We know Lummi Island. We love this community, and our island roots run deep.
As fifth-generation islanders, our family has made Lummi Island our home for close to a century.
We like to say that Lummi Island and the beauty of the Salish Sea runs through our veins. We founded Stay & Sea to help others experience the island that is so dear to our hearts. As born-and-raised islanders, we have a unique, local perspective of what makes this beautiful place special, and we can’t wait to share that magic with you.
Some of our earliest childhood memories are from when we’d run barefoot on the beach, hunt for agates, have beach bonfires and bbq’s, camp on neighboring islands, explore tide pools, and catch and eat our local seafood.
When we founded Stay & Sea, we wanted to create a full-service vacation management experience, where guests and owners alike can feel that everything is taken care of and enjoy peace of mind.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
Stay & Sea is committed to fostering a welcoming space for everyone. Our business is built on trust, safety, and respect. We are open to all travelers and owners without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.
“Since I travel often for work, I need to be able to trust that my vacation rental is looked after exactly, or better than I would myself. My host rating is very important to me and I don’t have to worry with Stay & Sea, as they always exceed my expectations.”
Meet the Stay & Sea Sisters
We’re twin sisters who also share a passion for helping others who love living on and visiting Lummi Island. We’re committed to providing top-quality services infused with our island expertise and authenticity.
We’re Local.
We can help curate your ideal getaway and point you in the direction of the best that Lummi has to offer.
We're Professional.
With over three decades of collective industry experience, you’re in good hands.
We're Reliable.
We live on-island, so we’re available 24/7 when you need us.
Ashley Swaen
Co-owner
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Ashley has been a hospitality professional for fifteen years—she got an early start cleaning rooms at The Willows Inn as a teenager. She wore many hats at The Willows—she managed the housekeeping department and later worked as a server in the world-class dining room under Chef Blaine Wetzel. After managing at The Willows, Ashley took some time off from work to start her family with her husband and fellow islander, Tosh. Ashley’s the proud mama to Roen and Noli, and she’s thrilled to raise her family here on Lummi. Ashley absolutely loves managing short-term rentals for fellow islanders so that they can enjoy passive income and island living.
Brittany Swaen
Co-owner
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Brittany has worked in the hospitality and service industry for thirteen years, she first got her start at the historic Beach Store Cafe and became a long time service member. Later on she worked many years as a server at the famed Willows Inn and as a bartender at Taft’s. She’s now a Registered Nurse and an active member of the Lummi Island Fire department as an EMT/firefighter. An avid traveler, Brittany always makes it a priority to seek out unique accommodations. She has a deep understanding of what guests are looking for in their perfect getaway and understands the value of superb customer service. Brittany loves to go boating, fishing, and hiking; one of her passions is sharing her love of Lummi Island with others. She’s grateful to be able to serve the community both with the Island fire department and at Stay & Sea.
Kayla Venema
Head of Housekeeping
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Kayla worked as a flight attendant for many years, so she knows hospitality well. She’s traveled all over the world while on the job, and she’s stayed in countless accommodations. With this unique experience, Kayla knows exactly what makes top-notch accommodations, and she’s skilled at providing exceptional customer service. Kayla is also Brittany and Ashley’s cousin, so that makes her a fellow fifth-generation islander and descendent of Jack and Lucille Miller. After traveling for so many years, Kayla is so happy to have purchased her own home out here on Lummi Island, and she can’t imagine settling anywhere else.
Our Family Story
In 1934, a young fifteen-year old moved to Lummi Island with his family. His name was Jack Miller—our great-grandfather. Our great-great-grandparents moved Jack and the family to a Victorian home that is now an iconic island fixture on West Shore Drive.
Jack and his family farmed the land behind their home, and Jack became enamored with the island. When Jack left to join the Navy at the beginning of WWII, he promised himself he’d return and make Lummi his permanent home. Even then, he knew he had fallen in love with Lummi Island, and over time it wasn’t only the land that would capture his heart.
Several years later, in 1945 our great-grandmother Lucille Adema, then seventeen years old, moved with her family to Lummi Island from Clearlake, Washington. Lucille started working as a waitress at The Beanery restaurant, which was located next to the current location of the Beach Store Café. Jack returned after the war and came upon Lucille at The Beanery.
Lucille remembers that Jack playfully ordered a “pine float”—a toothpick floating in a glass of water. Lucille played along, admitting later that although she had no idea what he was talking about, she appreciated his charm and sense of humor. Their love story unfolded quickly after that.
Jack started working on a fish tender called the “Dora” and later joined the ferry crew, where he would later become a captain. Jack also reefnetted every summer, and he owned many cabins on Legoe Bay where the fisherman would stay. Our family still uses our great-grandpa Jack’s smoked salmon recipe!
He built their home on Tuttle Lane, where his youngest daughter now operates as “The Miller’s Island Retreat” vacation home. Ever a resourceful islander, Jack constructed the family home using some of the dismantled wood from the old Carlisle Cannery. When Lucille saw an opportunity to start a beauty shop, Jack set her up in an old cabin from Loganita Lodge. Many long-time islanders remember Lucille doing their hair, as she was the only beautician on the island at the time.
Lummi Island truly became Jack and Lucille’s playground, workshop, and sanctuary. One summer, Jack, a lover of flight and airplanes, cleared some land to create Miller’s Field, a small airstrip where he’d host frequent fly-ins and potlucks for local pilots. He also always had a beautiful garden growing at the top of Tuttle Lane.
Our family still carries Jack’s love of Lummi. His family garden is still here today where our grandma grows a variety of veggies and berries and tons of beautiful flowers. She uses his airplane hangar and land to host Miller’s Farm Island Weddings.
Planning a visit to Lummi Island?
Interested in joining our community of homeowners? Learn More →
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