Windermere Professional Partners

What’s it Like to Live on the Waterfront in Gig Harbor? Get an Inside Look!

December 28, 2017
Last updated June 20, 2019

Recently, REALTOR® Judi Duncan interviewed Stephanie H., a long-time Gig Harbor resident, about what it has been like to be a waterfront homeowner. Stephanie has owned her stunning home at 8030 Warren Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 for 17 years now, and it’s currently on the market!

Q: Why did you originally select this home to purchase?
A: I was looking for No Bank Waterfront Property in Gig Harbor. I loved the southern exposure, the concrete bulkhead, and the spectacular view of Mount Rainier. I saw great potential in this home, and I have updated or remodeled every room in this house, with the exception of the kitchen.

Q: Who were you when you bought this home? (Why did it appeal to you?)
A: I was a consultant for a software company for 20 years, and travelled the world on long-term assignments of 18 months to 2 years at a time. I was home on vacation when I found this house. The size of the house was perfect for me, and very easy to maintain. Yard service was in place for me to continue, the house had a monitored security system and great neighbors in close proximity to watch over the house when I was gone. It is a great place to come home to!

Q: What features did you like when you purchased this home?
A:
Water and mountain views from inside the house and outside on the deck, master bedroom on the main floor, and room for family and friends to stay and visit.

Q: Have you done any updating to the home since you bought it?
A:
Yes, I have updated and remodeled every room in the house with the exception of the kitchen. The master bath, master bedroom, and the guest room were completely remodeled. A new fireplace was built in the living room. A new fireplace was built in the guest suite. The deck was enlarged. The office and bedroom on the second floor were also remodeled. All windows in the house and guest suite were replaced.

Q: What do you love about this home now?
A:
The house is comfortable and cozy, and I look forward to arriving home each time I am gone for any length of time. The deck is an extension of the indoor living space and a great place to relax and end a busy day. The views are spectacular. The southern exposure allows me to have beautiful flowers and delicious tomatoes growing on my deck.

Q: If you were to stay another 5 years, is there anything you would change?
A:
I would enlarge and update the kitchen, and open it up to the adjoining office.

Q: What do you love about the neighborhood?
A:
Wonderful neighbors around me, and the opportunity to meet walkers and bikers who walk the Fox Island Bridge and Beach. It is a friendly environment to live in.

Q: Who in your mind do you feel would be an ideal buyer for your home?
A:
Buyers who are looking for a cozy comfortable beach home with spectacular views and southern exposure. If someone was looking for an income property, the guest suite is currently set-up as an AirBnB and has been a profitable venture with very little effort. The deck is a great place to entertain during the spring and summer months, and the awnings provide shade and a cozy feel to the space.

Q: Is there anything else I should know about your home?
A:
The white fence that runs the length of the property near the road and the fence that provides privacy from the neighboring home is vinyl and requires no scraping or painting. It is easy to maintain and keep clean. The fence was installed by Viking Fence in Bremerton.

  • The security system is monitored by ADT.
  • The crawl space underneath the house was completely cleaned and updated by Orkin Pest Control two years ago. Orkin has been ensuring pest control by inspecting every other month and spraying as needed. The crawl space work is guaranteed for any future problems, as long as regular service continues.
  • The landscape is maintained by Tomas Landscaping. They have been taking care of the shrubs, trees, grass and beds for 10+ years.

Thank you, Stephanie!

Do you have any questions about this listing? Would you like to learn more about living in Gig Harbor? You can contact REALTOR® Judi Duncan at 2jduncan@windermere.com!