Story of a Lifetime-Luxury Home Spotlight, Vashon Island, Washington
Vashon Island?? Where is that?? I grew up in Washington State. I love the green beauty that is always around, the many outdoor adventures that can be had, at all times of the year, and, I think, best of all, the diversity of culture that is shared by those of us who live here. There is literally something for everyone. A couple of the marks of a born and bred Washingtonian is that we can tell tourists by their umbrellas, and that, regardless of where we were born, if we were born in western Washington, when we are asked by out of staters where we were born or where we are from, we simply answer, "Seattle", because it's just easier! Nobody knows where Bremerton is. It's a little town, about two hours drive from Seattle, or a 45 minute ferry ride. Being here as long as I have, I enjoy knowing little bits of history about every place I visit. My family has always enjoyed hiking, fishing, nature trails, and my kids all enjoyed camping. Being who I am, we had to be more than 12 hours away before I was willing to sleep on the ground! But campfires, nature walks even cave hiking in the Ape Caves of Mount St. Helens.. these are adventures I coveted with my kids. One of the most beautiful places in western Washington, in my opinion, is Vashon Island. As a child, the mystique of living on an island, with no land bridge, was the epitome of fairytale. Located between the bustling 'Emerald City' of Seattle one one side and the much more rural area of Port Orchard, Purdy and Gig Harbor, on the other, Vashon stands alone. To my mind, as a child and teenager, this was a wonderous feat of humanity, and the idea of living on a completely separate island was intriguing to me. In reality, Vashon, like most of our towns here, began with logging, and ended up be a place for settlers and farmers to set roots. Out of the grit and hard work of those who settled her, Vashon and Maury Islands became towns of their own, dependent on steamboats, lumber and other exports in and out of Puget Sound. The history of Vashon Island is a fun read. This site has some extensive history on the island, for more info: My Vashon Island Blog Today, Vashon Island seems to be a place to 'get away from it all.' A short ferry ride to either Seattle or Port Orchard, one can easily see how it would lovely to work in a hustle bustle world, and still be able to retreat to a santuary. According to Vashon Island, "To preserve their comfortably casual style of living, the people who call the island home have fought vigorously to prevent a bridge from being built, which they are sure would be an invitation to large agricultural industry. Currently, the only way for visitors to gain access to Vashon Island is by ferry." The community is committed to preserving the quality of life that has flourished there. One of the best things I get to do as a real estate advisor, is showcase homes I would not otherwise be able to see. The Wildwood Estate on Vashon Island is one of the breathtaking opportunities. The fairytale is here! Tucked away on 21 acres, this rambling estate offers all of the beauty nature has to offer, without leaving your own back yard. Stop and marvel at the stunning front yard landscape, that enhances the natural beauty around you. This waterfront location is superbly appointed. All before you even enter this home, there is a massive barn. This has been used successfully as an AirBNB, and has two, one bedroom units. Completely ready for equestrian pursuits, this astounding area includes stables, tackroom, room for any needed equipment. I have visited and toured many homes, in many markets, from Birch Bay to Sequim. This home has no comparison! The spectacular view of Puget Sound, is only the beginning. This breathtaking home was built in 1994, and has only had one owner. Situated on the property in such a way that you feel like you are entering and modern day fairytale. In every corner, you see beauty, elegance, and grace, married exquisitely with the calling of 'home'. The kitchen is the heartbeat of many homes. High ceilings, ample storage and counter space, the warmth and glow is aparent, even in the day time. Gaze out at the natural beauty of the sound, as you create mouth watering delacacies. Perfect for morning coffee and dinner parties, this kitchen is ready for everything! The large living room sits beautifully in this home. Situated with a glorious view, high windows allow natural light to flood the space. Complete with fireplace and hearth, curl up and read a good book, or comfortably peruse the next project on the drawing board. My favorite space in this home is the master bedroom. In my childhood fairytales, I always saw myself in a bedroom with a fireplace. Whether imagining about 'The Little Princess', as she is de-stationed and forced to clean the fireplaces of the rich girls, or dreaming of being the princess in the castle, bedrooms had fireplaces. This home doesn't fail to inspire. Large bedroom, complete with fireplace, attached to very generous master suite. Masterfully designed to invite relaxation in a hot bath after a long day, while maintaining the exquisite sense of elegance, grace and indulgence. This home is amazing, with new things to appreciate around every corner. The last room that really grabbed my attention is the office/study. The room is large enough to support wood paneling, fireplace and french doors. It is a space that exudes luxury, and has hints of by gone times, when smoking jackets, cigars, and brandy were readily at hand for entertaining, meetings, and exchanges of great ideas. Ample shelves, a space for media, the rooms speaks... "So you have to work... Why not work in luxury..." I'm so grateful that my team and I have the opportunity to bring light to Vashon Island, and this 21 acres of heaven. It is priced to sell at $8,950,000. On the global market, it's worth every penny. Not only is it well appointed for daily living, but it also is a well established, high end AirBNB. In the end, it's not only an amazing place to live, with every amenity, including elevator and indoor swimming pool and hot tub, but it's an investment that can bring semi immediate returns, depending on how often it is booked. Check out this incredible opportunity! With proof of funds, I can schedule you for a tour, and we can get you started on your very own fairytale. Let's see where the dream takes you! Kari Green, Real Estate Advisor360 552-8150
Story Time: Historic Homes, Lafayette, Bremerton, Wa
I recently had the opportunity to take a look at a historic home in Bremerton, Wa. There's something about the charm and character of a century-old home that draws people in, and the history that comes along with it only adds to the intrigue. Today, we're taking a closer look at one such property: 412 S Lafayette Ave in Bremerton, WA 98312. I had the privilege of a 'pre-tour' of sorts, with Gloria Mellon and her husband, Keith. Their passion for historic homes is clear, and the artfulness and respect for the past is evident. While this home has all modern conveniences, they chose to keep the historic charm of the home, and honor it's history and emphasize its charm. As you enter the home, you are greeted in a bright room. A place to take your shoes off, or sit and enjoy the day, this space is welcoming and warm, and speaks of 'home'. Upon entering the into the living room, you see the beautiful wood trim, and the attention to detail that was always evident as homes were built in that period. Original fir flooring, an amazing archway, with lots of built in storage, picture rails, and original windows bring you to a wonderfully warm feeling of nostalgia. You can clearly picture a Christmas tree and lights from a time gone by, when traditions, family gatherings and pageantry were all part of society. While all of this charm is absolutely delightful, on closer inspection, you can see the love and detail that was put into the home. While resotration is a beautiful thing, no one wants an outhosue out back! The kitchen is breathtaking, as you realize the small conveniences that have been thought of. New appliances, a coffe bar, with built in water fill for the pots, but done in period style. The orginal windows have dormars for added energy efficiency. The bathrooms have been updated, and in the bedroom suite, a luxurious, claw foot tub awaits! Outside, the home has also been udpated and the landscaping is mature. This home sits on an oversized lot, and has an excellent deck in the back, perfect for outdoor entertainment! It was a joy to hear how Keith and Gloria have lovingly updated and resotred this beautiful home. A little history.... In 1903, William Bremer had faced some backlash from the US Navy because of Bremerton's reputation for drinking and gambling. He decided to take Bremerton, got all of the commercial land owners to agree, and sell it to the US Navy. According to HistoryLink.org ( HitoryLInk.org ), William decided that if the Navy wanted to run his town, they could buy it... and offered to sell it to the government for a whopping $350,000. The Navy turned down the offer, as they felt the price too high. (I've lived in Kitsap all my life, and didn't know that the entire town of Bremerton was, at one time, for sale to the government!) In 1916, Washington state had gone "dry" and by 1919, the nation had followed. What is interesting to me, is that this home was built in 1916, though the name of the builder has not been found. With the Navy yard being here, was this person someone who came for a job, or was it built for someone who was a higher up in the Navy? Or, yet still, none of the above. This historic mystery leaves it open to the imagination, and, for sure, a book should be written! :) In 1923, the home was bought by James and Mamie Brown. They lived there until Mamie's passing in 1935. James remarried shortly after Mamie's death, to a lady named Belle, and they lived there, and were shown on, the 1940 census. There is a gap in information until 1950's, when Harry and Franscis Snyder bought the property. The Snyders owned a second hand store on Callow, and they lived in the home until 2001, when Harry passed away. When Gloria and Keith began restorations, they found some things in the attic from the time when Harry had his store. 1990's Hot Wheels were among them. Interestingly, Keith and Gloria put some of these items back in the walls, and also added a 'time capsule', with items from our own time period. It's amazing how well built these older homes are. The flavor, character and charm of the time is captured, and reminds us of a space that is rich with history, nostalgia and reminds us where we came from. It's clear from the attention to detail this home offers, as well as the updates, that Keith and Gloria love historic homes, and are invested in creating spaces that bring us back home in our hearts. This home is on the market and avialable for move in. The home has been reduced in price, and is well within FHA guidelines for home loans! Keith and Gloria are invested in getting this beautiful home sold to the right person! Check it out today! 412 Lafayette, Bremerton
