SUQUAMISH — While The Beach House Bed and Breakfast is on the Port Madison Bay waterfront and has spectacular views of Washington’s natural attractions, it feels like a casual home away from home.

And that’s just the atmosphere owners and longtime friends Neil Folsom and Catherine Jones are striving for with the business they opened in May.

“We wanted people to feel comfortable enough to come in and put their feet up — relax,” Folsom said.

The house faces Bainbridge Island and is just north of Agate Pass. On a clear day, Mt. Baker and most of the Cascade Mountains are visible. The house is situated on the waterfront so guests can enjoy the sunrise from the comfort of any of the bedrooms.

“I tell people to just wake up for the sunrise, then go back to bed,” Folsom said. “You don’t even have to move, it’s beautiful.”

The inside of the business is just as unique as its outdoor view. The interior is a hodge-podge of decor as the previous owner created and laid tile for a living and used the house as a personal canvas. Throughout the home, including the fireplace, the stairwell baseboard and the innkeeper’s kitchen, there are varied types of colorful and handmade tiles. Folsom and Jones then added their own touch with a “beachy and nautical” look with teal and sand-colored paint on the walls. They wanted to stay away from the traditional Victorian look that is often found in bed and breakfasts and keep things casual, Folsom said.

Visitors have a choice of one of three rooms they can stay in. The largest unit, The Northwest Apartment, is similar to an efficiency apartment with a queen-size bed, futon, kitchenette with a refrigerator, bathroom and a living/dining room. It also has walk-out access to the beach patio, which overlooks the property’s 75 feet of beach waterfront.

The other two suites, The Beach Suite and The Fireplace Suite (highly recommended for honeymooners, Folsom said), are on the second floor, with large beds, sitting areas and full bathrooms.

All rooms have wireless high-speed Internet, TV/VCR, cable, a small fridge, coffee maker, microwave and an ironing board. All guests can take advantage of the shoreside.

“Everyone has access to the beach,” Folsom said. “A sandy beach, which is rare in Puget Sound.”

The first floor is the common space, which includes a living room, a dining room, an enclosed eating area, a kitchenette and an outdoor balcony.

Sometimes the owners will rent the house out to large groups, as it can comfortably sleep 12 guests.

“When it’s full, it’s always quiet,” Jones said. “When people come to visit they have things to do — go to a wedding, go to the Lavender Fest.”

While visiting, guests can partake of two types of breakfasts — a continental breakfast in the downstairs kitchenette or a breakfast basket that is delivered to the room. Breakfast includes coffee, tea, bagels, cinnamon rolls, cheese and hard boiled eggs.