Let’s face it: Seattle summers are short. From the first time we feel warm sun rays in late May to the last gasps of mild evenings in late September, we Seattleites relish every drop. Even pre-Covid, homeowners were making the most of outdoor design trends to eke out every ounce of the warmer months.
Following stay-at-home orders, many chose to up their outdoor living space, with reimagined decks, patios, cabanas, firepits, outdoor seating, piped-in music, ambient lighting, new landscape design, hardscaping and more.
Since that time, the indoor-outdoor living trend hasn’t dampened. As soon as “June-uary” is behind us each year, we’re outside as often as possible, from early mornings sipping coffee in the peace and quiet, to the long daylight hours that gift us with the chance to linger in the evening until well after dark. (Some of these spaces work year-round, too, with the easy addition of space heaters.)
The homes below, all of which are listings represented by Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, showcase Northwest contemporary outdoor living space ideas, from Bainbridge Island to Medina. Some are ready for a party on move-in day, while others offer a blank slate to satisfy your personal outdoor oasis vision. Take a peek – we hope you’re inspired. In the meantime, happy Seattle summer!
Bainbridge Island
Set on coveted Country Club Road, this exquisite waterfront estate brings Hamptons style to Bainbridge Island’s beautiful Blakely Harbor. Enjoy luxury designer finishes throughout, and an additional 768-square-foot bonus space for guests, a home office, or a gym. Prep for gatherings in the large gourmet kitchen with Sub Zero/Viking appliances, and calacatta marble countertops and backsplashes.
From the main floor primary ensuite bedroom, step out onto a large wraparound deck with water views – an ideal outdoor living room in which to sit in the morning, sipping coffee and reading. The expansive patio is ideal for indoor-outdoor entertaining, allowing guests to move easily from the house to the yard.
A custom rock firepit invites evenings of convivial conversation, as you sit near the mature gardens and drink in impressive Seattle views, perhaps admiring your boat bobbing about at the home’s included deep-water buoy.
The home is just minutes from the Seattle ferry, downtown Winslow, and charming Lynwood Center, with ample local shopping and dining.
Federal Avenue, Seattle
This Edwin Ivy legacy home on Federal Avenue is majestically set on five city lots, offering an incredibly vast area in which to live an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Formal in its details, and generous in its amenities, the home lives for today with a fantastic floor plan and incredible features. From the kitchen, with its custom Officine Gullo cooking island, to the spacious family room, there isn’t a room you won’t love.
The family room opens to a year-round outdoor living area, all set up with a grill, beverage fridge, fireplace, heaters, and more. Straight ahead: a Florentine-inspired swimming pool and hot tub for eight. Lighted pickleball court? Check. Wine cellar? Check (with space for 1,250 bottles). Need to practice your swing for your tee time tomorrow? There’s an indoor golf simulator.
The covered outdoor living space on the patio is an all-seasons gathering spot for a barbecue with friends, watching a football game, overseeing the kids as they splash in the pool, or spending time around the cozy firepit. It’s practically like living at your own high-end resort. Need more outdoor space? The home is just steps from lush Volunteer Park.
Beyond its four-season outdoor amenities, the fully fenced estate features a four-car garage and secure motor court for an additional ten cars. Capitol Hill is a short walk away, and downtown Seattle, the University of Washington, and freeways are just a quick five-minute drive.
Mount Vernon
This spacious, newly constructed home is move-in ready and ideal for making your mark, indoors and out. The Mount Vernon home sits on just shy of five acres, providing privacy and breathtaking views (and no covenants, conditions, or restrictions).
Enjoy the sounds of the bubbling creek while relaxing in your enclosed courtyard. Step inside to the open-concept great room, with a vaulted dormer ceiling that allows in boundless natural light. Entertain friends and family with ease, as guests flow from the cozy gas fireplace, to the kitchen with a large island and floor-to-ceiling cabinets, to the spacious yard overlooking open pasture (perfect for horse owners!).
Thoughtful interior designs allow for privacy or expanded living space. French doors on the den/office can be open or closed, depending on your living style and entertainment needs. The primary ensuite has a freestanding bathtub, the perfect quiet escape.
Outside, the garage has a hobby/shop space and an EV port. RV parking is available.
Families will love this quiet home, in the coveted Conway school district just minutes from I-5, Lake McMurray, and Lake Sixteen.
Yarrow Point
Guests arriving at your grand Yarrow Point home will feel as if they’ve arrived at a private arboretum. With nearly a half-acre to call its own, the residence is nestled in a quiet enclave of four homes in this coveted neighborhood – and it neighbors the serene, 14-plus-acre Wetherill Nature Reserve, with trails and lake access. There’s plenty of space for your guests to park, as well as a three-car detached garage.
A dramatic waterfall feature is a stunning prelude to the memorable and stately entrance of the home, with its 20-foot ceilings and grand staircase. Within, find a chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances, three levels of gorgeous living space, and an easy floorplan for family and guests. Host dinner parties that flow throughout the main level and into the elegant dining room, with access to a butler’s pantry. From here, French doors open to the elevated outdoor terrace, which invites hours of mingling and connecting.
The luxurious primary suite features heated floors and a steam shower, a walk-in closet, and lake views. Additionally, the home offers an office space, theater room, wellness room, and ensuite guest room.
Facing west, the home is bathed in afternoon sunlight on dreamy Pacific Northwest summer afternoons and evenings. With views of Cozy Cove and park-like grounds, this home is an incredible indoor-outdoor oasis.
Medina
Imagine a home in the Provencal countryside, with stately gathering spaces that flow into one another, manicured gardens, and a two-story outdoor living and dining area, complete with a covered outdoor BBQ and romantic gas fireplace. This home in Medina Heights is all that and more.
The picturesque French country-inspired dwelling is in one of the most sought-after Medina neighborhoods. You’re drawn into the art of fine living through a regal wooden door that leads to easily flowing spaces, from the epicurean kitchen to sunny living and dining spaces. Entertaining is effortless!
The home is rounded out by a luxurious primary suite on the main floor, as well as a private office. Three more bedrooms are downstairs, as well as an additional office or fitness room.
As for that outdoor living room, you’ll have two stories to gather in with family and friends. Dine on the covered patio, then move upstairs to the rooftop deck for cocktails and views of the beautiful garden and sunset views over Lake Washington.
This “country estate” is just minutes from world-class shopping and restaurants in downtown Bellevue, lush parks, and exceptional Medina and Bellevue schools. Bienvenue à la maison!
Natural Escape in the Mountains
Leavenworth is a natural outdoor getaway from Seattle – it’s an easy, scenic drive, and once there you have all manner of fresh-air recreation to choose from. Whether as a vacation home or your primary residence, this spectacular Leavenworth home, custom built by John Zimmerman, is made for outdoor enthusiasts.
Experience the presence and awe of the 5,825-square-foot, five-bedroom, 3.5-bath, NW timber-framed beauty. Views range from Tumwater Ridge to Mission Ridge, to the Enchantments and the town of Leavenworth.
Entertaining is a breeze with a spacious 1,300-square-foot guest house suite located over the three-car detached garage with covered RV storage. Invite friends to come and relax for the weekend, exploring the 14-plus-acre property with private waterfall and vineyard. (They’ll never want to leave!) Later, come inside and experience all the warmth and beauty this home has to offer.
Connect with a Realogics Sotheby’s International Real Estate advisor to learn more about these properties that make the most of Seattle’s gorgeous summer months.