Area: Madrona
Address: 508 34th Ave View local map
NWMLS: 28095014
List Price: $1,750,000
Status: Available
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1.5
Heat: Gas, Forced Air
Taxes: 2008 - $7,081
Year Built: 1905
Lot Size: 10,390 per KingCounty Records

This inviting home enjoys expansive views of Lake Washington and Mt. Rainier from a double lot on a quiet street in Madrona. Seattle architect A.H. Albertson designed and built the house as his own in 1906. Albertson, who designed a number of noteworthy buildings in the city -- among them, St. Joseph's Church, Seattle Tower, and several buildings on the University of Washington campus -- endowed his home with fine detailing and sited it to take full advantage of a breathtaking setting.

A gate topped with a vine-draped arbor opens to an enclosed yard with brick-trimmed walkways and lush plantings. The house, built in the Colonial Revival style, has a side-gabled, cedar shake roof; exterior walls are clad in clapboard and shingle. Two symmetrical bay windows flank a centered front porch with a Dutch door.

An entry hall with a split staircase and beamed ceiling introduces formal rooms with high ceilings, crown moldings, and hardwood floors. Both living and dining rooms have bay windows looking out on the front yard. The living room has wrap-around windows with leaded glass that take in lake and mountain views. Built-in bookshelves and a window seat flank a wood-burning fireplace with its original scroll-detailed mantel and tile surround.

The spacious kitchen, expanded and remodeled in the '90's, has wide-plank pine floors, granite counters, and traditional cabinetry with a tile backsplash. Appliances include a paneled Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, Viking 6-burner gas oven/range, and KitchenAid dishwasher. Windows above a corner-set sink afford water and mountain views. A pocket door off the kitchen opens to a three-quarter tile bath that serves main floor day rooms.

A glass door in the kitchen leads to a covered back porch looking out on a back yard with a wide lawn, herb garden, and charming potting shed covered with climbing roses. Perched at the edge of the lawn above a steep hillside is a deck with sweeping vistas. Because the slope cannot be developed, the property's views of the Leschi marina, Lake Washington, and Mt. Rainier are ensured for the future.

From the staircase leading to the second floor, angled windows with leaded glass peek into the living room below. The second floor hall is equipped with two linen closets. The home has three bedrooms, two with water and mountain views. A nicely refurbished full bath on the second floor has hex tile floors, subway tile walls, a soaking tub, and vanity with two sinks.

The house has a full, unfinished basement with laundry facilities, utility sink, mechanical equipment and built-in workbench. A special feature is the mechanized lift that transfers firewood from the basement to a concealed storage space in the bench next to the living room fireplace. The basement offers plenty of storage options and great potential for additional finished living space. The property has a security system and a detached, one-car garage. It is within easy walking distance to the Madrona neighborhood's popular bistros and coffee houses.

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