2821 Moorelands Ave NW, Gig Harbor
The Essentials:
2,255 Finished Sq. Ft.
2,920 Total Sq. Ft.
English Cottage Built in 1930
.905 Acre Lot with Rare and Unique plantings
3 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom
2 Car Detached Garage
Views of Hales Passage
Community Beach
Offered for $478,000
Click here to view the listing
"We had looked and looked for a special place. As soon as we drove into the driveway, I knew this was it. I was home." – Current Owner
Tucked away in the quaint maritime city of Gig Harbor just off Horsehead Bay Dr NW sits this stunning shy acre property overlooking Hales Passage filled with rare rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, and lilacs that were brought from the second owner's homestead North Dakota in the 1930s. Steeped in history the English cottage was built by McAllister Moore, who was the namesake for the Moorelands plot.
The Moores farmed strawberries and holly and shipped it nationally beginning in 1929. The current owners, the Nelsons, purchased the property in 1969 and continued the holly farm tradition, starting "The Holly Yard and Gardens" in the 1970s. Their sons, Eric and Brian, continued cutting holly for local businesses until 2012. Holly was cut and farmed on this property for nearly 88 years!
As you enter this historic home you are greeted by clear fir paneled walls from local mills, and handsome red oak flooring. The home was heated originally by a coal furnace, which has been since converted to forced air electric.
Continue into the kitchen which overlooks the sunroom and patio. The original cabinets are intact.
A unique feature in the kitchen are the pull-out breadboard steps Mrs. Moore had installed to assist her in reaching the cupboards as she was very slight in stature.
The sunroom is fondly remembered as a gathering place for the Nelsons. Many wonderful meals and conversations were shared while overlooking the English garden.
Continue onto the sunny patio and you'll find yourself in a bird watcher's paradise. Migrating Cedar Waxwings, Robins, Humming Birds, Finches, and other birds pass through the property with the seasons.
The Nelsons cleared the property for the garage, garden, and circular drive. This was formally where some of the holly trees were located.
Historical touches are found throughout the property. The workbench in the garage was salvaged by Borgan's Lumber and is made from ship decking.
Upstairs you'll find a nautical themed room that was added by the Nelsons. If the new owners added dormers, the view would be spectacular of Hales Passage, Fox Island, and a peek-a-boo view of Mt. Rainier.
Make your way down to the community beach which is the perfect spot for picnicking, boating, beach walks, and sunset beach bonfires.
If you are looking for some more room to roam you're only 3.5 miles or a quick 9 minute drive from Kopachuck State Park, a 109 acre marine park with 5,600 feet of saltwater shoreline. You can also visit the Horsehead Bay public boat launch if you have a larger vessel. Stop into Arletta Store for fuel, ice for your cooler, or an ice cream cone on a summer day. They always have a smile waiting for you! Across the street is Hales Pass Park the home of Arletta Playfield, 2 outdoor tennis courts, and a community center.
Ready to call this historical English cottage and gardens your own?