5232 42nd Ave SW – Listings by Desiree Loughlin, Windermere West Seattle

Built 1908
2 bedrooms
1 bath
2,040 sq ft
6,250 sq ft lot
Hardwood floors
Gas fireplace
Classic front porch with swing, Olympic Mountains view
Custom awning over back deck
Architects drawings for second story addition
Basement potential
Featured in Sunset Magazine in 1991
Detached garage off alley
List date: May 6 (Th)
Open house: May 8 (Sat), 1-3pm

From the seller...

For 31 years I have loved this house.

Before this house, I rented in Wallingford for many years. In my search to buy, I ventured to West Seattle and found this gorgeous little gem that had been upgraded and artfully renovated by the architect/owner/resident and featured in Sunset Magazine. He was sadly parting only because he and his little family had outgrown this house with a second child. Their loss was my gain. And now 31 years later, I part with this beautiful home to move closer to family in Oregon to begin my next chapter in life.

Mostly what I’ll miss is morning coffee at the kitchen table or on the back deck watching for hummingbird, chickadee and wren activity in the backyard garden and the birdbath/water fountain. As the sun begins to rise over the back fence, I meander to the front windows to the west for a view of the Olympic Mountain range glowing pink with the early rising sun. In late afternoons in winter and evenings in summer, the front porch provides views of the Olympics in the distance and neighbors strolling by with children or pups in tow on the sidewalk below. I love to mark the seasons by the position of the setting sun on the horizon slowly making its way north in spring and then south in fall as it dips below the mountain range. I love the privacy of the backyard and garden with its ever-changing scene of flowering vines, shrubs and trees. I love that only a short walk will take me to a number of grocery stores, pharmacies, a hardware store, coffee shops, pubs, restaurants, and the best bakery in the city (Bakery Nouveau).

During the rainy fall and winter, the house is a warm haven from the cold with the glow of the gas fireplace and the aroma of cookies in the oven. Many Christmases were celebrated baking and decorating cookies with family in the kitchen and toasting around the dining room table next to the fire. Several years ago, the architect from whom I bought this house drew up plans to take advantage of a second story expansive view of Puget Sound and mountain ranges to the east and west. I never got to this project, but the plans will go with the house in case you are dreaming of a second story.

I will miss this house and all the wonderful memories it holds. But, it is time to move on to a new life and pass this heavenly oasis on to the next nurturing occupants. I know you will love it as I have.

Nancy