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.
- 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!
Amy says
I want to do the Sound of Music twirl in that basement! I would never leave. LOVE this house! Previous owners, you are gems!
Allison says
Yes, the basement is great, but it’s the kitchen that makes me want to move to Seattle.
Erin Valdez says
Such a beautiful and amazing home! I hope the new buyers don’t change a thing! That house is perfect!
Pat Wieneke says
OH WOW! When can I move in???
Lisa Compo says
I can’t agree more with all of the positive comments about this house. What a joy to be able to take a look inside. I am keeping the ideas of yellow, white and a splash of red for my kitchen ideas. And the Hollywood Regency bath will be in my future plans for sure, just love the glamour of it all–you can feel like a star while you put your make up on for the day.
Did any of the furniture experts notice the darling bed in photo #11? Does anyone know the manufacturer of this piece? I just love the color and design of that bed. I would like to know so I can put it on my “hunt list”. How cute that would be with a vintage chenille bedspread.
Pat Wieneke says
Lisa, I have some furniture that looks like it is of the same design and color of the bed in #11. Take a look at Rway of Shiboygan Wi and at Koeler of Mich or Wi. R way is mostly bleached mahogony and not at all what you would think it would look like. The other company’s wood looks like bleached walnut. Each has a sort of sheen of the red or gold if the wood’s normal coloring.
Scott says
Love this house. This sounds crazy but the front view is both soothing and exciting at the same time, the landscaping just sets up such a nice rhythm with the house.
Favorite two elements, the red edged curved in the kitchen and the saloon doors with novelty glass in the basement.
I love seeing these kinds of prices on completely preserved houses like this. Crossing my fingers the new owner loves it as is or is simply too tapped out now to do any modifications. 🙂
nina462 says
as the owner of a knotty pine basement w/a bar, this one takes the cake! I’m glad to see knotty pine furniture w/the basement (I’ve got that too!). Look at that tile work on the floor! Yowza!
And such a cheery kitchen!!
I wonder if the bedrooms/living room are just a precious?
Jenny says
Nina, pictures of the bedrooms and living room are attached below the article (and yes, they are just as precious!).
Sabeletodo says
That appears to be a Raymond Loewy designed desk in the basement.
Susan Ericson says
Love that basement!!
Rachel Shoemaker says
I only hope someone doesn’t come along and upgrade it, what a treasure!
The kitchen is my favorite, or maybe that bathroom!