Mercer Island North - Mansions

Berg, Galanti, Dillon, Lytle, Edwards et al. Mansions

Northwest Mercer Island has more, compared to any other LW Map of the Stars^® area, mansion sales, listings and new construction greater than $12 million. These mansions are in this and the 3/11/12 and 3/12/12 posts.

East to West

Two spectacular new mansions, this and the one next door to the west (next paragraph), mark the start of our east to west tour of North Mercer Island. Kurt and Leslie Dammeier purchased this property in 2010 for $4.7 million in 2010. They tore down the previous 5,000 sq ft mansion and built this new mansion. The Dammeiers are the owners of Bennett’s Pure Food Bistro on Mercer Island. They are also the founders of Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. The new mansion is 6,182 sq ft on 0.8 acres with 75 feet of waterfront.

Tony and Janet Williams purchased these two lots in 1993 and 1996 and built this new mansion that was completed in 2006. With 2.2 acres, this is one of larger waterfront properties on North Mercer Island. It has a gated entrance and beautiful landscaping that can be seen from the water and the road. Tony is from England with a PhD from Oxford and a noted Microsoft software architect. The mansion is 9,360 sq ft on 2.2 acres with 225 feet of waterfront.

This home sold 7/23/12 for $4.9 million. It was listed for $5.5 million in 2011, reduced to $5.0 million in 2012. It was listed by Molly Penny, CBBain. From the Listing: “A true work of art! This custom designed home by Lane Williams sits on the north edge of MI. Hidden from street view, the "front" is truly the water & opens to a no-bank, beach like waterfront w/moorage. Built in 2004, this unique home includes a cook's dream kitchen, family rm, office, den, guest suite & rec rm. Integrated technology, texture & small surprises throughout. Enjoy this private special retreat whether entertaining friends or relaxing to the sights and sounds of Lake WA.” The home is 4,760 sq ft on 0.4 acres with 80 feet of waterfront. The sellers were Howard and Lynn Behar. Howard is a former President of Starbucks North America and Starbucks International. He is the author of It’s Not About The Coffee. The buyers were Terry Halverson and Linda Cade. Terry is CEO of the Seattle area Metropolitan Market 6-store chain. Linda is a Seattle based attorney.

This property was listed at $6.4 million in 2012 and lowered to $6.0 million in early 2013 and to $5.6 million in May 2013. It is listed by Susan Gebhardt, Windermere: “Smashing gated waterfront estate with extensive beachfront cabana and a 90 foot dock. Contemporary architectural home surprises you with a twenty first century loggia in Paul Kirk's signature style. Extremely private artistic spaces live as one with nature. Rambling one floor living with an entertaining lower level complete with a 40 foot lap pool and spa. Year round moorage for multiple vessels and water toys plus an entertaining boathouse/cabana including a kitchen and bath. Sandy beach.” The property is owned by Edward M. Sherman. The mansion is 5,470 sq ft on 0.41 acres with 54 ft of waterfront.

This is the former mansion of Darren Berg who was convicted of orchestrating Washington state’s largest Ponzi scheme. The mansion was listed for $8.2 million by Wendy Lister, CBBain. The mansion and or Berg were featured in Seattle Mansions posts on 12/30/10 (home sold), 1/17/11 (Berg history), 5/22/11 (process in court) and 12/30/11 (Berg writing book). Berg was sentenced 2/18/12 to 18 years in prison for defrauding hundreds, some of whom their life savings, of investors of more than $280 million. From the listing: “High strength! Accentuating design ~ accommodating a passion for elegant innovation. Evenings are magic...city spires, fire tables, moonlight on 112' of Lake Washington. Coach house; glass garage doors. A tech’s dream: cameras, Hi-Def audio/video. Motorized media lounge; security includes cameras, microphones. Infinity pool. Heated outdoor living. 4 kitchens (2 in, 2 out); 6 extraordinary hearths (2 in, 4 out). Slate motor court. Bearing authority! Incomparable brilliance. A chorus of blooms.” The mansion is 3,250 sq ft with on 0.5 acres with 112 feet of waterfront.

The mansion was featured in a Seattle Mansions post on 12/31/11. The sellers were Nassar and Hahid Fazlitt and the buyers were Timothy and Sherie Bernardez. Timothy is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Evergreen Pacific Partners, a prominent Seattle based private investment firm with $700 million under management. The home was listed at $6.5 million by Betty DeLaurenti and Julia Nordby, JL Scott. From the Listing: “European style home, 6 BR,7BA w/ a large bonus rm, exercise rm and a home office w/ a separate entrance. Extensive use of marble, granite, tile and hardwood throughout. Grand formal spaces and a gourmet kitchen you may never want to leave. All is complemented by graceful manicured gardens, multiple decks, covered outdoor patio and a firepit at waters edge. Approx 104+/- feet of prime North End Lake Washington waterfront is ready for use with a L shaped dock, covered boat lift and a sandy beach.” The mansion is 6,071 sq ft on 0.4 acres with 112 feet of waterfront.

On the northeast point north of Roanoke Landing is the mansion of Richard A. and Barrie Galanti. Richard is Executive Vice President and CFO of Costco. Richard was the recipient of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s CFO of the Year 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award. The mansion has 10,580 sq ft on 1.2 acres with 132 feet of waterfront. It was built in 2001. Two lots and homes were purchased and the old homes were demolished to create the lot for this home.

On the northeast point north of Roanoke Landing is the mansion of Eric E. and Hollis Dillon. Eric is a founding partner of Seattle based Silver Creek Capital Management, LLC. Silver Creek specializes in alternative investment strategies and has over $6 billion under management. Hollis is an attorney. The mansion is 7,960 sq ft on 1.3 acres with 210 feet of waterfront. It was built in 2001. Two lots and homes were purchased and the old homes were demolished to create the lot for this home.

The mansion was listed for $40 million by Wendy Lister, CBBain. The mansion was featured in Seattle Mansions posts on 9/27/10, 5/24/10 and 2/20/10 and on KING 5's Evening Magazine on April 12, 2010. The mansion sold in a June 2010 auction. The buyer was James “Peter” Edwards, the founder and CEO of Video Only. Peter founded Seattle area (Tukwila) based Video Only in 1982. The mansion is 22,800 sq ft on 2.0 acres with 150 feet of waterfront, 5 bedrooms, and 9 baths. Features include a large indoor pool area with marble columns that is reminiscent of Las Vegas’s Caesar’s Palace, two fish ponds, two wine cellars, three kitchens and a mirrored gym. The sellers were Charles and Karen Lytle and are the founders of Leisure Care, one of the largest developers and operators of retirement communities. The Lytles, prior to the auction, moved to their new house in Hunts Point. The new Hunts Point mansion is 10,600 sq ft. Both mansions are in LW 130 Homes (pages 46 and 157).

UW’s Big Dawg was featured in a Seattle Mansions 12/29/11 post and in The New York Times recent article about UW’s Sailgate parties. (Sailgate parties are also featured in a Seattle Mansions 12/28/11 post). The Big Dawg belongs to the Frank and Jeanie Miles family and is moored at the dock of Tim and Lisa (Frank and Jeanie’s daughter) Kittilsby on the north end of Mercer Island. The one acre property includes a 6000 sq ft mansion plus covered and open sports courts. Frank founded Auburn based Miles Sand and Gravel in 1943. Tim and Lisa are now in charge of the company. In the above photo, the Big Dawg is the yacht on the left and the Kittilsby mansion is in the upper right.

This mansion was listed for $21.8 million in 20120 and 2011, lowered to $18.8 million in 2012 and $16.8 million in early 2013. It is listed by Wendy Lister, CBBain: “Dominating the shoreland area of fabled Faben Point! Connect to unobstructed view s as Nana doors and window s fuse the tremendous indoor/outdoor spaces. The alfresco living zone in its horizontal pose spreads its width the span of the sunlit facade. Seamless action at 120’ of lakefront. Silverlight or sunlight… exhilarating! Distinguished great room…for play in a stimulating warm environment. Artisan's kitchen ~ innovative beauty. Loggia to a guest wing. Infinity pool drama. Superb moorage/dock.” The mansion is owned by Douglas Shih, a CBBain Realtor, and is 13,720 sq ft with on 0.9 acres with 120 feet of waterfront.
     (Updated 5/19/13)
Page numbers refer to Lake Washington 130 Homes
Click on Madrona - Mansions for mansions to the northwest.
Click on Mercer Island Northwest - Mansions for mansions to the west and south on Mercer Island.

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.

Bellevue - Meydenbauer Bay East - Mansions

Mansions - South to Northwest

From the listing by Rondi Egenes and Sandy Nichols, Winderemere: “One of the loveliest estate parcels to become available in many years. 210 front feet on Lake Washington facing due west, with views of the Olympic Mountains, City of Seattle and a wide lake view. Two tax parcels with the house built on the south end of the property. This could be an easy lot line adjustment with two lots of 105 front feet with the house remaining on one parcel. Deep water moorage and a quiet location. The home has an excellent floor plan with attractive architecture.” The home is 5,080 sq ft on 1.1 acres with 210 feet of waterfront. It was owned by Don and Norene Lundgerg. Norene now owns it as Don passed away in 2011 at the age of 88. He had retired as the Founder and CEO of Bellevue based Lundberg Construction Company.

This mansion was listed for sale at $7.9 million in 2011, was lowered in early 2012 to $6.8 and later in the year taken off the market. It was listed by Joseph Brazen, Brazen Sotheby. “This Mediterranean is truly unique. Sitting above Lake Washington with 220 degree views. Spectacular finishes suited for your world class buyer. 500 year old hand carved entry, custom crafted cabinets carved by Romanian artists, marble, granite and wrought throughout. Panoramic views from every room.” The mansion is 10,210 sq ft on .67 acres with 84 feet of waterfront. This mansion is owned by Harish and Shalini Naidu. Harish is a Microsoft general manager.

The John J. and Donna Lugar Mediterranean mansion (p 83), built in 2005, is considered to be one of the most beautiful newer mansions on Lake Washington. It marks the southeast entrance to Meydenbauer Bay. John and Donna owned Bellevue based Data Base which they sold to Boston based Iron Mountain Inc. in 1999 for $115 million. Iron Mountain is the world’s largest records management company. At the time of the sale Data Base was the largest privately owned data-storage company in the nation. The Lugers started Data Base in a Tukwila warehouse in 1976.

Robert C. Blethen’s mansion was listed for sale for $5.8 million in early 2011, the price was lowered to $5.0 million and sold for $3.7 million 10/4/11. Robert is a retired Vice President of The Seattle Times and the cousin of Frank Blethen, publisher of The Seattle Times. The purchasers were John W. and Karen R. Culver. John is President of Starbucks Coffee China and Asia Pacific. Extensive remodeling has taken place since the purchase. The mansion was listed by Tere and David Foster, Windermere. “Normandy Manor on Shoreland Drive. Seattleites once traveled across the lake to access this property for weekend getaways. A winding drive now takes you where the spirit of yesteryear remains at this cherished estate with its vista set on the Seattle skyline and Olympic Mountains. Tasteful and well planned with grand formal spaces and intimate spaces filled with sunlight. A private dock and 97 feet of waterfront. A nostalgic past. A brilliant setting. Let your story begin!” The mansion is 5,560 sq ft on .52 acres.

This mansion is a landmark five-story Mediterranean villa at the entrance to Meydenbauer Bay. It is owned by Gary and Amy Williams. The mansion is listed by Wendy Lister, CBBain. “Meydenbauer Point...an arc of tremendous views and homes of substantiality. Mediterranean villa shining ~ a European Coastal signature. Immersed in endless breathtaking scapes of mountains, city, sunsets, sails, yachts. Recreating the spontaneity of romance. Aperitifs on the loggia; whispers of Sausalito on the shoreline. Pre-cast concrete beauty. Balustrade sentries; century door. Great elevations! Substantial deep water dock; seaplane adaptable. Elevator. 1st position owner financing offered.” The mansion is 6,290 sq ft on 0.18 acres with 62 feet of waterfront.

NBA SuperSonics stars Detlef Schrempf (page 85) and Jack Sikma (page 86) used to live side-by-side. During the 2006-07 basketball season senior Luke Sikma, son of Jack Sikma, and sophomore Alex Schrempf, son of Detlef Schrempf, played together on a dominating team at Bellevue High School.

Detlef and Marianne Schrempf sold their Meydenbauer Bay mansion 4/12/11 for $7.0 million to Yahn Bernier and Beth McCaw. It was listed at $8.5 million by Heidi Bright, Windermere: “Street to Waterfront Estate in phenomenal location, covering nearly one acre, with Rare, Private Deepwater Protected AND Covered Year-round Moorage for 60+ foot Yacht. PanoramicViews S, W, E. Home is newly constructed by Commercial Builder, like a fortress. Incredible Indoor-Outdoor Heated spaces. Beautiful Pacific NW + European Design Elements incl. 3 Fireplaces in the Great Room + Kitchen! Master Suite w/spacious BA + One-of-a-Kind Closet. Guest Wing + Bonus/Nannys Qtrs + a lot more!” The estate has 7,200 sq ft on 0.9 acres with 85 feet of waterfront. More information is in a 5/25/11 Seattle Mansions post. This lot with an older home was purchased in 2000 and a new home was built in 2003. Detlef starred for the SuperSonics from 1993 to 1999 and was an assistant coach for the team’s final 2006-08 seasons in Seattle. Yahn Bernier is Software Development Engineer at Bellevue based Valve Software. Beth McCaw is a Seattle based attorney.

Jack and Shawn Sikma built their mansion in 2001 by and sold it in 2005 to Mark J. Zbikowski for $6.7 million. Mark purchased another house in Yarrow Point in 2008 (p159 and 2/4/11 post). Jack is a former star for the Seattle SuperSonics, playing for them from 1977 to 1991 as center. His number 43 jersey was retired by the Sonics in 1992. He led the Sonics to the 1979 NBA championship and played in seven NBA All-Star Games. The mansion was listed for $8 million in 2009 and take off the market later that year. From the listing: “Exceptional waterfront property with 2001 built traditional home on beautiful grounds with charming carriage house, pool with spa & cabana, and sweeping views of Lake Washington. Winding drive with parking area. Gracious 3-level home with lovely formals; library; chefs kitchen; 2 family rooms; office; 5 bedrooms; 4.5+ baths; 5 fireplaces; exercise and project rooms. View terrace overlooking pool & 85 front feet of waterfront with dock. Carriage house with kitchen and 3/4 bath over 3-car garage.” The mansion is 7,420 sq ft on 0.69 acres with 85 feet of waterfront.

This mansion was listed for sale for $6 million in 2011, the price was lowered to $5.8 million in 2012 and sold for $5.4 million 6/13/12. It was purchased by Marvin B. and Sandra L. Beddoe from Anthony B. Ravani. The mansion was listed by Tere and David Foster, Windermere. “A private, gated drive greets your arrival as you enter this serene, street-to-water estate. Columns and arched windows draw in dramatic views of the Bay. Endless marble leads guests from room to room. A floating staircase, carefully crafted in San Francisco, is a work of art. Marble imported from Italy. Private screening room. Alfresco entertaining. Real stucco exterior. A true master retreat. Each room with a view. A Bender-Chaffey masterpiece.” The mansion is 6,280 sq ft on 0.7 acres with 80 feet of waterfront.

(updated 5/22/13)