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This Lake Washington courtyard house embraces its stunning surroundings

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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 โ€“ 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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 materialsโ€”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.

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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 Tilesโ€”4×12, Color: Raw Silk-45) and inset glass doors in the upper cabinets adjacent to the integrated fridge, reflect light through the space.

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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.

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

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

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

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

Photos: Benjamin Benschneider

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Pat Nervo
1 year ago

What a wonderful home. I love the green channel glass. Do you have a source for it? It would be a great addition to our home plans! Thanks for your ideas and help.