Second
Floor
On the second floor of the Orcas is where you'll find the comfortable master suite.
In addition, there is a small guest bedroom and period-perfect guest bath.
The warm and woody master bedroom extends out into the front-facing gable dormer, and the vaulted ceiling makes this ample room feel even more spacious.
With its three large casement windows, the master bedroom is an exceptionally good vantage point for taking in the saltwater views.
The towering evergreens just outside the windows give this room the feel of a cozy treehouse.
And there is plenty of storage for all manner of items in the two large walk-in closets.
But without question the showstopping feature of the master suite has to be the expansive and luxurious master bath, with its private access from the master bedroom.
There's a lot to see in this large and inviting space!
First, there is the long double-sink vanity, painted in a whimsical color reminiscent of the 1930s and accented with black antique-reproduction glass handles and pulls.
But make no mistake—the fine Kohler faucets and fixtures throughout leave no doubt that this is a most modern and functional room.
Next, there is the ceramic-tiled countertop, with a field of pristine white and a border of contrasting black, a common tile pattern in the early twentieth century.
An accent tile of southern magnolias graces the backsplash.
And above each vanity mirror is a period-appropriate wall sconce in white porcelain; overhead, two porcelain Art Deco fixtures (lighting courtesy Rejuvenation, the premier provider of period-authentic lighting and hardware).
The careful eye will discover that the colored banding on each of the glass shades is a subtle match to the festive hue of the painted vanity.
At the end of the vanity, behind the short wall, is the water closet, discreetly placed for a bathroom that accommodates two.
Next, we turn our attention to the opposite wall, along which are two beautiful yet functional glistening bath fixtures.
The first is a charming five-foot-long clawfoot soaking tub with characteristic polished-nickel claw feet.
While this antique-reproduction tub is brand spanking new, it is nevertheless built the old-fashioned way, in beautiful white porcelain over solid (and heavy!) cast iron. A gooseneck faucet and rubber stopper complete the period effect.
Just to the right of the clawfoot tub is a separate ceramic-tiled shower.
While the white field tile with black border mirrors the vanity countertop, the black diamond pattern adds another smart 1930s touch.
Rounding out the master bath, and bringing it fully into the twenty-first century, is a handy laundry center tucked into a deep bathroom closet.
This unit is a full-sized stacked washer/dryer combo.
Its clever location on the second floor saves a lot of stair climbing each week.
And finally, to complete our tour of the second floor, we take a quick peek at the guest bath.
All the period features are there:
- Pedestal sink
- Single white porcelain wall sconce overhead
- Graceful arch over the bathtub enclosure
- Full-sized linen closet to the right of the tub
This particular bathroom layout is so characteristic of the 1920s and 1930s that we just couldn't pass up the chance to show it to you here. Sweet!
