country living

As our City Council, government officials and planning execs push for more urban density, finding greener pastures is becoming more difficult. Heading north to Arlington use to get you some countryside. My grandparents, Harry and Fannie Black owned a 20 acre cattle farm. 

My brothers and I spent our summers there. Our days were spent putting up hay, riding the tractor (and occasionally the cows),  taunting the bull, gathering eggs and picking dahlias. Dinner was overcooked, but always homemade and dessert was most likely canned fruit from the larder. After dinner, Grandpa and I took long walks through their small orchard. Before leaving the house, he would tuck a small salt shaker into his buffalo plaid shirt (I loved that shirt and how it smelled of his pipe tobacco). He would pick an apple, cut it deftly with his pocket knife, throw a little salt on it, then hand me a wedge with a sweet smile and never a word.  

Life was idyllic on the farm - some of my favorite childhood memories have Grandpa and Grandma Black's white farmhouse and barn in the background.

I realize that I'm not giving  my girls these same memories. Theirs are of an instant commute to downtown, a quick jaunt to a neighborhood park/lake/cafe, a 'turn your head quickly' thought as they see their neighbor through a bedroom window, and a vibrancy that comes from urban living. It's all good, but I miss the quieter, softer side of life, and I have missed showing that to them.

Perhaps that's why I have been so excited to list a charming country estate on Vashon Island this week.

Before I get to my sweet new listing, I must mention a property currently on the market just around the corner - Misty Isle Farms. It is perhaps one of the greatest privately landscaped properties in the country. The farm is situated on 47 separate land parcels, totaling 525 acres with 8 homes and many supporting outbuildings and is being offered for $43,000,0000.

MISTY ISLE FARMS - video tour

If Misty Isle seems a little daunting, or perhaps out of your price range, consider this new listing of mine - a 3+ bedroom, 3 bath home sited on 4+ rolling acres, next to a babbling brook and just a stones throw from Misty Isle.

Absolutely idyllic setting - 4+ acres of rolling hills,
mature landscaping and gorgeous gardens.

1,400' of covered porch allows you to soak
in the captivating views from any side of the home.

Gorgeous use of rustic materials combine to create a warm and inviting
backdrop to this thoughtfully designed open floor plan.

4,500+ sq. ft. home with 3+ bedrooms, 3 baths, sitting room, media room and more

Beautiful use of rustic materials like fir and brick.

Second floor sitting area with brick fireplace, gorgeous fir floors
and windows, captivating light and soaring ceilings.

Charming farm house kitchen with in-floor radiant slate floor, hand crafted
fir cabinets and windows, Russian stove, and gas stove top.

Located on a quiet lane, this updated take on country living brings together natural beauty and rustic styles with elements of modern materials. Built to exacting standards in 2001, this country home features an open-concept floor plan with expansive rooms anchored by two gorgeous brick fireplaces. Walls of fir wrapped windows capture the pastoral views and French doors lead to the wrap around covered porch and grounds beyond. In-floor radiant heat warms the slate and cement floors. Sitting room and master en suite are located on the second floor, and two large bedrooms, charming full bath and laundry/mud room are off the main living/dining/kitchen area. Fabulous space in the daylight lower level offer walk-out to the rolling pasture. Great wood working area, tons of storage and partially finished media room and guest suite complete this residence. Offered at $790,000. Co-listed with Heather Brynn of Windermere Vashon.

Until next time,

la chasse au bonheur