Hilltop Haven is a beautiful new island home designed by Heliotrope Architects, perched high above East Sound on Orcas Island, Washington. Blessed with 270-degree views that include Victoria Island, the Coast Range, the city of Vancouver, and Mount Baker, this two-story, 5,400-square-foot summer home was created for a young family.

Its cross-shaped floor plan is oriented on the cardinal points, to mark and exploit the vast prospect it enjoys. This is a house intended for guests and multi-generations of family.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE Heliotrope Architects INTERIOR DESIGN Heliotrope Architects STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Swenson Say Faget ARTWORK Jessica Cantlin and Deb Achak (Winston Wachter Gallery), Whiting Tennis (Greg Kucera Gallery)

Spread out over two levels with living spaces below and sleeping rooms above, each of the four lower wings accommodates a primary living function: the kitchen in the west wing, facing Victoria Island; living and dining in the north wing, facing Vancouver and the Coast Range of Canada; the media/playroom in the east wing facing Mount Baker; and garage and storage functions in the south wing facing the road.

Each of the four upper wings contains a bedroom: the west and north wings get primary suites, and the east and south wings get multi-bed bunk-style bedrooms.

This dwelling is designed to accommodate guests and multi-generations of family. “We’re not looking to make a statement,” says the client. “We just want the house to be simple and beautiful.”

What We Love: This hilltop haven provides its inhabitants with a fabulous summer vacation home to enjoy with extended family members. Perched on a hillside, this dwelling enjoys incredible views to offer a feeling of tranquility and a deep connection with nature. The beautifully designed interior complements the stunning surroundings, creating the ultimate retreat for seasonal living on Orcas Island.

Tell Us: Would this be your idea of the ultimate summer home to enjoy with family and friends? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!

Note: Take a look at a couple of our favorite home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign by the architect of this home, Heliotrope Architects: Striking modern shelter welcomes dramatic views over Lake Washington and Idyllic modern shelter for family getaways on wind-swept Orcas Island.

The exterior space bounded by the west and north wings and facing northwest to views of the Salish Sea accommodates an outdoor living terrace with a fireplace, protective trellis, and outdoor kitchen.

PHOTOGRAPHER Notion Workshop

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