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!
Linette Moore says
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!
Bill says
I absolutely love it, but it makes me sad. My ex decided we had to move to something larger (wrong!) and I had to leave behind a 1950 rec room complete with 3/4″ knotty pine tongue-and-groove paneling. I lost my comfy house 25 years ago, and the (ex) wife 24 years ago. I still miss the house!
Steve says
Beautiful home. But……do you realize what 560k will buy you in Lansing Mi ? Wow. I realize apples and oranges. That would be a 200k home Here. Just my 2cents 🙂
Johnny 5 Fachy says
Thanks for posting these pic’s, they are marvelous! I greatly respect the obvious hardwork and pride the former owners put into their living space inside and out! It’s SPOTLESS!
Debra says
What a beauty! I almost had heart failure when I gazed upon the gloriously gorgeous un-tampered with kitchen ~ drool & sigh….. As a Realtor I rarely get to see such pristine beauty & it takes my breath away! Thank you for sharing this Pam! And thanks to the Realtor & her photographer for giving us a glimpse of this beautiful home.
Jukebox Jim says
Wow…just…wow
Marjie says
Well I looked over all these photos again, how do you get behind the bar to serve all the cowpokes? Is it on casters? I couldn’t see any division on the bar top…? hmmm do you slide it away from the corner?….anybody have an idea?….coolest space ever…I’d gladly take all our evening meals down there to eat at the Bar X…too fun
Lynly says
Hi Marjie ~
This is Lynly – I am the realtor who was fortunate enough to list this beautiful home! You are correct – the bar downstairs is on casters, and it slides away from the corner to allow you to get back behind it.
This truly is a very special home, and I know that the new owners are going to be very happy here! (And it’s my understanding that they are hoping to preserve as much of the original charm of the house as possible.)
pam kueber says
Thank you for that additional information, Lynly — and thank you for allowing us to feature these photos!!!
Shari D says
This house is a remarkable testament to the continuing love that can be shown to and through the things most important to us. Specifically, home and family here. I still marvel at the amazing amount of skilled workmanship that was put into this lovely place to make it the “time capsule of love” that shows in every shot. And I go along with the rest in extending to the next owners much luck and happiness in their new abode.
Having said all that, I have to ask ~ what is it about the phrase “as much as possible” that strikes fear in my soul when it is applied to the preservation of a home which shows as much tender loving care and thoughtful design as this one does? I do hope that any “modernizations” that may have been made were done with that same amount of loving care and thoughtful design the original owners poured into it over so many years.
Andacar says
Gee whiz mom, this place is swell! I join all the rest of you in hoping this place gets preserved just as it is. I have nightmares that it will end up like the house in Beetlejuce; ravaged by some clueless postmodernist who wants another tomblike white interior with track lighting, three chairs and chrome kitchen appliances that never get used.
Douglas Camin @ House on Rynkus Hill says
I really love that back deck, it looks like it could be teak or something. Still can’t get over having your entire downstairs have not just a nautical theme but actually look like a boat. 😀
anna says
I’m wondering how much asbestos is lurking in the ceiling and floor tiles? That would be my concern for vintage, and the wiring of course.
pam kueber says
anna, I mention often on this blog that vintage nastiness such as lead and asbestos can be in our vintage house. And, that each homeowner should get with their own, properly licensed professional(s) to assess what they have so they can make informed decisions how to handle.
Diane says
Anna, I must agree with you regarding the asbestos under the tile and lino. If it is there, it must be dealt with by experts. We have it under the lino in our basement, and we were told [EDITED. Readers — I want EVERYONE to get their own properly licensed professional(s) to advise them about what they have and what to do. — Pam] Having said all that, though, that kitchen is simply to die for! Took me back to my childhood. Gorgeous! The entire house just looks like it has been loved.