Home of the Day is a feature presented by the Puget Sound Business Journal and Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. This is your invitation to view some of Puget Sound’s most luxurious properties. Come inside and take a look around. Read more below on the “Home of the Week” winner, listed by Julie Biniasz and Sandy Justen.
In its early days, the estate served as the site of Blackball Ferry Dock, where fruit was exported from Orcas Island. The Hawkins family established a working farm complete with cattle, goats and chickens. They also planted pear, apple, cherry and plum trees, which still bear fruit in the orchards over a century later. Over time, the property was parceled out and sold to various owners. The estate’s current stewards worked tirelessly to bring the estate back to its former glory by reassembling parcels over time and removing dilapidated buildings, designing new structures and restoring several others.
Though every attempt was made to repair the original Victorian Cottages that stood upon the hill, early renovation efforts revealed the homes were beyond restoration and they were removed. Two authentic English Cottages now stand in their stead, complete with lovely gardens and pathways. The original 1960 Mid-Century Modern Beach House was thoughtfully updated to flawlessly accommodate life at the water’s edge. One new barn was added to the property, while a second barn and various outbuildings were updated to encompass a comprehensive estate well-suited to meet the needs of its new owners.
Completed in 2004, two English Cottages set upon the hillside were designed to blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings. They exude impeccable quality in design and craftsmanship, with interior elements fabricated by local artesian craftsmen, including Gary Sissen of Mt. Picket Woodworking and Steve Gropp of Salamander Forge. Appointments include wide plank pine floors, wrought iron cabinets and staircases, radiant heat flooring and deer fencing. Elegant French doors open to gorgeous, purple-hued slate paved walkways that bring one around the property. Between the two cottages, a cozy outdoor stone fireplace beneath a verdant arbor affords a central outdoor gathering space for intimate evenings and grand celebrations. Together, the cottages comprise 7,632 square feet of living space and gracious accommodations for full-time residents and their guests.
For more details visit OrcasIslandEstate.com.