fireplace

The open living room is anchored by a large fireplace and connected to the dining room and kitchen.

An in-ground water feature is surrounded by atrium-like glass walls that keep the interior feeling open and airy.

An open-plan living/dining/kitchen area takes full advantage of the ample light from multiple floor-to-ceiling windows.

The active family had just returned from a three-year stint in Amsterdam and wanted a low-maintenance weekend retreat that would "give us energy and not take it away," explains Sara, who is the president of vintage-inspired home decor company Schoolhouse.

Sweeping views of Lake Washington from the dining room

Radiant floor heating, a high-efficiency boiler, a heat recovery ventilator, and a convection wood stove work to conserve energy.

Along with a soothing neutral palette, the living room in the Union Bay Residence also provides sweeping views of Lake Washington and beyond.

A Les Blakebrough ceramic urn punctuates the concrete fireplace.