Seattle has experienced a "hot" housing market as of late, and has garnered national attention as Rebecca Troyer from The Puget Sound Business Journal reports that "Seattle is the fourth-best U.S. city for homeownership since the market bottomed in early 2012." What contributed to the recognition? As Troyer writes, not only has Seattle "experienced an 8.8 percent increase in job growth and 9.9 percent increase in average wages in the past three years. Unemployment has dropped by almost 42 percent and home values are up almost 30 percent."
"Home of the Week" Winner | Villa Bellini
Home of the Day is a feature presented by the Puget Sound Business Journal and Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. This is your invitation to view some of Puget Sound’s most luxurious properties. Come inside and take a look around. Read more below on the “Home of the Week” winner, listed by Tracy Vaughnand the Citrone Partners!
Behind lush walls of mature landscaping is an oasis of nature and tranquility, where one can watch the sun set over the Olympics and ferry boats sailing by. This dramatic old world villa with modern edges is a retreat reminiscent of the grand homes of the French Riviera. Meticulously renovated by respected designer Sandra Tanzi Bellini for over 10 years, this 5,000 foot trophy property brings the visitor to a grander time; an artist’s vision built to the highest standards. A sense of place, and the spaces within… both of which are rich and textured, and deeply felt at Villa Bellini.
Featuring a hand wrought Oak entry door that opens to a sunken formal living room with painted Alder floors that gathers around the grand terra cotta fireplace; a perfect blend of modern convenience and essential elements of the Old World. Oak, Pecan and limestone floors throughout. An elegant hallway leads to a spectacular dining room and true gourmet kitchen with antique farm sink, Lacanche Cote D’or commercial stove and oven; custom Sub-Zero drawers and Fisher-Paykel when the party is put to bed. Expertly choreographed doors and windows create light-filled living spaces throughout, especially within the expansive chef’s kitchen, which opens out onto a veranda with custom inlay floor with views to Puget sound and beyond. Charming library/ art studio uses oak beams to vault the ceiling and warms the limestone walls and floor with abundant natural light. Not to be missed, the charming spice garden that invites the visitor to pause and reflect amid thyme, sage, rosem ary, Marjoram, basil, mint.
The master suite is warm and inviting; French doors flow to a private sun warmed garden oasis with a trickling fountain and breakfast nook. Also nice, the Spa style master bath that recalls the grand estates of Paris.
Detailed Terra Cotta walls throughout the home feature playful motifs of nature and whimsy. Everywhere the touches of an artist’s knowing palette.
The lower level is an escape unto itself; the warm textures of a custom movie room blend seamlessly with the champagne bar and wine cellar designed for an expert sommelier and holding 850 varieties. A guest room that calms the senses leads to the rich textures of a European spa bath. Private entry; full designer kitchen and walk in closet. A two car garage/art studio or gym features an additional kitchen with designer appliances.
In the garden, a resort lifestyle. Swimming pool and Jacuzzi share a stage with a Scandinavian Sauna in view of Puget Sound. Quaint seating nooks abound and invite reflection or the reading of a good book.
Lush, mature landscaping was brought to this place from gardens with exotic names; with unwavering vision and purpose.