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Iconic mid-century home has been in a famous Seattle architect's family since the 1960s. It's now on sale for $3M.

By Anna Marie Erwert, Special to the Seattle P I

|Updated
This stunning mid-century home was designed by the famous and prolific Seattle architect, Einar Anderson. It's now on sale for just under $3 million.

This stunning mid-century home was designed by the famous and prolific Seattle architect, Einar Anderson. It's now on sale for just under $3 million.

Baylee Reinert

A Burien home that captures the spirit and vision of one of Seattle's most prolific architects has never been on the market in its current configuration.

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Stepping inside, we see classic linear angles as a floating staircase leads to the second level from the home's entry hall.

Stepping inside, we see classic linear angles as a floating staircase leads to the second level from the home's entry hall.

Baylee Reinert

This mid-century abode, located at 3735 SW 171st St. in Burien, was totally reimagined in the 1960s by Einar Anderson. When the work was finished, Anderson and his family lived in the home for decades. Now, the waterfront house is for sale for just under $3 million.

A standout design, both then and now, as evidenced by this vintage picture of the home. 

A standout design, both then and now, as evidenced by this vintage picture of the home. 

Courtesy Veronique Hval, Windermere
The home takes full advantage of its natural setting, with walls of glass facing the Puget Sound. 

The home takes full advantage of its natural setting, with walls of glass facing the Puget Sound. 

Baylee Reinert

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Anderson, a Seattle native, used the GI Bill to fund his architectural education after World War II. By the 1960s, he was a partner in the prestigious architect firm Steinhart, Theriault and Anderson. That firm was responsible for several notable buildings in Seattle, including their historical landmark office building on Eastlake Avenue and the Swedish Club Building on Dexter.

This 2,290-square-foot home, which he purchased and re-designed from its original iteration, rests on the south shore of Burien's Three Tree Point.

The home, no less dramatic by day, glows with the earthen tones of wood and stone.

The home, no less dramatic by day, glows with the earthen tones of wood and stone.

Baylee Reinert

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The home's original features — hallmarks of the its mid-century style — are completely intact. The wood, tile and glass create clean, linear angles that frame the nearby beach and waterfront. 

The dining area, which opens to the deck and lawn, faces the waterfront. 

The dining area, which opens to the deck and lawn, faces the waterfront. 

Baylee Reinert
This vintage shot of Anderson shows us that working from home in the 1960s looked very much like it does today. 

This vintage shot of Anderson shows us that working from home in the 1960s looked very much like it does today. 

Courtesy Veronique Hval, Windermere
The kitchen is period perfect. 

The kitchen is period perfect. 

Baylee Reinert

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A unique hearth warms the home on chilly evenings The Kubota courtyard awaits on sunny days.

A unique hearth warms the home on chilly evenings The Kubota courtyard awaits on sunny days.

Baylee Reinert
There are a total of three bedrooms and two bathrooms in this preserved beauty. 

There are a total of three bedrooms and two bathrooms in this preserved beauty. 

Baylee Reinert

The 8,217 square foot lot the home sits on has a Puget Sound backdrop. There's also a Kabota garden,  which gives the courtyard a classic mid-century Japanese vibe. 

The courtyard, up close, is mid-century perfection. 

The courtyard, up close, is mid-century perfection. 

Baylee Reinert

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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. 

 

 

By Anna Marie Erwert