A Midcentury Home Nestled in a Pacific Northwest Forest Asks $1.5M

Located in the sylvan enclave of Innis Arden, this home soaks up the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Published by

This beautifully maintained midcentury home was designed in 1962 by Seattle–based modernist architect Ralph D. Anderson—who was an early advocate for preservation in the region. A soaring, double-height wall of glass in the living room brings a sense of the home's forested surroundings to its interiors.

Character-filled elements of the home's midcentury roots remain—including a slightly sunken living room, a circular staircase, a tongue-and-groove ceiling, wood paneling, and a kitchen countertop crafted of salvaged teak from a 1960s battleship.

The Northwest Regional Style emphasized verticality, large windows, exposed framing, and often a formal T-shape plan.

Photo by Matthew Gallant with Clarify NW

Located just north of Seattle in Shoreline, Washington, the home is set on Hidden Lake, and it quietly overlooks the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Anderson himself lived in this forested suburb, and the lush landscape is reflected in his work. The architect sought to incorporate "the contours, textures, and vegetation of the Northwest, the wooded environment" by employing "big, hovering roofs that would open up to the view."

The side approach to the home. 

Photo by Matthew Gallant with Clarify NW

Get the Dwell Newsletter

Be the first to see our latest home tours, design news, and more.

Subscribe

Overhanging eaves provide shelter from the rainy Pacific Northwest climate.

Photo by Matthew Gallant with Clarify NW

The living room features soaring double-height windows which fill the home with natural light and views of the surrounding forest. 

Photo by Matthew Gallant with Clarify NW

The dining area overlooks the sunken living room.

Photo by Matthew Gallant with Clarify NW

A glimpse of the circular staircase and the sunken living room.

Photo by Matthew Gallant with Clarify NW

The original kitchen countertops (on the left) are made of teak salvaged from the Battleship Colorado, which was dismantled in 1960 in Bremerton, Washington. Built by master craftsman Flemming Sorensen, the surface is screwed down, and the screws are plugged—mimicking the way the deck of a boat is installed.

Photo by Matthew Gallant with Clarify NW

A pulled-back view of the kitchen shows how the space connects to the rest of the home and opens to the outdoors.

Photo by Matthew Gallant with Clarify NW

Shop the Look

Herman Miller Nelson Fireplace Tool Set

Possessing one of the most inventive minds of the 20th century, George Nelson described his creative abilities as a series of “zaps” – quick flashes of inspiration he turned into innovative design ideas. In 1945, Nelson became director of design at Herman Miller, a position he held until 1972. While there, he recruited other seminal modern designers, including Charles Eames and Isamu Noguchi. Nelson also developed his own works, like this Fireplace Tool Set (1951), which includes minimal yet durable pieces that will stand up to years of use. Set comprises a poker, shovel, brush and tripod stand. Made in Taiwan.

Shop

This bedroom takes advantage of the double-height ceiling and benefits from serene forest views. 

Photo by Matthew Gallant with Clarify NW

One of the home's three bedrooms. 

Photo by Matthew Gallant with Clarify NW

A view of the exterior sitting area. 

Photo by Matthew Gallant with Clarify NW

The home is perched on a hill overlooking Hidden Lake.

Photo by Matthew Gallant with Clarify NW

The deck looks out over the forest, with a glimpse of the lake.

Photo by Matthew Gallant with Clarify NW

17020 10th Ave NW, Shoreline, WA is currently listed for $1,499,000 by James Dainard and Katie Kepler of Heaton Dainard, LLC.

Know of a home for sale or rent that should be featured on Dwell.com? Find out how to submit to Dwell.

LikeComment

Midcentury Homes