This modern farmhouse was designed by Syndicate Smith together with WestCorp Construction, located on 120 acres of forest and farmland in Orcas Island, Washington. With a storied past, the farm was purchased during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. The family of five (he is a builder and owner of WestCorp, while she is a painter) decided to sell their Bellevue house and move to a farm.
While searching real estate listings, the builder discovered a heritage farm dating back to 1895 listed for sale. Tucked below Turtleback Mountain, the property features an orchard planted over 100 years ago. They tasked friend and architect Todd Smith of Syndicate Smith to help them build their dream farmhouse, requesting a fresh take on farmhouse living. The challenge for the architect was to honor Orcas Island’s historic character while infusing modernity into this 3,381-square-foot home.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Syndicate Smith CONTRACTOR WestCorp Construction STRUCTURAL ENGINEER BTL Engineering
The family envisioned a quintessential farmhouse rooted in the island’s history and crafted from on-site materials. Wood from fir trees logged on the property was used for the siding and interior, blending tradition with contemporary design.
This wood stove anchors the home’s social hub, and outside, logs and kindling are neatly stacked.
The design of this modern farmhouse goes beyond the conventional. Unlike traditional farmhouses limited to work and sleep, it integrates spaces for cooking, herb gardening, hot tub relaxation, and social gatherings with friends.
With Orcas Island’s favorable weather in its rain shadow, this farmhouse is a seamless blend of heritage and innovation, embodying the island’s essence in a contemporary context.
The farmhouse has large windows that bring in natural daylight while helping to frame views of the pastoral surroundings.’
Two-Pod Layout for Privacy
The design was divided into two pods for essential functions, forming an L-shape around a private courtyard. The kitchen, dining, and living are in one, while the sleeping quarters, laundry, and family room are in the other. By delineating these spaces, the family can have more privacy and quiet while sleeping, while social gatherings are held in the main space. There is a corridor that joins the two pods.
What We Love About This Home
This timber-clad modern farmhouse, set on a heritage farm on Orcas Island, blends historic charm with contemporary design. From the century-old orchard to the thoughtfully crafted interiors, every element celebrates family life, creativity, and the island’s rich history. Serene outdoor spaces, including a courtyard garden and walking trails, provide opportunities for relaxation and connection with nature.
Tell Us: What details do you love most about this home? Let us know in the Comments below. We love reading your feedback!
Note: Check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign on Orcas Island, Washington: A modern farmhouse retreat gets a magnificent renovation on Orcas Island and Modern rustic retreat designed to feel like a summer camp on Orcas Island.
A warm, inviting living space featuring expansive windows, natural wood elements, and a functional wood stove in a modern farmhouse style.
Spacious Kitchen with Dual Islands
The kitchen features dual islands with marble countertops, a perimeter wall with functional storage, and stainless steel appliances. One of the islands is used for casual breakfast bar seating. There is ample counter space for farm projects, such as pickling vegetables sourced fresh from the garden, making applesauce from the fresh apples picked from the orchard, or drying fruit.
Bright and airy kitchen featuring a wooden ceiling, marble countertops, and expansive windows overlooking pasture and forest.
Spacious kitchen featuring large windows, wooden ceiling, and modern farmhouse style on Orcas Island.
Bright, airy kitchen featuring natural wood accents and expansive windows in a modern farmhouse style on Orcas Island.
Bright, spacious farmhouse interior featuring extensive windows, wooden ceiling, and contemporary decor on Orcas Island.
Bright, open-concept dining and living space in a modern farmhouse on Orcas Island, featuring natural wood accents and scenic views.
Spacious living room with large windows, cozy seating, and natural wood accents.
Locally Sourced Wood
The exterior siding, along with all interior wood treatments, is made from trees harvested on the property. A neighbor had a mobile mill used to produce all the siding, which was stored in the barn to dry before installation.
A spacious outdoor area featuring Adirondack chairs, a garden, and a modern farmhouse on Orcas Island.
Backyard Courtyard Garden.
In the courtyard, you will find raised garden beds, a hot tub, a lounge area with sofas, a pizza oven, and a fire pit.
Painting Studio & Beyond.
In a separate outbuilding is the owner’s painting studio. Nearby, you will find trails that offer a Barefoot Park, used every week by local schools for educational purposes. A future goal of this property is to construct housing for farm workers, which is essential for island living, where housing is scarce. There is also a barn on the property that the owners would like transformed into a communal art studio, a gallery, classes, and a farm store.
A view of the family farmhouse from the old barn on Orcas Island, Washington.
PHOTOGRAPHER Will Austin
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