Mercer Island West – Central - Mansions

North to South

“The Boulevard Place Mansion” sold 11/21/12 for $13.3 million. This property was featured in Seattle Mansions posts on 4/15/12, 8/31/11 and 10/21/10. It was listed for sale at $28.8 million in 2010, lowered to $19 million in 2011 and an auction on 8/30/11 failed to attract the minimum bid of $15.5 million. The mansion was listed by Kris Robbs, Ewing & Clark, “Unique property takes advantage of 1.6 acre, street to Lake prize. Two-inch limestone floors extend from entry, spill down terrace around the in-ground pool & hot tub. Impressive 164' westside waterfront ready for speed boat, Seadoos & yacht. Soaring ceilings, balcony, warm wood office & leaded glass doors, with state-of-the-art theater & 9.1 surround. Two outdoor Viking BBQ complement gourmet kitchen. Escape to romantic master suite, spa bath with aroma/chroma therapy So many divine finishing details!” The living area is 13,636 sq ft. The sellers were David and Becky Sandwith and the buyer was a trust. David, his parents and siblings sold Kent based Mikron Industries, a manufacturer of high tech window components, for $205 million to Quanex Corporation in 2004.

This is the former home of Jim Zorn of the Seattle Seahawks. He had this home custom built and lived here while he was quarterbacking the team from 1976-1984. Locals call this the “gingerbread house.” He was the star quarterback for the expansion NFL Seattle Seahawks’ first seven seasons. During his Seahawk reign he teamed with Hall of Fame receiver Steve Largent. Largent was the first inducted into the Seahawk “Ring of Honor” in 1989 and Zorn was the second in 1991. The property was purchased for $1.3 million in 1988 from Zorn by Dr. Richard T. and Kathleen Sutcliff. Dr. Sutcliff is a former Seattle eye surgeon and registered sex offender (Seattle Times 7/20/05). The mansion has 5,290 sq ft on 0.5 acres with 195 feet of waterfront.

This mansion was sold 10/24/11 for $6.1 million. It was listed for $6.8 million by Betsy Terry, Ewing & Clark: “Glorious 210 feet of prime no bank Lake Washington Shoreline w/ 200 degree western panorama also looks down &up lake. Gorgeous outlook onto Seward Park. 41000 sf [0.9 acres] lot. Large house [8,170 sq ft] 99% remodeled in 1982 is ready for your personal touches or a fantastic site. Grand rooms, fine floor plan, tall ceilings. Huge and luxurious Master suite. Swimming pool. Ample parking incl carport and garage. covered moorage. One of the most private and wonderful parcels on MI!.Poss. Seller financing!” This property was sold by Ka Hung Lau to Lepage Lake House LLC whose agent is listed as Matthew J. Lepage. He is the COB of Renton based American Fast Freight and Hawaiian Ocean Transport. The mansion was demolished June 2012.

This mansion was listed this week (early 2013) for $10.9 million by Wendy Lister and Kirsten Paulsen, CBBain: “A Vassos Demetriou Tour de Force. An unforgettable treasure of 178' of pristine waterfront on a coveted double lot with gated entry. A dramatic, yet elegant floor plan awaits you at this Contemporary Masterpiece that will impress the most sophisticated home aficionados. For the first time available on the market, this Custom home offers premium finish work & a symphony of entertaining spaces that embrace the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. All 5 bedrooms are en suite. Yachts are welcome.” This property is owned by Jerry D. and Angelina Burtenshaw. Jerry is in charge of Alpine-Burtco, an international catering and concessions company and the concessionaire for Safeco Field (Mariners), the Tacoma Dome and the former Kingdome. The mansion is 9,790 sq ft on 0.9 acres with 178 feet of waterfront. More information is in a 4/19/13 Seattle Mansions post.

This mansion was listed at $5.3 million in 2011, lowered to $4.9 million in 2012 and $4.4 million in early 2013. It is listed by Larry Williams, John L Scott. From the listing: “The centerpiece of Mercer Island's Forest Avenue, the premiere waterfront on the West side. Spectacular finish level. Exacting standards. A focus on longevity. Design balances entertainment, casual living. Four large bedrooms, spacious master suite, paneled retreat den. Bar, game room and spa. Expansive dock. Server room provides unlimited security, audio, video, communications flexibility. Equally impressive power management. Radiant heat, air conditioned. Elevator. The Villa on Forest.” The mansion has 7,090 sq ft on .6 acres with 74 feet of waterfront. The property is owned by N. Bert Loosmore. He was a Co-founder (in 1993 while an engineering student at Stanford) of NJ based I.D. Systems. The international company provides vehicle management and tracking systems. He is an ecology and environmental management professor at Bainbridge Graduate Institute.

The listing price was reduced in early 2012 from $5.0 million to $4.8 million and taken off the market in late 2012. This property, with 4.25 acres, is the second largest (to Paul Allen) waterfront estate on Mercer Island. It has 181 feet of waterfront and three buildings with 4,620 sq ft. The home was listed by Kris Robbs & Jane Powers, Ewing & Clark: “Majestic forested retreat is largest privately held property on MI complete w/181 ft of no-bank, west facing wft & dock. The tranquil setting with views of Seattle & Seward Park, is a refuge from City life and a return to Old MI. Water fowl, eagles, and marine activity, rolling lawn and well tended gardens frame the property. Owner will act as steward for this special property which includes a pioneer cottage and renovated caboose! Architecturally Significant home worthy of remodel. A Sanctuary!” The property is owned by Barbara L. Davidson.

This modern mansion is owned by Joseph and Judy Schocken and is 5,400 sq ft on 0.87 acres with 200 feet of waterfront and a private beach. President Obama selected Joseph Schocken from Mercer Island as an advisor for the Administration’s JOBS Act signed into law in April 2012 (5/24/12 Seattle Mansions post). Schocken attended the Rose Garden bill-signing ceremony. Joseph is considered to be one of the Democratic Party elite. He and his wife, Judy, have raised millions of dollars for the Democratic Party. This includes fundraisers at their beautiful Mercer Island waterfront mansion. They have personally donated close to a million dollars over the years. They have spent weekends on Nantucket with John and Teresa Heinz Kerry. He is a member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and attends dinners with the Committee’s high-level National Advisory Board. Joseph is president and founder (1987) of Broadmark Capital, LLC, a prominent Seattle investment bank.

(Updated 4/20/13)

Page numbers refer to Lake Washington 130 Homes

Click on Mercer Island West - North - Mansions for mansions to the north.

Click on Paul Allen for his compound to the south.

Click on Mercer Island Southwest - Mansions for more mansions to the south.