Sandra White: Washington

Port Ludlow  I am sure people living in Port Ludlow would not consider the area as a neighborhood of Port Townsend, but it is not a destination people seek out, as much as it is  a bedroom community of Port Townsend.  A lovely resort setting built around a beautiful little harbor and magnificent golf course, with   many of the homes going back to the 70's, and new developments are being built now with room for lots more. 

The Port Ludlow Resort is a destination resort for golfers and boaters with a nice restaurant, clubhouse and rooms with water views.  The same golf, clubhouse  and tennis facilities are also a perk for homeowners in Port Ludlow with a very small montly fee. 

There is really no town, but a couple of banks, one or two real estate offices, coffee shop and gas station with market.  Most people in Port Ludlow go to Port Townsend for shopping, church and dining out, with an alternative being to cross the Hood Canal Bridge and drive to Poulsbo.

Homes range from the low $200,000's to well over two million with views of Admiralty Bay, Mount Ranier and lush green fairways.  Prices have fallen over the past 3 years as they have elsewhere in Jefferson County and there are some great buys in this lovely area. 

When I moved here 10 years ago, it seems to me Port Townsend  had only one strand of decorations in the downtown area.  Now we have two!  We also have a very beautiful tree (donated by one of our county commisioners from his own yard) at the Haller Fountain which was decorated on a gorgeous sunny morning today.  

Organized annually by Port Townsend's Main Street Organization, the downtown decorations are put up with the help of an entire company from the Jefferson County fire department, several city and park employees as well as a multitude of volunteers.

Financed by private business, the city of Port Townsend year. In previous years his arrival was by tugboat, however his boat sank in Alaska this last year and a more conventional mode of transportation has been chosen.

 The annual tree lighting and christmas festivites marked by Santa's arrival is scheduled Saturday at 4 pm.  There will be caroling, carriage rides and a $1000  sweepstake prize of shopping money for one lucky person.

 To learn more about Port Townsend please visit my website

Uptown Neighborhood

By far the most popular place to call home in Port Townsend due to its great location close to everything, and it's Victorian architecture, preserved since the early 1880's.  Chance and circumstances have saved this wonderful little town from the remodel and tear down of these historic homes and buildings.  From the earliest recession in the 1890's when the planned railroad went to Seattle instead, this shipping port saw many downturns and setbacks which led to unemployment and isolation.

 Today, we still have those issues, but people who can manage to live here enjoy the tradeoff for small town atmosphere, lack of crime and traffic, clean air, charming ambience, and breathtaking scenic beauty.

Uptown is the area on the bluff above the waterfront, a neighborhood preferred by the early families moving to the area to get away from saloons, busy wharf activity, and unsavory characters.  Not much thought was given to ocean views by those building the magnificent Victorians, but I suspect a respite from ocean winds and easy access to stores and shops. 

Homes in the Uptown area have charm in common, and range from small bungalows to large Victorian Mansions and of 4000+ square feet.  Lot sizes range from 5000 to 10000 sq. ft.  Prices range from $239,000 to $1,000,000 +.

The uptown retail area is anchored by the Aldrich's market and has restaurants, shops, theater, and medical offices.  There is a stairway that will take you right down to the main street of town.  This photo was taken at 3:00 in the afternoon on a winter day.                         

Port Townsend Neighborhoods

 Port Townsend is a small town, geographically as well as density of  population.  Situated on the Quimper Peninsula, there is water on three sides, with Admiralty Bay to the East, the Strait of Juan De Fuca to the Nortrh, and Discovery Bay on the west side.  No room for urban sprawl here! There are only 6 or 7 areas that are thought of as distinct neighborhoods, each with it's own abience and characteristics....

•  Bell Neighborhood
• Cape George
• Fort Worden
• Kala Point
• Morgan Hill
• North Beach
• Uptown

Kala Point 

 Just 10 minutes outside of Port Townsend, this lovely planned community has it all...incredible open spaces of tall trees and natural fauna, walking trails, pristine beaches, clubhouse with pool and hot tub, meeting rooms, RV and boat parking area. 

 There is a Home Owners Association with C C & R's and minimal monthly dues.  Kala Point has it's own community well, which serves all homes. 

The 600+ homes have been custom built over the years since the subdivision of the area in the late 70's on 1/3 acre lots, with generous open spaces and common areas in between.  Homes are for the most part Northwest style with natural wood siding and trim, display  a great deal of variety, and are beautifully maintained.  Homes range in size from 1500 sq. feet to 3000+ and range in price from the low $200'000 to an occasional $700,000+ for a special water view property.  You will find some very good values in Kala Point at this time.

There is also an area of condominiums which range in price from low $200's to the high $300's. 

Port Townsend Boating Mishap

High winds and unusual sea conditions prevailed in Port Townsend on Friday morning,  causing this craft to end up  on the beach.  Those aboard were rescued by the Coast Guard as onlookers watched. 

In the far distance is Point Wilson Lighthouse and the Straits of San Juan De Fuca.  Normally a very quiet inlet with no waves, and the biggest threat is usually floating logs.  

PORT TOWNSEND'S HAUNTED BUILDINGS 

 Port Townsend is a favorite place for some amateur ghost hunters, and their findings include 3 well known historical buildings.  Using film, digital cameras, audio and video recording systems, and computerized surveilance gear they feel they can determine extra paranormal activity.  They feel Port Townsend is one of the most haunted communities in the state of Washington.   

 The "Commander's House" at Fort Worden showed some "orbs" (not visible to the naked eye) in photograpy taken by a  team of "ghost hunters" that visited Port Townsend  in 2006.   Built in the late 1800's and open to the public as a museum, this wonderful home overlooks the Parade Grounds at the fort. 

Another rich field was the Manressa Castle (built in 1891)  with many local ghost stories, surely embellished over the years,  The group found a lot of unexplained activity in the attic  and orbs have been photographed there as well.   Some hotel guests have reported individual incidences ( a broken grandfather clock in the foyer that chimes, ghostly shapes and cold breezes.)    Film crews come regularly to the former Jesuit seminary to photograph in hopes of finding some evidence.   

The Palace Hotel (1889) is the favorite place of ghosts in the downtown area of Port Townsend.  Average tourists have reported many stories of unusual activity ( a strange presesence)  and employees have also seen or felt strange things at the hotel.  

 Atop the staircase is a large portrait of the Lady in Blue, a mournful, mysterious woman from decades ago whose legend paints her as having ties to a former brothel that operated at the hotel from 1925 to 1933. The spirit of the Lady in Blue is believed to leave the portrait to walk the Palace halls in search of a lost lover.

Happy Halloween!

 Port Townsend Waterfront Homes Part Three

Kala Point Waterfront Homes

A 5 or 6 minute drive just outside downtown Port Townsend, Kala Point is a wonderful gated community with acres of green belt, tall oaks and pines, miles of trails and beautiful custom built northwest style homes on large 1/3 acre + lots.  Subdivided in the late 70's, this beautiful little community has wide tree lined streets, low density, a gorgeous beach and lagoon with small pier, boat launch and area for your kayaks; large clubhouse with pool, library, and social/card-room;  tennis courts and well maintained walking paths throughout.  Most amazing are the low $65 per month HOA fees.   

Waterfront homes are not often available, and one just sold last month  in the mid $700's with less than 30 days on the market. 

Still available:

Lovely Custom waterfront bluff home(½ acre lot) on quiet cul de sac that is shared with only 2 other homes.  Incredible views of shipping lanes, Port Townsend city views, Mt. Baker and Indian Island.  Gloriously peaceful and quiet. with eagles soaring overhead.    This well appointed home is just over 2000 sq. feet with views from every room from huge wood trimmed windows, large deck and over-sized garage.  Great value in the high $600's.

For more information regarding this or other homes in the Port Townsend, Port Ludlow area please call me at 360-301-5151

 Port Townsend Waterfront Homes     

Looking for an escape from congestion, crime,  smog and traffic?  Check out our beautiful Pacific Northwest and you will be surprised! Compare your city to Port Townsend area:

 ·     Fresh air without smog

·     Minimal  crime rate

·     Low  density of homes and people

·     Rainfall below 19 inches per year

·     No state income tax

·     Small town living with easy access to major cities

·     Scenic beauty in every direction

·     Recreational attractions abound

Welcome to Port Townsend, WA 

If you have been dreaming of a waterfront home, take a look at some very good values....

                                                                                Beckett Point/ Port Townsend

Waterfront community with views of shipping lanes and long sandy beaches.  Cottage style homes are available from $275,000 to mid $400's, with 1 to 2 bedrooms.  Walk out of your front door and greet the sea for a brisk walk, some easy fishing, or a gorgeous sunset.  Within a 10 minute drive to Port Townsend downtown, 1 hour commute to Seattle Ferry or major shopping areas. 

For more information on waterfront property in Port Townsed in all sizes and price ranges, please call me at 360-301-5151.