Warmer days are on the horizon, and although the Pacific Northwest is green all year round, this is the time of year when everything thoroughly explodes into color. For gardeners, long winter months without sun can seem like a chore, but every year, we once again recall why we push through those cold months of worrying whether our plants will survive the lack of sun, harsh winds, or unexpected frosts—the lush beauty of summer reminds us of the rewards of tending to our gardens in the winter.
These four homes all feature incredible exterior spaces that highlight the myriad of amazing flowers, vegetables, and plants that can thrive in the area with help from a careful green thumb. From timeless rose bushes to fruit trees, to bean teepees, these beautiful properties boast something for every gardener—no matter their specialty.
Experience the lovely English countryside right within your own property. Manicured, colorful, and fragrant, the beautiful shrubbery is the perfect ornament on this classic home. Tend to the yard’s 75 rose bushes in addition to lavender, hydrangeas, sweetbox, laurel, weigela, gardenias, jasmine, hellebores, and more. Summer entertaining is centered within the grotto and pergola, complete with a fireplace for chilly evening gatherings. The large, level lawn is ready for a game of croquet, while tranquility may be found in alcoves created for quietude.
The four-bedroom, four-bathroom exterior is elegance defined. French doors unfold to the sitting room with tasteful details like bright white accents, custom built-ins to house a collection, and glass doors and windows leading outside. A true chef’s kitchen offers stainless steel appliances and an expansive island with a farm sink and opens to an informal living area with rich wood beams, a stark white fireplace, and French doors to the gardens.
This remodeled, three-bedroom home in Cottage Lake Bridle Trails is a gardener’s dream. Whether you’re looking to grow herbs, vegetables, or fruit, the yard’s greenhouse offers a controlled environment for your planting endeavors. Make use of the nine raised garden beds and bean teepee and grow your own food. It’s practically your own personal mini-farm with a chicken coop and 14 chickens included. The expansive backyard also includes a sport court, deck and outdoor kitchen (with an awning and patio heater), two firepits, and a hot tub. You’re sure to have the summer of a lifetime.
The gourmet kitchen features slab granite countertops, custom cabinets with pullouts, Wolf range top, Miele dishwasher, double ovens, and a warming drawer. Make yourself a cappuccino in the morning at the coffee bar in the family room and sit by the cozy wood stove to plan your day’s activities. Ascend the stairs with the modern rail system to find a massive primary suite with a sitting room, two generously-sized secondary bedrooms, a full guest bath, and a bonus room that is perfect for movie nights. Both bathrooms upstairs also have radiant floor heating. Plus, the location is unbeatable. Situated across the road is Cottage Lake Park with a play structure, swimming pool, small event pavilions, fishing, and a launch for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.
Arranged to integrate organically with its surroundings, this stunning Ralph Anderson estate is a masterful exercise in balancing both its estate stature and graceful elegance using a palette of materials that celebrate the Pacific Northwest. Colorful garden beds line the entrance of the home, welcoming visitors into the home and setting the tone for the rest of the design. Explore the exterior of the property and marvel over the incredible landscaping and countless pockets of vibrant flora. The sprawling lawn, multiple patios, and amazing sport court are sure to impress any outdoor enthusiast.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and view corridors emphasize one-of-a-kind outlooks and intuitive flow provide equal measures drama and intimacy. Extraordinary systems and infrastructure afford unmatched privacy, security, and independence. The large kitchen with two islands is a cook’s dream. The dining area leads out onto the back patio for perfect indoor, outdoor flow. Find rest and relaxation in the primary bedroom with beautiful scenic views of surrounding mountain ranges and twinkling city lights in the evening.
Sited on over 12 acres of picturesque land, this classic colonial stunner is perfect for the home for the owner looking to cultivate a green lifestyle. Tend to the yard’s fruit trees and vibrant azaleas as you enjoy the sounds of birds chirping on this private, peaceful property. The bright white exterior of the home contrasts beautifully with the surrounding lush greenery. The entertaining deck is ideal for barbecuing, dining, and lounging on nice days.
Sunlight pours into the main entry and large windows afford natural light and picturesque views of the gardens. An antique stove against a brick wall in the kitchen, clawfoot tub in the bathroom, and dining room chandelier are just a few of the beautiful details that set this home apart from modern residences. Additional features include a bonus room, finished basement, and attached garage.
Introduced by a stunning foyer with a sweeping sculptural staircase, this dramatic duplex perched atop Lincoln Center features a great room overlooking Central Park, a dining room with views of the Empire State Building, a bar clad in black marble, and a dazzling kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances. Opaque glass doors divide the primary bedroom and its en suite bath from the sizeable office, which enjoys its own enviable view. Residents benefit from direct access to culture, music, theater, and dance.
Blog originally seen on Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty