Imagine living in your own National Park. That is precisely the feeling Karen and Brad Gray had when they purchased a homesite at Tumble Creek, the most exclusive master-planned community in Washington State. Located high in the Cascades (yet just an easy 80 miles from Seattle), Tumble Creek is a haven for pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and year-round outdoor fun. But this is hardly roughing it. The Gray’s selected Tumble Creek as the site of their mountain dream home because it gave them a true sense of community, with plenty of modern amenities and conveniences. You might say it’s the best of both worlds, as you’ll see below.
Q & A with Karen & Brad Gray
Q. Tell me how you discovered Tumble Creek?
A. “We actually discovered Suncadia first and bought a lot. We had been looking for a mountain house in the region. At the time we had a shared house in Big Bear California with friends and happened to discover Suncadia in a magazine ad. Soon after that, we were on an extended business trip in Washington and decided to go visit Suncadia. We drove out from Seattle, and once we started to rise and hit the mountains, the sun was out and it was gorgeous. We stayed at The Lodge and just fell in love with Suncadia and the surrounding area.”
Q. How did you end up at Tumble Creek?
A. “Well, we were looking for a place to retire and live full time. Suncadia was great but we felt it was geared more for young families and was a vacation community. Ultimately, we wanted something more private and secluded, a smaller community in which we could become a part. Tumble Creek met all the criteria, so we sold our lot in Suncadia and purchased there four years ago.”
Q. What are some of the highlights that attracted you to Tumble Creek?
A. “First of all, the area is absolutely gorgeous…the mountains, the wildlife, it is a true Alpine environment. We saw a bald eagle here for the first time and we both had goose bumps. From a scenic standpoint, it was more pristine and impressive than other areas we looked, liked Tahoe for example. And it was also a much better value. Tumble Creek hit all of our check points and fit our lifestyle perfectly.”
Q. What do you think of the amenities at Tumble Creek?
A. “We love The Great House. That was actually the main reason we got a Membership at Tumble Creek. It has so much to offer. I mean, there’s an incredible golf course at Tumble Creek, but we’re not golfers. The Great House has been the perfect gathering spot and has enabled us to meet so many people who have become our friends. We also love to get out in nature and there are miles of walking trails in the community that let us immerse. Where else can you see herds of elk from your porch? It’s amazing.”
Q. How was the buying/building process at Tumble Creek?
A. “It was easy, start to finish. Our sales guy, Jeff Rau, was wonderful and followed up regularly to make sure we were happy. And our builder, Craig Reimer, was great. The entire process was completed within a year—we moved into our new home in June 2021.”
Q. What are the people like at Tumble Creek? Have you made some new friends?
A. “It is a true community. Everyone is down-to-earth, friendly, and so generous. We have become close friends with a number of families and individuals effortlessly. For instance, we were at Swiftwater Cellars dining and struck up a conversation with a delightful couple next to us. They turned out to be our next-door neighbors and are now great friends. We are also part of a group of families who get together regularly at The Great House or one another’s homes. We have become a close-knit group.”
Experience Tumble Creek
With 200 days of sun a year (30% more than Seattle), and just an easy 80 miles from Seattle, Tumble Creek has become an exclusive getaway for families looking for the ultimate Cascade Mountain home. This is truly a dynamic nature-forward community that caters to every member of the family, regardless of tastes and preferences. The best way to glimpse the type of lifestyle that awaits your family here is to come experience it for yourself. Discover how our level of service, premier amenities, and programmed activities is unprecedented in the region.