Designed by DeForest Architects to accommodate a family of five, this exquisite modern courtyard house finds its idyllic setting on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle. A vision comes to life for its owners, this dwelling is the embodiment of their dream – a lakeside haven boasting panoramic Mount Rainier vistas and seamlessly integrated indoor-outdoor spaces.

This fabulous home boasts four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, as well as a dedicated media room and an exercise space. Continue below to see the rest of this spectacular home tour…

Project Team: Architect: DeForest Architects / Contractor: Prestige Residential Construction / Interior Design: NB Design Group / Landscape: Allworth Design / Structural: Harriott Smith Valentine Engineers

Access to this lakeside estate is granted through a peaceful courtyard, providing a generous measure of seclusion. The design team executed a significant transformation, eliminating much of the primary floor’s structure to extend the main living areas onto spacious terraces, verdant gardens, and sweeping panoramic views.

With suspended ceilings, expansive windows, and lift-slide doors, they artfully fostered a harmonious connection between the indoors and outdoors, framing mesmerizing views of the lake and distant mountains.

On the street side of the home, the architects devised a series of screens to add visual interest to the exterior facade, while also providing privacy. A wall of wood siding offers the homeowners privacy at the street level, while a wall of glass opens the home out to the lushly landscaped courtyard. Deep roof overhangs help to protect the windows and siding from the region’s wet climate.

Above: Marly limestone floors along with walnut flooring and stair treads help to infuse warmth into the interior living spaces.

What We Love: This Lake Washington courtyard house offers plenty of privacy where needed, natural light, and fantastic views, a true dream home. The extensive use of glass provides a very modern yet warm feeling with the mix of wood, bringing the outdoors in. This home is elegant yet understated with clean lines and a beautiful display of materials—the design team has nailed all of the details to perfection!

Tell Us: Would this be your idea of a dream home? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look below at a couple of other amazing home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: A revamped lake house beautifully connects with nature on Mercer Island and This urban sanctuary in Seattle connects with its natural environment.

Above: The kitchen features custom-designed, stained white oak cabinetry and honed Colonial Gold granite countertops. A backsplash of glass tile (4×12 Glacier Glass Tiles—4×12, Color: Raw Silk-45) and inset glass doors in the upper cabinets adjacent to the integrated fridge, reflect light through the space.

Above: Suspended at varying lengths above the entry hall is a series of 14.1 Single Pendant lights from Bocci, casting the channel glass aglow. On the upper level, a ribbon of channel glass is broken up by motorized horizontal window slats. A green roof covers the media room, powder bath, and entry walkway below.

Above: The master bedroom features a private balcony with dreamy views of Lake Washington and beyond to Mt. Rainier and the Cascade mountain range.

Above: The guest bathroom has its own private balcony and heavenly views.

Above: The courtyard fence features channel glass that has been integrated between a series of staggered ipe panels.

Above: During the evening hours, the glass panels are illuminated from within, creating a magnificent aesthetic from the street.

Photos: Benjamin Benschneider