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Moss Hill History and Vision

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It has been our long-held desire to share this beautiful space with others. We have been restoring the house with the hope that others will be restored by being there. Serenity has been our aim and goal.

Our vision and inspiration have come from the Russian custom of poustinia, a simple rustic cabin near or outside a village set aside for silence, solitude, and prayer. Moss Hill is a place to return to a quieter, simpler way of life with no TV to distract. We offer a thoughtfully prepared bookcase that includes books offering help for those making a retreat. As well, our space is offered for small groups, vacations or family gatherings. We regret that Moss Hill is not suitable for children due to high rocky bluffs and casement windows.

This is not a place for those wanting upscale, luxury accommodations, but it is a place with a sense of history and welcome. As one of our returning guests said, “I look forward to that wonderful welcoming spirit there.” We hope that as you step into the porch entry you will let the sense of the many warm welcomes that have taken place there welcome you as well. One chaplain who has returned again and again kept a photo of the view in his office and uses it in busy times to find calm and quiet.

                                             In returning and quiet rest shall be your strength                     

Our family heritage on Orcas Island began in the 1930s when Cynthia’s parents built a small cabin with its back snuggled against a mossy hill and its front windows sited to look southwest down Wasp Passage and across the entrance to Westsound Bay.  In the 1950s they added a much larger addition that captured the view on all sides of the rocky point between two coves. In our restoration work we have sought to leave the house what it is: a modest 30’s cabin with cozy bedrooms and an open 50’s style living space.