A Sun-Drenched Midcentury Near Seattle Seeks $750K

Strategic additions and generous skylights create open, luminous living spaces in this 1953 gem.

A Sun-Drenched Midcentury Near Seattle Seeks $750K

Strategic additions and generous skylights create open, luminous living spaces in this 1953 gem.

Generous skylights in the vaulted tongue-and-groove ceilings illuminate the home. "Even on a short, dreary Seattle winter day, we don’t need to keep any lights on in the house, and it feels bright and cheerful," says Kelle.

Now up for grabs in Lake Forest Park, Washington—a small suburb northeast of Seattle—is a restored midcentury home dating back to 1953. Nestled on a landscaped lot and set under soaring trees, the original residence was estimated around 1,200 square feet. After several additions throughout the decades, the three-bedroom abode now measures 2,170 square feet and also features a detached studio.

The 1953 home sits on a quiet lot in Lake Forest Park, a small suburb of Seattle originally developed in the 20th century as bedroom community for commuters to and from the city. Today, the area is home to around 13,400 people and is acclaimed for its convenient access to nature.

The 1953 home sits on a quiet lot in Lake Forest Park, a small suburb of Seattle originally developed in the 20th century as bedroom community for commuters to and from the city. Today, the area is home to around 13,400 people and is acclaimed for its convenient access to nature.

Photo courtesy of Windermere Real Estate - Shoreline

"There have been many additions to the home," explains Kelle Shutter, who currently owns the property with her husband, Collier. "The carport used to have a door through to the kitchen that was enclosed to make a room, and the current carport was added in front of the other main entry door." A second living room was also added behind the common space, and a second full bath was attached to the front bedroom—all of which took place before she and Collier acquired the residence.

An archival photo of the 1950s home showcases its original footprint prior to renovations.

An archival photo of the 1950s home showcases its original footprint prior to renovations.

Photo courtesy of Kelle Sutters

The couple purchased the home five-and-a-half years ago when Kelle was on maternity leave with their two-month-old child. They had recently moved from a midcentury ranch house in Phoenix and were keen on finding another home from the era—though they weren’t in a hurry. 

"We weren’t seriously looking when we started going to open houses for fun on the weekends," says Kelle. "At that time, we only wanted to get an idea on pricing and try to narrow down what neighborhoods we would like to consider. Collier and I agreed that there was a risk of us falling in love with a house, but that we would only consider buying if the house was absolutely perfect."

The original carport was enclosed and another one—which can comfortably accommodate two cars—was added in front of the main entry.

The original carport was enclosed and another one—which can comfortably accommodate two cars—was added in front of the main entry. 

Photo courtesy of Windermere Real Estate - Shoreline

See the full story on Dwell.com: A Sun-Drenched Midcentury Near Seattle Seeks $750K
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