Hunts Point West – Fairweather Bay – Mansions

South to North

The $11 million sale was recorded 1/23/12. The buyer was listed as ERGL LLC whose agent and manager is Eric Bensussen. The sellers, Rodney and Janice Olson, purchased the Hunts Point 2 acre tip on 3/31/11 for $14.8 million (see Seattle Mansions /11/11 post). More information on this sale is in a 2/23/12 Seattle Mansions post. The listing price was $12.9 million at the time of the sale. It was listed by Tere Foster and Becky Gray, Windermere: “The Bellisima on Hunts Point. A grand interpretation of a Mediterranean classic characterized by distinctive quality and design. The carefully curate details have been applied individually preserving the character of the estate and carriage house. A tribute to highly sophisticated taste. A complexity & warmth that is seldom seen together. The nobility & beauty of fine materials. Graceful lines, sensitivity to proportion, a waterfront masterpiece. An extraordinary home. Exclusively Hunts Point.” The mansion is 9,675 sq ft on 1.1 acres with 80 feet of waterfront and is on page 136.

This mansion was listed for $9.5 million in 2011 and $9.0 million in 2012. From the listing by Rondi Egenes, Windermere “Prime Hunts Point waterfront with Olympic Mountain Views. The structures were totally remodeled in 2006. The main house is spectacular with big view windows, a skylight running through the entire home and an atrium in the home center. New kitchen, elevator, and baths; plus sauna. Walls of clear cedar and bamboo floors. The guest house is 1,508 sq. ft. plus 610 sq. ft. of storage, all new with another bedroom and possible 2 additional bedrooms, a gym; and office. Park-like setting on over an acre.” The mansion and guest house total 7,350 sq ft on 1.1 acres with 80 feet of waterfront. It is owned by Reginald S. Koehler III. He is Senior Counsel with the Perkins Cole law firm in Seattle.

This is the home of John N. and Sally Nordstrom. John retired as Director of Nordstrom in 2006. The mansion is 6,300 sq ft on 1.21 acres with 125 feet of waterfront and is on page 143.

This is the home of James D. and Janet Sinegal. James is the co-founder, with Jeffrey Brotman, of Costco and former President, CEO of the company. James started his retail career in 1954 as a bagger for FedMart. He worked with Sol and Robert Price in San Diego to form Price Club in 1976. In 1993 Costco and Price Club were similar in size with about $8 billion each in annual sales and the two companies merged. In 1994 and Price Club stores became Costcos. The mansion is 8,370 sq ft on 1.56 acres with 165 feet of waterfront and is on page 144. President Obama attended two fundraisers 7/24/12 at the mansion (click for more info).

This is the home of Scott D. and Laurie Oki. Scott is the owner of Oki Golf and was Sr. VP of sales and marketing with Microsoft when he retired in 1992 and cashed in stock options for approximately $100 million. He started Oki Golf with the acquisition of a 350 acre parcel that was an 1800s coal and construction waste landfill on top of a hill overlooking Lake Washington and Puget Sound and turned it into The Golf Club at Newcastle, a nationally top rated, high-end public 36 hole golf course with a 44,000 sq ft clubhouse. Oki Golf now owns nine golf course clubs in the Puget Sound area and Scott is known as the area’s golf mogul. The mansion is 7,180 sq ft on 1.85 acres with 259 feet of waterfront and is on page 145.

This property was listed for sale for $22.8 million in 2009, for $19.7 million in 2010 and sold for $14.8 million 3/31/11. It previously sold for $17.5 million in 2006 to Andre and Lisa Radandt from Bakersfield CA where they own Bolthouse Farms. This is the site of the former home of Stan Sayres (1897-1956) “The Legend of Lake Washington.” Sayres’ mansion was demolished in 2008. The current purchaser was Hunts Point Trust (Rodney and Janice Olson whose former home is south of here and the picture and write-up are above). This property was listed by Wendy Lister, CBBain: “Legendary Signature! A merger of nature's uncompromised beauty complemented by this vibrant Hunts Point position. Prominent at the tip, 1.93 acres of flat land. 846 feet of continuous waterfront. Magnificent new teak dock. Owners have also completed refurbishing the strong boulder bulkhead and have constructed two extraordinary granite walls. Two swathes of wade-in beaches. Parklike, the guardian of the peninsula ~ zoned for two lots. North, East and Western exposure. For those that can!” More information is on page 148 of LW 130 Homes and in a 6/11/11 Seattle Mansions post.

(Updated 7/23/12)

(*Page numbers refer to LW 130 Homes. This posting will be periodically updated to add links to the MLS listings and for new sales and listings.)

Hunts Point Northeast – Cozy Cove – Mansions

North to South

This estate sold for $11.3 million in March 2010 and was 2010’s most expensive LW Map of the Stars^® sale. The home buyer is listed as Joseph Gaffney, a partner with the Dorsey & Whitney LLP law firm. He may be acting as a trustee for an anonymous buyer. The former owners and sellers were Raymond and Linda Russo. The Russos owned and managed numerous apartment complexes in the Seattle area. The mansion was listed at $15.8 million by Wendy Lister, CBBain: “French Manor rooted in European elegance at a freshwater Intercoastal Bay of this noted portrait peninsula. Reflecting the pursuit of leisure activities; extraordinary opportunities for celebrated entertaining . . .” The estate has 7,460 sq ft of living space on 1.2 acres with 157 feet of waterfront. The mansion and sale were featured in a 5/13/10 Seattle Mansions post and is on page 148 of LW 130 Homes.

This property, as a vacant lot, was sold for $5.4 million 8/30/10 and the new mansion was completed in 2011. The buyers were Rajeev and Arpita Agarwal and the seller was Cal McAusland. It was listed by Art Whittlesey, Windermere: “Hunts Point waterfront building opportunity! Located near the end of Hunts Point Road, this private estate is level and ready to build on. 100 feet of waterfront with private beach and dock await your summer enjoyment. If you demand privacy, you will love this quiet location wrapped in established landscaping. The main house has already been removed and the existing pool house will make the perfect summer cabana while you complete the construction of your dream residence. Welcome to Hunts Point.” The new mansion is 5,990 sq ft on 0.8 acres with 100 feet of waterfront.

This home is listed for $7.2 million. From the listing by Tere Foster and Moya Skilman, Windermere “Timeless Estate on Hunts Point. Resting gently on almost an acre of waterfront grounds, the estate exudes classical style with grace and charm. Storybook windows frame views of rolling emerald lawns, colorful rhododendrons and sparkling lake waters. Enjoy summer afternoons in the garden overlooking the 100 feet of waterfront and private dock. Relax fireside in the formal living room with friends. Host large holiday gatherings in the dining room. The master suite draws in picturesque views. A rare offering on Hunts Point.” The home is 4,390 sq ft on 0.9 acres. It is owned by Alvin S. Pearl. He is a principal, with other family members, of Tukwila based Pearl Northwest, a seller of women’s and children’s clothing.

This property was sold for $5.5 million 6/21/10. The buyers were Zuoqing Huang and Niu Jun and the sellers were Thomas B. and Agnes Lee. It was listed by Wendy Lister, CBBain: “HUNTS POINT WATERFRONT Magic in the gardens ~ an intimacy with the lakefront ~ 1927 architectural storybook originally restored under Jim Olson’s touches. Recently, substantially refurbished with added character of chic and charm. Dinner in the European courtyard with its gnarled old Quince. Shy acre site; 102’ of deep water protected moorage; rare sandy beach. So much sunshine!!! From morn thru eve. Spectacular! Garden enchantment...my oh my. A kettle drum of daisies playing to a symphony of roses.” The home is 3,090 sq ft on 1.0 acre.

This mansion (page 150) was sold for $6.5 million 6/19/12. The listing price was $8.5 million in 2010 and $7 million in 2011. It was listed by Chris Karsteter, CBBain: “Estate-sized property in the heart of Hunts Point. 1.54 acres of mature gardens and old-growth trees. 129' of no-bank frontage. Extra wide/large parcel offers optimum water views. Quiet, eastern exposure. Spacious 1987 NW Contemporary residence with second master suite on main level. Covered moorage with boat slip & dock. Personal beach access, waterside patio & unique barbeque cabana. Peaceful, sylvan setting.” The mansion is 7,540 sq ft. The buyer was Centerville Properties LLC and the seller was H. Willard Nagley III.

This mansion (page 151) was sold for $8.0 million 2/24/10. The listing price was $8.9 million. It was listed by Wendy Lister, CBBain: “The imprint of traditionalism on the treasured shores of Hunts Point. Magnificent gated 1.07 acres of exquisite, manicured grounds; a gentle slope to the 86’ of spectacular freshwater coastline. Incomparable, substantial moorage for float plane and yacht. The soft interior palette draws your attention forward to the drama of Lk Wash. French doors, deep-set millwork, Bay windows, chocolate hardwoods. Intimate meandering paths. Hand-selected rose-orange brick facade and pillars. 7 car garage parking. A gentle peninsula of privacy with a latitude ~ longitude zone of unparalleled exhilaration. Golden Coast affluency from midday sun thru starlit nights. This is an ultimate moorage situation...often talked about.” The current mansion is 6,110 sq ft and includes a substantial expansion and renovation following the purchase. The buyer was HPW Trust and the seller was Acorn Trust with Brian Marcinek listed as the taxpayer. The property is adjacent to the north of Craig McCaw’s estate.

(Updated 7/23/12)

Cruising Fairweather Bay and Lake Washington

Michael Mastro’s Former Mansion – Sold For $9.1 Million

Olson Mansion – “The Bellisima” – For Sale $14.1 Million

Cruising north along Medina's west coast you cross under the east side of the SR-520 Bridge.  The next point is Evergreen Point, still Medina, with Fairweather Bay on the other side.  Michael Mastro’s former mansion is one of the prominent homes on the northwestern shore of Evergreen Point.  The mansion was sold for $9.1 million by the bankruptcy court in November 2010.  My Seattle Mansions blogs, dated 11/10/10, 10/11/10 and 11/12/09, provide additional information on the Mastro bankruptcy and “family and friends” investors.  His bankruptcy was one of the largest in Seattle’s history. 

Hunts Point is on the east side of the bay where Nordstrom family members, Scott Oki (former Microsoft executive and now the area’s golf mogul) and James Sinegal (Costco co-founder and CEO) have spectacular mansions with beautiful landscaping.

In the center of the western shore of Hunts Point is the 10,000 sq ft Olson mansion, “The Bellisima,” that is listed for sale for $14.1 million.

Hunts Point is the wealthiest community in the state.  Eighty percent of the community’s homes are on the two sides of the point with one acre plus lots extending from the water to the one road in the center of the point.  The lots are low bank and noted for fabulous landscaping.

The above photographs of the mansions are from pages 126 and 136 in my book, Lake Washington 130 Homes.

(This is the eleventh chapter [go to next chapter] of our “Lake Washington Cruising” article. The chapters are being posted in reverse order.  When all chapters are posted they will be in order in this blog with the first chapter at the top.  I will be posting approximately two chapters per month.  You can read and print an abbreviated pdf version of the entire article.)

Craig McCaw – Kenny G – Mansions

This is the property (pages 152 and 153) of Craig and Susan McCaw. It was purchased in 1999 from Kenny G in a private transaction estimated at more than $20 million. The two mansions have 15,810 sq ft on 4.3 acres with 327 feet of waterfront. Susan is a former U.S. Ambassador to Austria. Craig was the leader or the world famous McCaw brothers, Bruce (1946- ), Craig (1949- ), John (1951- ) and Keith (1953-2002). Keith and John formerly lived in Madison Park and Bruce recently sold his Medina estate. The brothers grew their deceased (1969) father’s, Elroy’s, businesses into the 20^th largest cable carrier in the U.S. In the early 1980s they started in the fledging cellular phone industry. They founded Kirkland-based McCaw Cellular Communications, Inc. in 1984. In 1986 they sold the cable business for $750 million and bought MCI’s wireless operations for $122 million. McCaw Cellular went public in 1987 raising $2 billion. In 1994, with Craig as CEO, McCaw Cellular was sold to AT&T for $11.5 billion. Following the sale Craig’s net worth was $2.6 billion and each of the brothers’ was slightly less. In 2003 Craig founded Kirkland-based Clearwire Corporation and he is Chairman. The company went public in 2007 raising $600 million and Craig retained a majority of the shares. The company provides portable wireless high-speed Internet service. He resigned as Chairman in December 2010 and in early 2011 the company’s stock was trading around $5 per share. Its high was $32.50 in 2007.

Kenny G (Gorelick) was born in Seattle and went to Franklin HS where he played in the jazz band and played on the golf team. He is now one of the top celebrity amateur golfers. On summer evenings when he lived here he would sometimes sit on the end of the dock and play his saxophone. His beautiful music would resonate throughout the cove. Kenny G won the 1994 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition Forever in Love. He is best known for his saxophone playing. He is the best selling instrumentalist in the world with over 70 million singles and albums sold. His album Breathless sold 12 million copies. Songbird was his first number one singles hit in 1986. His other popular singles include Forever In Love, Sentimental, Silhouette and The Wedding Song. He composes and writes most of his songs along with songs for others. Kenny G is a friend of the McCaw families and performs at family weddings and other events. It is rumored that he stays in the 4,760 sq ft guest house in the lower left (partially obscured by trees) of the bottom picture when he is in the Seattle area. After selling the Hunts Point property he purchased a Malibu, CA compound on the oceanfront from actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

(Revised 7/23/12)

Hunts Point Southeast – Cozy Cove – Mansions

North to South

Steve and Connie Ballmer purchased this estate in 1987 for $1.3 million and extensively renovated the buildings, but maintained their charm, in 1991. Steve joined Microsoft in 1980 for a percentage of the company, a $50,000 annual salary and stock options. He was Microsoft’s 24th employee and first manager other than Gates and Allen. Steve is the current CEO and a multi-billionaire. The mansion and property has a $10 million estimated value. The main house is 4,175 sq ft and the property is 2.09 acres with 160 feet of waterfront. It is adjacent to the south of Craig McCaw’s (formerly Kenny G’s) mansion. Compared to the other 30 present and past Microsoft executives’ homes in my book, Ballmer has a relatively modest estate. It is on page 155. Ballmer and this mansion were in 11/17/10 and 5/23/12 Seattle Mansions posts.

This mansion is a 2012 listing for $10.8. From the listing by Anna Riley, Windermere “Welcome to Aotearoa, a modern luxury estate on cherished Hunts Point. Custom designed architecture with refined elegance. A stylish residence offering a light and open floor plan for a contemporary lifestyle. Featuring NanaWalls for inside-outside living, a grand rotunda where spacious rooms effortlessly unfold and state-of-theart technology. Sun drenched, beautiful grounds. This expansive street-to-water property offers a picturesque canvas to play, relax, entertain, or watch the eagles soar.” The mansion is 6,130 sq ft on 1.1 acres with 87 feet of waterfront. It is owned by Garth MacLeod. He is the former Finance Director of Bellevue based InfoSpace. He was featured on KING 5 news in 2011 for his live video feed of an eagle nest on the property. This property is two south of Steve Ballmer’s home on page 155.

This home plus the adjacent lot to the south is listed for $13.8 million. From the listing by Wendy Lister, CBBain: “Happy Birthday ~ 100 years of legacy sited on 2.11ac. A century of tales ~ the capacity for a new lifetime of legends. Two overscale Hunts Point lots side by side. 1 home or 2? Our centenary lady has well served 3 tiers of owners; and graciously would defer to a new-beginning or salute this tremendous land and a 21st 'moderne'. Secret paths for shaded blissful forested strolls. 156' sunlit Lake Washington shores; sweet dock moorage. Grand old-growth grounds. Closed eyes, dreaming of yesterday.” The home, built in 1912, is 5,740 sq ft. It is owned by Frederick J. Kimball. The Kimball family, with Frederick J.’s mother and father, Alice (1919-2012) and Frederick Wright Kimball (1918-2011), as the matriarch and patriarch, has been prominent in Hunts Point for many years.

This home is listed for $6.3 million by Steve Otto, Keller Williams: “This elegant home built in 1988 and extensively renovated in the last 3 years. Perfect f or entertaining and enjoying the Lake Washington waterfront. From the inviting entry way to the warm, cherry paneled wet bar and den this is Northwest living at its finest. The home features a media room, slate terrace off the master, gardening room with heated floor, swimming pool with automatic cover and a gentle sloping lawn down to the 2 berth dock. The finishes are excellent and the grounds immaculate.” The home is 5,510 sq ft on 1.1 acres with 77 feet of waterfront. It is owned by Serenity Enterprises LLC whose manager is Joyce Schweickert of Hunts Point. She is the Founder and CEO of Seattle Pacific Investments, aka Fresh Produce Company.

Charles S. and Karen Lytle purchased this lot and its previous house for $7.3 million 8/21/2006 and replaced that house. The new mansion is on page 157 and is 10,610 sq ft on 2.12 acres with 155 feet of waterfront. It has many features and a similar look of their larger Mercer Island 23,000 sq ft mansion that was sold in 2010 for $12 million. That mansion, page 46, was featured in 9/27/10, 5/24/10, 2/20/10 Seattle Mansions posts. The Lytles are the founders of Leisure Care, one of the largest developers and operators of retirement communities.

This home sold for $3.9 million 6/13/12. It was listed for $5.2 million in 2010 by Wendy Lister, CBBain: “Exceptional 2001 custom, 2-story waterfront. Breathtaking views. 75+ taxable feet plus 273' meandering line on canal. Shingled exterior, gambrel roof, wrap-around porch evocative of Eastern seaboard homes from Rhode Island to Maine. A private lane; park-like setting; sweeping lawn and dock. Open ~ ideal for grand scale entertaining; maximized views. Hardwood entry; stone fireplace; living and dining areas open to porch. Kitchen: European fireplace; top-notch appliances. Terrific master suite.” The home is 4,020 sq ft on 0.6 acres. It was purchased by Jejurikar Sanjay (former Microsoft engineer and executive) from Dana A. Green (former Boeing and Microsoft executive and currently a consultant with Boston-based Stewart Strategies Group LLC).

This vacant property sold 8/19/11 for $3.6 million. It, including a 10,250 sq ft mansion to be constructed, was listed for $12.5 by John L Scott: “In life, occasionally an incredible opportunity presents itself. Acquire 450 feet of Hunts Point waterfront acreage [4.5 acres] perfectly situated in the most private, secluded, natural setting with a long water view and deep water moorage. An estate, a lifestyle, a piece of heaven all your own in a setting that will spoil your senses for anything less. A new benchmark in a lifelong search for the perfect parcel of land. Build your dream home or simply enjoy this pre-sale opportunity as presented today.” The property is adjacent (west of) to the 16 acre Wetherill Nature Preserve and was sold by West Sprague Avenue Holdings LLC (Washington Trust Bank) to Hunt Point Cozy Cove LLC. The principals of the latter LLC are Tony Ataee plus other Ataee family members. Tony is the Founder of Kent-based Crown Pacific Fine Foods.

(Updated 7/23/12)

Stan Sayres Hunts Point – Former Home

This (LW 130 Homes page 147 and see map on previous post below) is the site of the former home of Stan Sayres (1897-1956).  He was known as “The Legend of Lake Washington” and “The Fastest Man Afloat.”  The 2 acre vacant lot with 750 feet of waterfront is for sale for $19.7 million. Stan designed, developed and built new and faster boats named Slo-Moshuns.  He set his first boat-on-water speed record of 160+ mph in 1950 on LW and continued to set new records, all on LW.  He took Slo-Mo IV to Detroit and won the 1950 Gold Cup, boat racing’s biggest prize. Stan brought hydroplane racing to LW in 1951 as part of the Seafair celebration.  The 1951 race was the first U.S. hydroplane race west of Detroit and was a huge success.  Stan became a local hero.  South of the I-90 floating bridges is the Stan S. Sayres Memorial Park, known as the “Sayres Pits.” This is the site of Seafair’s hydroplane races and the Blue Angels air show.

Cruising Cozy Cove and Lake Washington North

The tip of Hunts Point is a vacant lot that is for sale for $20 million.  This site of Stan Sayres home.  Sayres is deceased and was a famous hydroplane developer, builder and racer kown as “The Legend of Lake Washington” and “The Fastest Man Afloat.”

On the east side of the tip is Cozy Cove with Yarrow Point on the east shore of the cove.  The most notable side-by-side waterfront estates on the Hunts Point side belong to Craig McCaw and Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer.  McCaw puchased his castle from Kenny G.

The tip of Yarrow Point marks the end of our mansions tour.  The waterfront mansion at the tip is one of the oldest on Lake Washington.  It was built around 1900 and was the home of Leigh Hunt, who founded and owned the Seattle Post Intellingencer.  The estate is currently for sale for $20 million.

North of here is Kirkland with a public marina and a wonderful waterfront town.  The north end of the lake is fun for relaxing and exploring.  At the very north end of the lake there is Kenmore and a marina.  From there small craft can navigate about four miles up the Sammamish River.

(This is the twelfth and final chapter of our “Lake Washington Cruising” article. The chapters are being posted in reverse order.  When all chapters are posted they will be in order in this blog with the first chapter at the top.  I will be posting approximately two chapters per month.  You can read and print an abbreviated pdf version of the entire article.)