Lake Washington is a large freshwater body of water that borders Seattle on the west and the cities of Bellevue and Kirkland to the east. Of course, since the 1980s tech boom, the “Eastside” has grown rapidly in population. Real estate prices have likewise soared, especially for properties on the water. Originally a 1931 Dutch colonial, this expanded house in Kirkland offers panoramic views across Lake Washington, to Mount Rainier, the Seattle skyline, and the Olympic Mountains.
The property has become well known among lakeside boaters because of its landmark outdoor sculpture that was inspired by Gaudi — you know, the Spanish art nouveau architect. The piece serves as seating around a gas fire pit, offering an artistic transition from the home to the water.
And the rest of the property is pretty striking as well. The 3,876-square-foot, four bedroom, four bathroom house, set on a double lot of about half an acre, is currently asking $7.2 million, and is listed with Bryan Loveless of Windermere.
That Gaudi-inspired piece was created over six months by a specialist tile company. But it isn’t the only notable part of this property: there’s also a three-story stair tower, a large granite pond with waterfall, and an 87-foot long dock for water toys. The estate was purchased by the current owners in 1993 and underwent three major enhancements. In 1995, the 1931 colonial was rebuilt and expanded to include the stair tower and the living room, as well as a third floor.
The first floor includes the main entry, an office, and a guest room with an en-suite bathroom. Beyond the entry hall, there is a laundry room and a locker-room style shower room with separate outdoor entrance for after swimming, boating, or even washing the dog.
The second floor from the garden side is the first floor when entered from the lake side. This is the main living space with the kitchen, dining room, family room, sunken living room and a powder room. The kitchen has a large Corian topped central island and a chalkboard wall. The dining room showcases the floating spiral stairs in the tower and magnificent views of the lake through French doors. Beyond the family room is a sunken living room with a fun bamboo tiki-bar.
As for the third floor of the home, it’a got two bedrooms on the south side, a family bathroom and a master suite. The primary suite offers a spacious beamed bedroom, dual walk-in closets, a media room and bathroom. There is also a private deck facing the water with panoramic views of Mount Rainier to the Olympics. The family bathroom has a clawfoot tub and walk-in shower.
The second major enhancement occurred in 1999, when a new three-car garage and workshop with 737-square-foot apartment was constructed. The garage includes an electric car charger. The apartment, with kitchen, bathroom and laundry, offers views of the garden and pond. The garden on the east side of the property was also constructed in 1999. Large granite features run through the curved driveway and throughout various plant beds, and a large granite pond with a waterfall is located to the main entrance, creating the soothing sound of running water as you approach.
The property is irrigated from the lake via a demand pump (which has been continuously permitted since 1929). And for worry free enjoyment, the yard and driveway are gated for security.
