A letter from the sellers
We’ve owned this home since 2000, and it has been such a joy to live here. Here are a few reasons why:
The neighborhood (we call it “The Loop”) is a true community—we have a Facebook page, a summer BBQ, participate in the National Night Out festivities, and there is even a book group. Parents stand at the bus stop with their kids on school mornings, neighbors chat while walking their dogs, kids ride their bikes, and it’s easy to find someone to help with a project or bring in your mail while you are on vacation. It sounds a little hokey, but the Loop feels safe, friendly and welcoming.
This house has been easy to love and care for. We’ve made multiple upgrades and have done the behind-the-scenes work on energy efficiency to keep bills low at maximum comfort.
The front and back yards are organic mixed edible and ornamental plantings, creating a Certified Backyard Habitat as well as a soothing and rejuvenating environment for humans. The garden has even been featured in the Digging Shoreline garden tour! Some other features:
- The Certified fireplace insert heats the house in the event of power outages (and there is plenty of firewood stacked and ready for use).
- The house is full of light and the views of the yard make it feel part of nature.
- The layout is efficient and functional with lots of storage. (We raised 2 kids here, and it never felt ‘too small’, even with friends and family visiting.)
- Back deck is built with low maintenance Azek decking, and extends the living and entertainment space, as well as providing easy access to the hot tub (with passion vine privacy screening).
- Back yard features include custom shed with workbench and covered area for mower. Worm and compost bins reduce waste and provide soil additions. Custom chicken coop with secure run and new cedar fence create a ‘farm in the city’ feel.
- The roof, furnace and water heater are recently updated. The attic is insulated, crawlspace has a new vapor barrier and all pipes and ducts are insulated. We have stayed on schedule with duct cleaning, chimney cleaning, and routine maintenance of plumbing and pipes. Back cedar fence, hot tub and deck are recent additions, as is the stone walkway in the front yard.
- The one upgrade we haven’t gotten to: Adding a ½ bath in the laundry area.
A Few Community Features
Schools: the City of Shoreline was built around the school district. Need I say more? We are an easy walking distance to the newly rebuilt Shorewood High, as well as to St. Luke’s Catholic school. A bit further are Highland Terrace Elementary, Einstein Middle School and Shoreline Community College.
- Transportation: frequent bus access along Aurora; Freeway access at 175th, 205th and 145th. The light rail will also have a Shoreline station.
- Activities and Nature: a short walk brings you to the Interurban Trail linking Seattle to the south and Snohomish County to the north. To the east of us, there is easy access to the Burke Gillman Trail and Lake Washington. To the west, Richmond Beach and the Puget Sound. We are close to many parks, community centers and recreation facilities managed by the City, as well as the Dale Turner Y.
- Movie Theatres: Crest Theatre and Gateway Cinemas.
- Libraries: Shoreline and Richmond Beach branches of the King County system.
- Religion: many places of worship and study are active in the Shoreline area.
- Shopping: Central Market, Trader Joe’s, Fred Meyer, QFC, Safeway, 2 pet supply stores and Sky Nursery are within walking distance. Costco, Petco, and other ‘big box’ stores are a short drive away. Lake Forest Park Town Center is also close by.
- Restaurants: oodles of places to eat, and lots of options for ethnic foods.
Summary
We have loved living here, but have decided it is time to move from our beloved “urban habitat” to a full-fledged 20+ acres of farmland outside of Bellingham. We will miss so many things about living here, but are ready to move on.
Our dream is that someone will seize the opportunity to buy this unique property. With the energy efficient upgrades, fastidious home maintenance, and well-established organic gardens, this is indeed a rare find.
The Heron Family, August 2019
