Windermere Photo Gallery

Footnotes

1. Upper Level
   
   Once in a great while, a special property comes to market, which defies the standards of cookie-cutter, day-in/day-out conventionality. From the classic mid-century, custom architecture, to the beautiful appointments and updates, to the exceptionally sited, private grounds, every aspect of this residence stands apart! Don’t miss your chance to see this gem before it is claimed by its next fortunate and discriminating steward! From the street, it is a subtle, hidden presence, tucked behind a tastefully designed wall of pines, dwarf firs, Japanese maples and ferns... a foreshadowing of something different, a sanctuary of sylvan delight. The sightline of the roof line hints at having been drawn by one who clearly coveted the school of retro-design. Bordered on the north by a city-owned, walk-street green belt, this parcel is positioned to provide maximum privacy on a deceptively spacious lot.
   
   
2. Strolling through the arboretum-like upper gardens, you emerge onto the tranquil breakfast patio, sheltered by handsome bamboo and maples. Entering through the formal foyer, you step into the light-filled living room and dining room, which sets the tone for the residence, with beautiful Tigerwood floors and vaulted, painted-beamed ceiling, creating an expansive sense of line and definition. The painted brick fireplace wall is highlighted by an expansive blue-slate hearth, flanked by built in shelving and lit by moderne sconces. Enjoy the relaxed, languid mood created by the verdant views.
3. The design of the just-remodeled kitchen is clean and bold: a wall of delicately shaded mini-subway glass tile, quietly elegant gray Silestone quartz countertops, and a wall of smart white cabinets with horizontal bar pulls, stainless double sink and all new stainless appliances. A cool, secret pantry closet is located here. Can you find it? The light-filled eating space guarantees company for the chef!
4. Down the hallway to the upper bedrooms, more windows looking over the yard and trees tease you with even more views of terraced gardens. The master bedroom with west facing windows and the second bedroom have generous closet space tucked behind lovely birch doors. The upper bathroom is Euro-sharp, with crisp design, duo-flush toilet and oversized tub/shower with glass-block window-wall.
5. Lower Level
   
   Downstairs, at lower garden level, more, beautifully-finished living space. The elegant family room, with golden VG fir doors, is brightly lit by large-format french doors that create an extension between interior & exterior, encouraging relaxing and entertaining on the flagstone patio. The convenient barbecue pit, located at the lower part of the ground-to-sky exterior chimney, with its coveted "Flying-V" chimney cap, is so George Jetson and fun to use! There is an extremely spacious lower bedroom and 3/4 bath with large walk-in tiled shower. A neat, perfectly sized 2nd kitchen is just large enough to not feel like an afterthought and small enough to not take up valuable space or value in the house! Perfect for parties, it goes without saying that the lower level would serve wonderfully as separate guest quarters. With its own entrance, this level has also functioned as an in-home business. A den/office and cheerful utility room round off this level.
   
   
6. Upper Grounds
   
   
7. Lower Grounds
   
   The thoughtfully landscaped yard was handpicked with an eye for NW species that are easy care, need no pesticides, look good with no pruning and, most important, drought tolerant. This serene refuge, with multiple levels of terraced delights, is contained within a gorgeous cedar fence with several clematis crowned trellises and provides a haven for chirping birds and scampering squirrels.
   
   
8. House Exterior
   
   The uniqueness of this parcel is what adds to its ability to be so private and seemingly removed: It is located on the south edge of a "walk-street", NE 68th, which terminates at the northwestern edge of the property, so that there is an added buffer of land, between this lot and the next to the north. It's built up against the hillside rise between 27th Ave NE and 28th, which allows for the level yard and simultaneous terracing of the plots. While street parking is ample, the city-owned walk street has often been used by the owner for parking. There is a one car garage entered off the lower level. Currently used for a work-out/activities room, modifications could easily be made to the existing fence to allow reclamation of this space.
   
   
9. General Info
   
   Over $100,000 in upgrades since 2000, some convenient but not so apparent features include a full security system, built-in water filter in upstairs kitchen, refrigerator with ice and water dispenser, majority of windows are vinyl double pane and new gutters and roof in 2000. The radiant ceiling heat in the upper level is silent, dust free and efficient. Zoned heat for most of the rooms insures economy of usage. Location is awesome: surrounded by Ravenna, Wedgwood and Bryant playfields, parks and community centers, the Burke-Gilman Trail, some of the best scoring schools in Seattle, a quick hop over the hill to Lake Washington's fabled Magnuson Park, plus food, shopping and services abounding with nearby PCC at 40th/65th, Whole Foods at 65th & 15th, U-Village + Roosevelt shops and restaurants, great access to I-5, 520, no wonder this neighborhood is such a coveted address!
   
   Plat Map: The PDF below opens a better version of the plat map, showing the north boundary of NE 70th St., which is not a through-street.