Semiahmoo is more than just a hot spot for retired couples and vacation homeowners. It’s a community for families.
Len and Tara Saunders found their home in Turnberry Wood in 2004 after Len’s job led them to the U.S. from Canada.
Tara is part of a three-generation family at Semiahmoo. Tara’s grandmother lived in one of the very first homes in that neighborhood for more than 20 years. Now Tara’s parents live only five houses down from their daughter and her family.
Turnberry Wood is one of the smaller neighborhoods in Semiahmoo with only 25 houses, which Tara says gives the neighborhood a 1950s feel. Everybody knows each other, neighbors look after each others’ kids and keep the small park and pond in the front looking clean.
“You don’t get that a lot these days,” says Tara. “It’s very safe.”
Most of the kids in the neighborhood go to school in Blaine, which allows families to age together. Parents can be part of their children’s activities.
Len and Tara’s children, Payton, Justin, Cameron, and Carly, have friends nearby and in surrounding neighborhoods that are only a short bike ride away. They like to golf on the course behind their house, sell golf balls and lemonade to golfers passing by, go down to the Semiahmoo Spit, and jump off the docks in the marina during the summers.
Tara says she hopes more families with kids will move into the neighborhood. She puts toys and bikes in the driveway whenever there is an open house to attract more families. With such a strong sense of community, everyone can feel at home here.
Each year, the neighborhood puts on a summer party where the families gather to play games and barbecue. Older residents are like grandparents to the young generation. “People don’t last long here if they don’t get involved in the community,” says Tara.
On the Market
8849 Goldeneye Lane, Blaine $839,900 | MLS# 1064409
This three-bedroom, threebathroom custom home on Turnberry Pond features lush landscaping outside and, thanks to southern exposure, lots of light inside. The 4,055-squarefoot home, on a corner lot, includes extensive tile work, upgraded appliances, new interior paint, and carpet.
Favorite NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Whatcom Falls Park, Bellingham
At 241 acres, Whatcom Falls is the biggest park in the city and has something for everyone. With a playground for the kids, many different paths, and a spectacular waterfall and streams, visitors will never be at a loss for something to do. The main entrance is at 1401 Electric Avenue.
Cornwall Park, Bellingham
A small park, its creek is great for dogs. Cornwall Park has a playground and its own shelter that can be rented out for private parties and functions. It’s ideal for just about any occasion, or just a quick walk. 3424 Meridian Street.
Hovander Homestead Park, Ferndale
A city landmark, Hovander is part farm, part park. It has a historic farm house and barn, and includes farm animals to pet, as well as a playground. Its walking trail extension is complete, and its open fields are heaven for dogs. Located at 5299 Nielsen Avenue.
Favorite Neighborhoods with WATERFRONT VIEWS
Edgemoor, Bellingham
Located in the southern end of Bellingham, Edgemoor’s sloping geography allows for gorgeous views from almost anywhere. Homes in the area come with a little more space, so there’s room to grow. Plus, with Fairhaven just to the north, Edgemoor residents have access to a bustling retail district.
Semiahmoo, Blaine
This neighborhood is about as northwest as you can be before ending up in Canada. Situated in the western section of Blaine, Semiahmoo, with nearby Semiahmoo Resort, Golf and Spa and the new Semiahmoo Shores development, has breathtaking views of the bay from Drayton Harbor. The area is more remote and private for those who like to get away from the traffic and noise of the city.
South Hill, Bellingham
Views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands combine with prime access to Bellingham’s amenities to make South Hill a desirable location for residents. The neighborhood includes beautiful Boulevard Park and its scenic along-thewaterfront trail. The neighborhood’s Ridgeway area also includes some homes that have been around since the early 1900s.
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