As the days grow longer and give way to those glorious Pacific Northwest sunsets, we emerge from winter hibernation and spend more and more time in their yards and gardens. This is the time we are thankful for the rains of the colder months that kept our greenery alive and ready to burst into bloom at the first sign of spring. It’s a time of quiet mornings on the deck sipping a cup of coffee and inhaling the scent of lilacs and rhododendrons, backyard barbecues in your yard’s finest moments, and planting flowers, vegetables, and fruit bushes for summer harvest.
The homes below are prized for their immaculate exterior spaces, from expansive backyards to carefully tended gardens to their location on the waterfront, or even a lush golf course. They’re proof positive that in spite of, and even because of, a long, dark winter, our region boasts evergreen beauty year-round.
11 Diamond S Ranch – Bellevue, WA 98004
Tucked behind its own gate on just shy of an acre in the prestigious Diamond S Ranch neighborhood, this stunning 6,560-square-foot, 6-bedroom, 5-bath Hamptons-style residence was custom built by Bordner Construction. From the moment you arrive, the home reveals itself slowly, like a story unfolding—Malabar Sisal grasscloth wall coverings in the entryway set the tone, welcoming you into a space where every finish speaks of design with purpose. Throughout, custom window coverings soften the light and frame the lush outdoor views. Whether it’s a slow Sunday morning spent with the windows open to birdsong or simply watching golden hour play across the garden, the outdoors is as much as part of this home’s story as its classic interiors.
Inside, the kitchen beckons as the heart of the home, outfitted with Miele and Wolf appliances, Thassos marble backsplash, and Urban Electric lighting. Calacatta Classico and Nero Marquina marble surfaces anchor key spaces with timeless sophistication. Upstairs, the gentle
hush of Godfrey Hirst 100% wool carpeting underfoot brings a sense of calm and sanctuary, where each bedroom feels like its own private retreat. Fully integrated AV systems, climate control, a Ring Smart Doorbell, Unifi G3 security cameras, and a Siemens Backup Generator offer ease and peace of mind, seamlessly woven into the fabric of daily living.
1245 High School Road NE – Bainbridge Island, WA
Sited at the head of the 8th fairway of Wing Point Golf & Country Club, this rare, south-facing home has long been considered one of the most prominent and stately properties on the course. Perfectly manicured grounds frame serene views of flowering gardens, tranquil ponds, and majestic evergreens — creating a picturesque setting for this elegant yet comfortable retreat.
With over 3,200 sq ft of finished living area, the 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers a thoughtfully designed floor plan with generous room for both relaxed everyday living and sophisticated entertaining. At the heart of the home, is an impressive chef’s kitchen with an adjoining casual dining area that flows seamlessly to expansive decks and patios; perfectly positioned to capture both all day sun and evening twilight. The open and inviting family room, with its exposed wood beams and brick fireplace, ensures warm and memorable evenings.
Upstairs, there are three spacious bedrooms, including a magnificent primary suite with vaulted ceilings, a luxurious sitting area, an extraordinary walk-in closet, and a charming private deck overlooking the gardens and fairway below.
25128 SE 28th Street – Sammamish, WA
Welcome to a private slice of paradise—nestled along 160 feet of pristine, no-bank lakefront on Little Beaver Lake, with protected 180-degree views overlooking the serene woodlands of Beaver Lake Park. Just minutes from downtown Issaquah yet worlds away from it all, this 2,970-square-foot home is where the Pacific Northwest lifestyle truly comes alive. But it’s what’s outside the 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home that will take your breath away.
Set on nearly ¾-acre of lush, native gardens, the grounds have been transformed into a gardener’s delight—complete with pollinator beds, a deer-proof vegetable garden with raised planters, and a low-maintenance clover “lawn.” Launch kayaks or paddleboards from your floating dock, enjoy sunset soaks in the hot tub, or host unforgettable barbeques on the flagstone patio with built-in Big Green Egg smoker. Friends will linger long after dinner, especially when your lighted sports court turns into an evening pickleball match.
28395 Sandy Beach Lane NE – Kingston, WA
Offering extraordinary privacy and natural beauty across nearly 7 acres and 300′ of high-bank waterfront with private beach access, this 5,603-square-foot home frames sweeping views of Puget Sound, Mt. Baker, and the Cascades from every room and extensive decks.
The 3-bedroom, 4.5-bath home offers two upper-level bedrooms, each in its own wing with an ensuite bath, commanding water views, and vaulted ceilings. The recently finished daylight lower level features 9′ ceilings, a large family room with a wet bar, an office/gym space, a game room, a wine cellar, and a 3/4 bath.
10665 North Road – Leavenworth, WA
It would be easy enough to fall for this dramatic, 5,825-square-foot house with its 14+ acres, including a private waterfall and a vineyard with a 7-acre shares of irrigation. Add to this the spectacular Leavenworth area views from Tumwater Ridge to Mission Ridge and the Enchantment Mountains and it’s true love.
Experience the presence and awe-inspiring quality of this 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home custom built by John Zimmerman. The NW timber-framed beauty also offers a spacious, 1,300-square-foot guest house suite over a 3-car detached garage with covered RV storage. Snow Creek wine label included.
Hunts Point Residential – Hunts Point, WA
Experience the unique vision and artistry of this remarkable Hunts Point west-facing waterfront, 7,759-square-foot estate. This 5-bedroom, 5.25-bath residence brought together the finest designers to execute a custom home that can best be described as a legacy. A sense of contentment washes over from the moment one comes through the private gate or docks at the water’s edge. The expansive patio, pool and spa, manicured backyard, and private dock make for a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Created and built not just to serve the immediate needs of its future homeowners, but to also remain a source of beauty and admiration in the years to come, this estate is the epitome of timeless.
9844 NE Lafayette Avenue – Bainbridge Island, WA
A Bainbridge Island architectural waterfront masterpiece in Port Madison, this 3,898-square-foot home offers thoughtfully designed interior spaces that blend with the natural beauty of the Puget Sound. Set on 82 feet of pristine shoreline, the property features curated landscaping with water features, irrigation, and a variety of flowers, fruits, and herbs. Unique, eco-friendly, living “green” roofs crown the cantilevered sundeck area.
The main floor dining and living rooms flow into outdoor, resort-style areas featuring a covered patio, deck, hot tub, and lawn. A garden path leads to the private studio, where French doors open to its own wraparound deck.
In the private, luxurious primary suite, corner walls of glass open to a wraparound deck—an extension of the room itself. The five-piece bathroom offers a BainUltra “Citi” spa tub, a custom tiled shower stall and water views.
The second primary suite, located in its own private wing and accessed by a private staircase, features vaulted ceilings, a large sitting area, kitchenette, ¾ bathroom, and a balcony overlooking the lush green yard and gardens.
The property is set in a quiet cove adjacent to the Point Monroe Lagoon—an important natural habitat that shelters migratory birds, shorebirds, eagles, and herons. Enjoy crabbing, fishing, kayaking, and beach combing, and keep an eye out for pods of orcas and sea lions.
1625 Federal Avenue E – Seattle, WA
Come home to an oasis in the city. Set on five city lots, the 11,679-square-foot Edwin Ivey legacy home features mature landscaping and palm trees, an expansive patio, a Florentine-inspired pool and spa, a pickleball court, and a trampoline. From the kitchen (complete with a bespoke Officine Gullo cooking island), life flows easily to the outdoor patio, where a grill, drinks fridge, fireplace, and heaters await.
With classic formals and detailing, the home also lives for today with a fantastic floorplan, incredible amenities, and a killer indoor-outdoor flow. Wine-cellar? Yes, for 1,250 bottles. Plus a 4-car garage, secure motor court for 10 cars, an indoor golf simulator, a home gym, and a separate apartment! This is resort living at its best … at home.