If the heat wasn’t enough indication, summer is in full force. And when the sun is shining, there’s no place that we’d rather be than outside. Whether a stunning garden flower garden is your joie de vivre or vegetable and herb boxes are more your speed, if you dream of dining al fresco as the sun sets, or are just looking for the ideal space for a backyard barbecue, you’ll want to check out these homes. Across different property types and price points, we found a few backyards and front yards that will have you thinking about how to style yours for the coming seasons.
Simple & Sweet Townhouse Patio | Listed by Jason Liberty
The home: A contemporary townhouse just minutes from Green Lake. This home makes the most of its 777-foot floor plan and includes a private balcony that overlooks your backyard oasis.
What we love: This patio-style yard is set up to create conversation spaces with room to dine al fresco. The string lights that run from the balcony are delightful touch and the space feels private despite its address in the middle of the city.
Penthouse Loft with Private Outdoor Space | Listed by Moira Holley
The home: This top-floor penthouse loft in Pioneer Square boasts exposed brick and high ceilings and is 2,000 square feet. Its style is unmistakable and leads out to a private outdoor retreat.
What we love: Watch the waterfront sail by as you relax in lounge chairs at sunset. This home brings nature to the oft-barren downtown rooftop and fills it with potted plants, plenty of space to sit and lounge, plus space for a barbecue. This setup plays well for those who want to host small soirees in the summer, but serves just as well for the homeowner who longs to spend the cool mornings with a good book and a cup of coffee as the breeze off the sound starts their day.
For the Poulsbo Gardener | Listed by Leah Applewhite & Conor Musgrave
The home: Take in the views of the Olympic Mountains from all four bedrooms of this Traditional-style home in Poulsbo. Set on 2.5 acres, this home has seen extensive updates and includes a gourmet kitchen plus multiple French doors that lead to its expansive, partially covered deck.
What we love: The perfect mix of what’s established and opportunity with all-day sun. Flower beds built and ready for spring and summer plantings make the yard pop. A gated garden offers plenty of options for backyard-to-table vegetables. Benches, a pergola, and a playhouse for the littlest ones are set among a planned yet seemingly wild landscape including native plants. If you’re looking for ideas on how to set up your vast backyard, this home offers inspiration in spades.
Creating a Private In-City Sanctuary | Listed by Chris Bierrum
The home: This Wallingford Craftsman is just blocks from Lake Union. Lovely updates, modern styling choices that don’t compromise the home’s history, plus accordion doors that open to the backyard perfectly bring together indoor and outdoor living.
What we love: This beautiful home faces a challenge many in-city homeowners face: the yard isn’t huge. But this home makes the most of every inch of space that’s available. From the steps leading to a tiered garden to the barbeque nook with plenty of space for conversation pits and dining tables, this space doesn’t feel overstuffed, but it certainly maximizes opportunities. And while this home has cozy nearby neighbors, its trees provide privacy, without slamming a fence against a neighbor’s window.