Epic waterfront getaways for your ideal relaxing vacation
By Abigail Thorpe
Nestled along the Sound shoreline sit some of Gig Harbor’s best luxury waterfront vacation rentals. Boasting fantastic views, direct water access and prime locations, Stay Waterfront Gig Harbor’s homes offer visitors a one-of-a-kind stay for the price of a hotel. Visitors enjoy their own private waterfront access in upscale Gig Harbor residences where guests enjoy all the amenities of a home, with space for up to 14 people in the largest rental.
David Baumgardner and Ann Jolie started the company in 2016 with a mission to share their love of staying right on the water with others. “The most rewarding part of this business is seeing guests' reaction to their accommodations,” says Baumgardner. “We love sharing the properties with others and occasionally meeting some of our guests. We have met guests from around the world, and many have returned.”
Stay Waterfront Gig Harbor offers five different rental properties with water views. Four of the properties sit directly on the water and have a private beach. Guests can expect an actual room and comfortable bed to sleep in—Baumgardner and Jolie take care to make sure sleeper couches and multiple beds crowded into rooms are not part of the experience.
The company has received only 5-star reviews since its start and prides itself on its quick, reliable and open communication with guests. Gig Harbor is a short drive for inlanders looking for a weekend getaway, and all of Stay Waterfront Gig Harbor’s homes provide a clean, unique and relaxing opportunity for families and individuals to enjoy a weekend on the water, whether they’re coming from far, or simply enjoying a relaxing staycation.
Travel restrictions and health concerns still may be present, however, things are starting to open up to allow for people’s summer travel plans and into the fall and winter. A local vacation (or staycation) anytime of year is always a treat at the Stay Waterfront Gig Harbor properties. “More locals are now enjoying these waterfront getaways without having to travel far,” says Baumgardner. There are no other places in Gig Harbor that offer these “on the water” experiences.
Each rental offers kayaks and canoes free of charge, and some even have fire pits to enjoy the crisp harbor evenings. Each home is thoroughly cleaned after each use, so guests can rest assured of a safe, healthy place to spend time with family and friends with all of the privacy they need—complemented by the most spectacular views. They take extra special care to ensure all guests enjoy their stay to the fullest each time they visit.
Baumgardner was born and raised in North Tacoma and got involved in real estate at the early age of 17. He and Jolie, who is originally from California, have lived in Gig Harbor for the last several years, developing a deep love of the community and its waterfront offerings and gorgeous views.
The couple works to give back to the community both locally and internationally. “We have a clean and sober transitional house helping men integrate back into society with the Department of Corrections,” says Baumgardner. They are also involved with a school of 800 students in Liberia, work with the Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank and Community Services, and participate in other local and national nonprofits including the Rescue Mission. During the COVID-19 health crisis, they offered their homes at no charge to health-care workers and first responders who could not return home due to the virus.
For Baumgardener and Jolie, it’s all about providing guests with an unforgettable experience like no other—a true vacation in every sense of the word. Accommodations are often priced equal to what it would cost the same number of guests to stay in a hotel, and each vacation rental is specially situated to provide the best access to water and local attractions, as well as breathtaking views of the Sound.
Your dream summer vacation is waiting on the shores of Gig Harbor, where the entire family can enjoy a reunion or celebration free of stress and worry. For inspiration in booking your next vacation, be sure to browse these beautiful properties online at StayWaterfrontGigHarbor.com.
Stay Waterfront Gig Harbor
PO BOX 294
Gig Harbor, Washington 98335
909.772.8810