The Bellevue-adjacent burg of Medina has lengthy taken on a form of mythological high quality—not least due to its watchful safety, which retains well-known residences like Invoice Gates’s 24-bathroom behemoth squarely within the realm of legend.
The enclave of large houses wasn’t born for Seattle’s tech titans. Virtually a century earlier than the likes of Jeff Bezos settled down on Lake Washington’s opulent shores, Unbiased Phone secretary and common supervisor Edward Webster constructed this spectacular Craftsman dwelling—and with it, the plush way of life that will sooner or later change into synonymous with the suburban Gold Coast.
Referred to as Medina’s first mansion, the Gables completed its five-year constructing course of in 1908, predating even the city’s beloved (and solely) retailer, which opened in 1910. Then, as immediately, the grounds set the stage for a stately construction: vintage blueprints embrace detailed panorama plans, displaying the place to plant white pine, pink hollyhocks, and golden emblem roses. Immediately, English nation backyard landscaping—assume extra roses, plus well-pruned shrubbery—and a surprising coated porch foreground the house’s historic roots earlier than guests step foot inside. (There’s a pool now, too.)
The present house owners’ redesign turns up the amount, only a skosh, on current moody and masculine parts in a mashup that designer Rocky Rochon calls “English males’s membership meets Seattle farm dwelling.” Formidable however unfussy options, like darkish wooden paneling and built-in cupboards, provide a easy canvas for fussier inside design decisions. Even a leopard-print stair runner manages a feat of subtlety towards its heat, earthy backdrop, drawing the attention towards a traditional Craftsman banister and, past it, one of many dwelling’s three fireplaces.
Flip-of-the-century appeal extends all through, and particularly shines within the plumbing: one rest room incorporates a two-faucet, trough-style sink, penny tiles, and an old school tub, best for teenagers to share (although they received’t actually need to, given the home has six). Further-deep, washboard-ready sinks nonetheless flank the laundry room, although now they’re dubbed a dog-washing station. The grasp bathtub options two absolutely separate self-importance sinks, every with uncovered pipes and its personal candelabra sconces. Unique radiators, too, give the house a way of historical past.
If the primary flooring emphasizes Rochon’s “English males’s membership,” the second story speaks to the house’s lighter aspect. Delicate shutters maintain issues vibrant, however non-public, in roomy bedrooms with built-in desks. Extra fashionable areas, usually supposed as haunt spots for the house owners’ 4 boys, provide tons of versatile room for research or play. The view from up right here appears particularly exceptional: throughout the glowing waters of Lake Washington, you get a glimpse at what life’s like on the opposite aspect.
Itemizing Quick Details
7735 Overlake Drive W Medina, WA 98039
Dimension: 8,570 sq. toes, 6 bedrooms, 6 loos
Record Value: $14,140,000
Record Date: 6/25/2024
Itemizing Agent: Heija Nunn, Windermere Actual Property East