When you live on the waterfront in the Pacific Northwest, every day feels like vacation. The presence of water grounds a home, giving it an elemental nuance that allows you to feel closer to your natural surroundings. Mundane tasks aren’t so bad when it means weeding your garden at dusk as the sunset reflects off Puget Sound or waking early to walk the dog along your private stretch of beach on the Hood Canal, listening to the lap of the waves.
What does waterfront living mean to you? Whether it’s having a dock to moor your boat, easy access to a swimming beach, the ability to fish or clam just steps from your house, or just an awe-inspiring view of one of our region’s staggeringly beautiful bodies of water, you’ll find it with an RSIR agent. If you’d like to dive deeper into Pacific Northwest waterfront living, check out our 2024 Waterfront Report. The following homes provide a taste of just how wow-worthy the waterfront lifestyle can be.
125 Feet of Low-Bank Luxury
A low-bank setting is considered one of the most desirable types of waterfront property in Puget Sound. The land sits just above the natural water line, with relatively easy access to the waterfront – usually a short flight of stairs or a gentle slope. A bulkhead barrier is typically present to delineate the land above from the shoreline, protecting the property from wave-caused erosion. Many low-bank homes offer a private boat slip, dock, or mooring buoys for boat owners.
The epitome of modernism takes center stage in this Wendell Lovett-designed residence nestled on Medina’s famed “gold coast.” Extraordinary architecture in its purest form, the home on Lake Washington was composed to accentuate the site while considering the actions of the water, wind, and sun. The light-filled main house plus guest wing balances private and shared spaces, offering four bedrooms, two offices, a recreation room, a library, a gym, and a sauna and hot tub. Outdoor living is encouraged, with a covered barbecue area and gorgeous plantings along an incomparable 125 feet of low-bank waterfront on the most coveted shoreline in the Pacific Northwest. This gracious lot offers ever-changing vistas and is the perfect palette for the future steward of the waterfront.
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Seabeck Stunner
High-bank, or bluff, homes afford homeowners a heightened sense of privacy and exclusivity. Situated on a cliff or steep slope, these homes typically boast gorgeous views of the water below. The land provides a natural barrier between the property and the water, and a trail or steps lead down to the water’s edge for easy access. High-bank homes are thoughtfully designed to maximize the panoramic water views, with walls of large windows, folding glass doors, and outdoor living spaces.
Situated delicately on the banks of Hood Canal, the serene “Journey’s End” property features panoramic views of the Hood Canal and Olympic Mountains. The great room, a soaring sanctuary with 38-foot ceilings, celebrates light and oceanic vistas through glass clerestory windows. The expansive outdoor design includes an al fresco dining area with a built-in smoker and artisan-crafted wood-fire grill. Enjoy the breathtaking Olympic sunsets from the hot tub, and experience true nature with a working river water feature built into the waterfront bank.
Head to the beach by way of a securely constructed staircase and discover oysters, Dungeness crabs, clams, and shrimp from Hood Canal. The waterfront property has mooring rights and is only a quarter-mile from a boat launch with marinas in Seabeck and Pleasant Harbor.
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Lakeside Living
Some of us are ocean folks; some are lake lovers. Thankfully, Seattle has enough varied bodies of water to suit all preferences, whether you relish saltwater’s rugged nature or a glassy lake’s quiet allure. Water sport enthusiasts who live on the lake can spend summer days tubing, waterskiing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding, all at a moment’s notice.
With its no-bank lot offering a smooth transition to the beach and directly into the water, this Issaquah lake house offers the serenity of rural living and the convenience of urban amenities in a vibrant, bustling city. Wake up to crisp morning air and days filled with the perfect blend of peacefulness and adventure. The meticulously maintained sanctuary boasts lake views and is adjacent to a privately shared park and 43 feet of waterfront with a dock. Expand your horizons with the opportunity presented by two lots, offering potential for expansion or to create a brand-new retreat on a sprawling 20,000-square-foot space.
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Rare River Access
Riparian land often refers to the rights and privileges that come along with ownership of a home fronting a river. Washington State is no stranger to rushing rivers. From the gurgling Wenatchee flowing through Bavarian-style Leavenworth to low-bank access on the rushing Skykomish, opportunities abound for setting your life to the gentle rhythms of the river.
This Skykomish residence occupies 79 feet of prime low-bank riverfront and features sunny south-facing views of the water and mountains from every room. One of the largest and best-equipped waterfront homes available in Skykomish, the property is ideal for entertaining and indoor/outdoor living, thanks to one of the valley’s largest riverfront decks, with multiple terraces and a new six-person hot tub. The two spacious primary bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms invite river views and that calming sound of the gently flowing water. The large yard allows for RV parking and a four-car garage. Just one hour from Seattle (even when the pass is closed) and Leavenworth and 15 minutes from Stevens Pass Ski Resort.
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For floating homes on Lake Union, waterfront estates on Bainbridge Island, restful retreats on secluded coves, lock-and-leave condominium homes with spectacular Puget Sound views, and more, use our search tool to narrow your scope. Your slice of waterfront paradise awaits!