Imagine living in one home for more than 70 years. The original owners of this charming 1940 time capsule in Seattle, Washington — listed by Realtor Lynly Callaway did just that. Over the years they thoughtfully decorated, loved and cared for every square inch — evident by the many unique custom details — from the adorable vintage kitchen to the extraordinary nautical-themed knotty pine basement. A home this charismatic was sure to go fast, and is already under contract. The hopefully soon-to-be new owners undoubtedly also fell in love with the original charm found in this house. Thanks to reader Kim for pointing us in the property’s direction and photographer Miguel Edwards from Vista Estate Imaging, for allowing us to feature his photos of this very special listing.
From the listing:
- Year built: 1940
- Price: $569,000
- Sq. Ft.: 2,150
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 1.75
Classic and timeless, this home is located on a wonderful “Sound-view” street in the heart of Sunset Hill! Lovingly maintained, and loaded with character and charm, this 1-story with basement home boasts custom crafted elements and gracious living spaces. Gorgeous main-floor hardwood flooring, a spacious & bright family room, & an expansive basement area are just a few highlights of this home. Excellent proximity to restaurants, the Ballard Locks, Shilshole Marina, & popular Golden Gardens Park!
This adorable vintage kitchen is filled with fun accents — the matching red and white enamel table and chairs, the half circle built-in shelving, and a cozy corner sink.
Taking a closer look — we can see that the sink area takes full advantage of the view provided by the corner windows. Every bit of space is utilized in this modest kitchen, including the cupboards in the soffit over the sink. Decorative scalloped moulding and tile accents add to the kitchen’s coordinated look. Do I spy Hall-Mack recessed soap dishes on either side of the wall mounted faucet?
The home’s main bathroom — by contrast to the kitchen — feels very lavish. Its Hollywood Regency accents, metallic wallpaper and extravagant chandelier make this bathroom feel like a dressing room for the stars.
The upstairs is a total dream, but wait: The out-of-this-world magic of this home can be found in the basement. Descending the stairs is like boarding a ship — nautical details are everywhere.
The wood work alone is the stuff dreams are made of — from the cut outs on the railing to the scalloped trim. Every space was optimized for maximum storage, with many closets and cupboards hidden by glowing wood doors. Even the utilitarian laundry area was made to feel special with matching storage cabinets, window treatments and a linoleum area rug pattern tiled directly into the floor. And, of course, it all looks to have been impeccably maintained.
The bar area must have been home to many good times. The lowered ceiling in this area of the basement helps the bar feel like a separate, defined space and the round table and banquette seating make clever use of what must be a hidden support column.
Mirrors behind the seating reflect the fireplace and living area on the opposite side of the room — and make the space feel larger and brighter by reflecting the natural light from the basement windows.
On the other side of the basement sits a living area that acts as a guest bedroom and office. This part of the basement boasts one of the seller’s favorite original features. According to listing agent Lynly Callaway:
One of the coolest features of the basement wasn’t ready by the time we did our original photo shoot. In keeping with the nautical-theme of the basement, two of the walls (bottom half) were “wrapped” in a custom canvas with grommets and rope secured to the chair rail to emulate being on a boat.
Lynly and photographer Miguel Edwards were kind enough to take time to return to the home (even after it was under contract) to make sure this fun original detail was captured for our story.
Mega thanks to Realtor Lynly Callaway for going above and beyond to get permission for us to feature this home from the sellers and the buyers and for working with photographer Miguel Edwards from Vista Estate Imaging to return to the property and capture the additional details of this home’s fabulous nautical themed basement just for our story. We LOVE this house, and wish the new owners many happy years in it!
couldbeveronica says
My favorite thing about the house may be the stunning contrast between what you see on the curb–a seemingly small, tidy, unassuming little house–and the spacious, detailed, varied interior. We so often see inappropriately renovated houses with outsides that don’t match insensitively updated insides. This is the opposite–an approachable exterior that hides treasures within. Also a great example of how an interior can combine various decorative styles, room sizes, and degrees of openness to the outdoors and still maintain a consistent sensibility. Delightful!
susan says
That wall behind the canvas railing is just begging for a ocean scene wallpaper or painted mural.
Lynn-O-Matic says
Whoa! The entire time I lived there I coveted a classic Seattle Bungalow. Well, I rented one, too. Little did I know this gem was lurking there! Happy happy joy joy joy!
However, I’m afraid to find out that the new owners are going to demolish it and put up a three-story McMansion, which happens so regularly there.
Ranger Smith says
OK, they need to have a New Years Eve Titanic or better yet, Poseidon Adventure-themed party in that basement!
Puddletown Cheryl says
This house is, what word do I want? I know, joyful. Yes, joyful.
Robin, NV says
Gosh, I don’t even know where to begin. I’d feel like a queen in that bathroom! The kitchen is SO adorable. That basement was clearly a handyman’s labor of love. Did anyone else notice the sliding wall that could be used to close off the guest “quarters” in the basement?
That living room! The windows! The built-ins! Holy mackerel what a beauty!! My favorite touch may be the house numbers with the “horse and hackney” motif. Sigh.
Jenny says
Me, too — I *love* the house numbers!
Janet in CT says
Jenny, I was intrigued by them too. Up in Maine I have found three similarly made signs, sailing ships which are about eighteen inches tall and have an area below it for a name or numbers. They are also black metal and have the cut-out look just like this one does. I have been looking for information on who made them for some time now. I am thinking there had to be a company back in the forties and fifties who sold many different variations of this sign, with specific themes. Chances are they are long out of business but I hope some day I will stumble across something in a magazine that will give me a clue.
Amy in Sacramento, CA says
I LOVE IT! I want that house! (Will they throw in the cool dinette set?!)
Now to convince my hubby that we have to move to Seattle…;)
Amy in Sacramento, CA says
Oh, I posted too soon — I see that you mentioned “buyers.” Well, I hope the new owners don’t change too much, because time capsules are harder and harder to come by — and this one is terrific!
Robin, NV says
I’d want to keep the furniture in the basement. The chair and sofa fit so well in there.
Lauryn says
Positively drooling. What a gorgeous house and that is absolutely one of the BEST neighborhoods in Seattle … my dream neighborhood when we lived there, but the price tags kept us away. The views from the front yards are worth it alone. It’s hard to see in the street photo, but look closely: to be able to step outside and see the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains … heaven!! And how beautifully loved that house is. Reminds me of another Seattle house that was featured on the blog a few years back. Lots of pride of ownership in that wonderful city!
And all of that before you even see the kitchen. Holy Guacamole, it’s perfect!!!!
Steve H says
What’s really cool is that it’s actually not “preservered in amber” original. They made changes through the years like the bathroom and family room off the kitchen, but it was all very nicely done and sympathetic to the house. They never took the house down the wrong path. What wonderful stewards!
lynda says
Amazing house and amazing that someone could keep a house up for 70 years! We don’t know the names of the owners, but, that house will be forever referred to as their house. We do that in our neighborhood that was built in the 70’s. Original owners of a house just seem to get their name attached to the house!