Area: Queen Anne
Address: 167 Highland Drive View local map
NWMLS: 29053670
List Price: $4,950,000
Status: Available
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 6.75
Heat: Gas, Forced Air,Radiant
Taxes: 2009 - $38,946
Year Built: 1996
Lot Size: 9,820 per KingCounty Records

From one of Queen Anne hill's highest perches, this majestic four-level home takes in panoramic views that stretch from Lake Union to Puget Sound, with Mt. Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic Mountains as a backdrop. On the solid footprint of a 1903 manse original to the site, the stunning 9,860-sq.-ft. house was built in 1996 with classic, timeless design and Mediterranean sensibilities. In the last three years, extensive renovations have created pristine living spaces with updated systems and luxury finishes throughout.

The house has stucco exterior walls with limestone detailing, concrete tile pavers, and a metal tile roof. A central barrel vault topped in copper makes a dramatic statement. Ornate iron grillwork graces windows and doors. Also wrapped in wrought iron is an expansive, enclosed parking area at the entry. Parking here and additional spaces on the driveway to an underground garage provide an unusual amount of off-street parking, rare on Queen Anne. Irrigated planter boxes and accent lighting enhance the area, which has a covered main entry, plus separate outside entries to both an upper level office and lower level apartment.

A glass door with sidelights opens to an entry hall with a barrel vaulted ceiling almost three stories high and a grand scale round arch window flanked by alabaster sconces. Concrete pavers are used on floors inside as well as out; a round granite inset distinguishes the entry hall floor. A magnificent winding staircase connecting all four levels of the home is a work of art. It has a concrete newel post, iron balusters, and a maple handrail that was steamed and bent onsite.

The entry introduces interiors with an open floor plan, high ceilings with cove lighting, and breathtaking views. Tall, solid fir doors with neo-classical detailing are used throughout the house, providing a cohesive design element. An expansive living/dining area has a massive wood-burning fireplace with a concrete mantel and slate surround. Stately round columns flank a built-in buffet in the dining area. On the south-facing wall, floor-to-ceiling glass doors that fold and slide provide access to a huge deck and bring spectacular outdoor surroundings in. The deck, one of three, with its 230º view looking down on the Seattle skyline, the Space Needle and Elliott Bay, affords an ideal setting for watching fireworks on New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July.

The kitchen and adjoining family room also enjoy glorious views and access to the deck. The kitchen features a large center island, corner-set fireplace, and slab granite backsplash and counters. Maple cabinetry with cove and under-counter lighting provides a pull-out pantry, built-in desk, and housing for media equipment. Appliances include: two refrigerators (one Sub-Zero, the other KitchenAid); KitchenAid stacking ovens (one thermal, the other microwave/convection) and warming drawer plus a Bosch convection/thermal oven; two KitchenAid dishwashers; a Jenn-Air 5-burner gas range with downdraft ventilation by Viking. A big butler's pantry is equipped with a deep sink, dishwasher, and stacking laundry facilities. The adjoining family room has a coffered ceiling, inset carpeting, and wrap-around views from east to west with two sets of French doors to the deck.

Also located on the main floor is an outstanding master suite with a gas fireplace, cabinetry for media equipment, radiant heated floors, sweeping views and double doors to the deck. The suite is equipped with a walk-in closet with built-ins and full bath with a Jacuzzi tub in a limestone slab platform, shower with bench and wall of petrified teak, two vanities in a limestone slab counter, and his and her water closets. An elegant powder room off the entry area serves main floor dayrooms. A back hall has stairs leading directly to an office on the upper level; it also provides access to the entry parking area.

The upper level features an office with paneled walls, cabinetry and built-in desk, all of cherry. It also has a wood-burning fireplace with a black granite surround, south-facing window with an automatic shade for light control, and private deck overlooking the city. A generous area with access to a balcony looking out on the entry connects the office to a big library with its own deck. The library's gas fireplace features a wood mantel salvaged from the house original to the site. A powder room off the office serves this level.

There are four additional bedrooms on the lower level. Each bedroom has its own bath; three have fireplaces. One bedroom with a big view, outside access and venting for a kitchen would be ideal for a live-in nanny or mother-in-law. Also on this level are a utility room with laundry facilities and a big mechanical room that holds electrical panels and heating and cooling equipment, including two hot water heaters and a Viessman boiler. The lower level provides access to a generous-sized, underground garage for two or more vehicles with built-in storage cabinetry, the central vacuum system, and hot and cold water.

The ground level of the home offers an exceptional recreation/exercise space and an inviting informal living area, all with radiant heated floors. The living area has wrap-around views, high ceilings, and a dishwasher and under-counter refrigerator. A granite-trimmed fireplace is flanked by deep cabinetry for media equipment. Double doors open to a big covered deck. A three-quarter bath serves this area, an adjoining exercise space, and a beautiful, glass-enclosed lap pool and spa. Six massive round columns border the pool. French doors at one end open to the lower level deck, bringing the outside in. A dehumidifier ensures year-round comfort.

There are several storage rooms on the ground level that hold pool and elevator mechanical equipment. Another storage room, naturally cool, functions beautifully as a wine cellar. Stairs from the deck on this level wind down the hillside to an enclosed backyard with an abundance of hard surfaces and a storage closet for gardening equipment. This completely private space affords a new owner a wealth of options for an inviting outdoor setting.

If you're interested in this home, please email us at twobobs@seattlefineproperties.com .