading, and relaxing. The house had everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

John M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderfully unique experience

This lighthouse cottage is a treasure. It has period furniture, pictures with historical information, so many books on related topics from boats, lighthouses, and how life was experienced in this lighthouse. Watching ships coming and going from the Port of Tacoma, wonderful sunsets. Could not ask for a better experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Setting

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the magic of this historical cottage, the surrounding marine life, and awe-inspiring views. I highly recommend going back in time for a few days to savor a more gentle world.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mindi T., La Center

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Property & Park

We enjoy staying here with family and spending time on the beach. Making meals and playing games. Only 1 bathroom can be challenging with a family, but love the location.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kirstine W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely perfect getaway!

Celebrated two friends 70th Birthdays. Beautiful red sunsets, fresh air, nice beach walks, comfortable home, perfectly appointed kitchen great for cooking homemade meals! Comfortable beds, too!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun get away

We had a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marie O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and peaceful

We arrived and everything was clean and ready for us. The cottage was the perfect size for 6 of us. The kitchen was well stocked for our basic needs and we were able to purchase milk and other necessities. The host made sure to check in with us throughout the trip to make sure everything was going well and we had everything we needed. The beach was perfect for mornings and evenings of beach combing, watching the fishermen and the boats, or having a picnic. We can't wait to stay here again in the future! Thank you for an amazing experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

William Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Sunsets!

My wife and I spent 4 nights in the cottage. The weather was absolutely beautiful and we had stunning sunsets every night! The Olympic mountains were painted with orange-red from the setting sun. In the early mornings, we saw seals and dolphins out in the water. While we enjoyed it, there were lots of people using the park and some stayed well beyond closing, which was a bit creepy.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Danielle C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice historic beachfront home

We enjoyed our stay at the lighthouse cottage. The home is beautiful with antiques throughout and comfortable beds. The setting in Browns Point Lighthouse Park is nice. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rachel W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

WOW! So beautiful - a Rare Find

We absolutely loved our stay at the beautiful lighthouse cottage. The house and grounds are stunning and in excellent condition. We loved the views and watching the sunset at night. Easy parking, very clean, good beds, and good communication with staff. We enjoyed beach walks and watching the tugboats and fisherman. Serene and safe. It was an honor to be able to stay there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Autumn M., Boulder Colorado

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Truly a unique property!

Location, location, location! It is such a fun and beautiful property. It is right on the water with a beautiful view. The historic cottage is really cute. It has three bedroom (two up , one down) and the bathroom is downstairs. It is a popular destination for locals and families so I think that adds to the fun. But if you are wanting private, it really isn't that. The park closes the gate at dusk, so it is pretty quiet after that. I highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Staying in a museum

This is such a unique property. My parents and brother stayed at the cottage and truly enjoyed their visit. They loved being able to explore the cottage and learn all about how life was for the lighthouse keeper. It is a museum and there are certain times of the year that there are tours during the weekend. My parents enjoyed watching the ships go by and all the wildlife that is around. It is a beautiful place and if you like to walk, there is North 47 Brewery, Browns Point Diner and the Lighthouse Market up the hill. If you're looking for a unique play to stay, this is it. Highly recommend!!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter H., Seattle

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Really historic but not private & not ideal for seniors

Property is fabulous historic destination, immaculately maintained. Appointments evoke times gone past, spanning roughly the 1890s to 1930s. Lots of intriguing artifacts from those eras in the house and outbuildings. Super support from the manager. Also be alert that this is not a private getaway opportunity: the grounds around the lightkeeper's residence are busy with visitors at all hours of the day. Also, the accommodations are charming but not ideal for elders and others with limited mobility. The house has a bedroom on first floor, which is a huge plus in this regard, but clawfoot bathtub in the one bathroom (which is also on the first floor) and narrow/right spaces make mobility tough even for users of walkers. Therefore, in sum, a great destination for folks appreciating history and views but less ideal for people with mobility issues.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Doug G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A memorable vacation

Beautiful location with charming accommodations. Highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chris H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic

The whole weekend was a blast. Highly recommended!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Experience

Wonderful and cozy place to stay! We were there during a storm, it was amazing! People walk into the park area and are so friendly. Wonderful community. The accommodations were great. We had plenty of every thing. Some places we have stayed had what they call “starter kits.” Not this place! We had plenty of towels, blankets, TP, soap, etc. The hostess was extremely accessible for any needs we had. Very fun family staycation.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Steve W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pretty View from the lighthouse

Nice quiet place to spend the holiday weekend. The folks that we were in touch with were very friendly and helpful
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jill M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place!

We had a wonderful stay! Even in the winter the place is so warm and cozy!! It was so clean with all the comforts of home!! Highly recommend!!!! Views amazing too!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy

Excellent
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

About the host

Hosted by Ali, Browns Point Lighthouse Cottage Manager

Host profile image
US Coast Guard still owns the property and maintains the working lighthouse. Metro Parks Tacoma has a long-term lease to have the grounds open to the public as a waterfront park. Points Northeast Historical Society, a volunteer organization since 1986, is responsible for restoring the property, having it available both as a vacation rental and interactive history museum. Rental fees go back into restoring the property and presenting history and museum programs like school field trips.

Why they chose this property

This is one of five lighthouse properties in Washington available for vacation rental. Online travel magazine, Smartertravel, says this is 'one of the 10 best lighthouse properties to sleep in' and US Lighthouse Society designated it as one of the best examples of restoration of lighthouse property in the country.

What makes this property unique

You are not just 'renters' but designated as honorary 'Lightkeepers' with duties such as raising the flag daily, keeping a log, and having the premises open for visitors on Saturday in summer season.

Languages:

English
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