Eye-Catching Design Selections
After spending his career traversing the world, the homeowner had a well-earned list of details for his dream house; an old friend helped him make decisions while reminding him to also embrace the opportunity. As a result, his life and likes are present throughout, starting with a compass rose in the driveway, made with stamped, colored concrete and pointing due north in full view of pilots flying above. Inside the front door, a wall of lighted cabinetry showcases the homeowner’s years of collectibles.
Along with the soaring views of the Cascades, the main living area room itself is sweeping, with a steep roof allowing for striking 17-foot ceilings. Large, natural wood beams, another must-have, and 12-inch wood trim below add to the warmth and keep the space grounded. Wood floors with radiant heating also were used throughout the house.
Similar attention to detail was paid in the kitchen, with hand-selected granite slabs, a large island, and ample cabinets, including some with glass fronts to display certain pieces. A window in the kitchen connects to small deck with a second, outdoor kitchen. A larger main deck spans the length of the great room.
In the three-season room, a wood-burning stove in fire-engine red offers an eye-catching touch.
The house is divided with two ensuite guest rooms on one side and the primary suite on the other, with the master suite secluded behind by a pass-through office for privacy. Like the living room, the primary bath’s drop-in tub was designed to take in the Mt. Baker view, with windows down to the tub deck. In one of the guest baths, the homeowner’s friend chose a stunning copper tub with zinc interior.
Along with its single-story layout, the home has a dropped-floor system so there are no steps from the garage or front door, ensuring the homeowner can comfortably age in place.
The homeowner desired arched garage doors, a rare find, so Estes designed garage doors with an arched window above each, installing the mechanisms to go above the windows. Inside, Estes installed car chargers and a Tesla Powerwall home battery backup system.
A slate-look composite roof system completes the look and accommodates Bell Hill’s strict aesthetic requirements while offering durability for the region’s climate.