Remodeled in 1965 by an architect couple, this well-preserved mid-century modern home in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood is on the market for the first time in almost 60 years, asking $1.25 million.
Rachael Ann PhotographyA home in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood is older than one might think.
The angular lines seen in the dwelling at 3410 40th Ave. West are a staple of the mid-century modern style, but the home was actually built in 1924. The modernization of the house was done by an architect power couple that purchased and remodeled it themselves in the early 1960s.
And now — after 60 years — the couple is selling their family home for $1.25 million.
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The home is classic mid-century, with an angular mixture of warm earth tones framed in stone, wood and glass.
Rachael Ann PhotographyT. Gordon and Elaine Peterson both graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in architecture. Listing agent Courtney Williams told the Seattle P-I that the couple purchased the home in 1963 and did a complete remodel, which included increasing the square footage to 2,310 and the construction of five bedrooms and three bathrooms. The only thing that remained original was the home's floor.
"It was a collaborative, unique design between the two of them to house their five children," Williams said. "They loved light and open space."
In this living room, the bronze light fixture overhead is original, designed by the architect owners and fashioned from the inside of a steam heat exchanger.
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The home's levels are joined by artful floating staircases.
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There are a total of 5 bedrooms.
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That light and open space is still in the home, with a loft-like layout and generous use of glass to let the outside in. Some of the original light fixtures the Petersons made by hand are also still in the home.
The dining room is tucked into this upper level and looks down on the living room.
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This kitchen is retro magic.
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A deck wraps the back of the 2,310-square-foot home.
Rachael Ann PhotographyThe house itself was originally built almost 100 years ago, which may be appealing to some history buffs, but the real historic element on the property sits in the front yard: a giant rock.
"It is estimated to be 1 million years old," Williams said. "It is a glacier erratic, which means it's what's left after a glacier melted. [The Petersons] discovered it when they were putting in the fireplace. It took a very large bulldozer to just move it to where it now sits."
The kitchen steps out to the deck for alfresco dining.
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This pool, reportedly dug by the architect couple's own children, sparkles in the backyard of the 6,122-square-foot lot.
Rachael Ann PhotographyThis property's next caretaker will have the distinct honor of looking after the ancient rock, as well as the much younger — but still pretty old — home.
Anna Marie Erwert writes from both the renter and new buyer perspective, having (finally) achieved both statuses. She focuses on national real estate trends, specializing in the San Francisco Bay Area and Pacific Northwest. Follow Anna on Twitter: @AnnaMarieErwert.