Lake Washington Map of the Stars

Hundred Homes Publishing has published the map "Lake Washington Map of the Stars."  It provides a detailed from the water guide for viewing 55 of the most spectacular mansions (some multi-mansion compounds) in Lake Washington 130 Homes.  The map is available in book stores throughout the PNW. (It is not available online.)  The map is 91 cents ($1 including tax) and free with the purchase of Lake Washington 130 Homes.

Cruising Medina’s West Coast and Lake Washington

Page numbers on the map refer to Lake Washington 130 Homes.  This area covers pages 105 to 124.

The City of Medina is a low-density residential community with a population of 3,500.  It has 4.5 miles of waterfront and 1.6 square miles of land.  The city ranks number 2 behind Hunts Point in the state in per capita income with $82,000.  The waterfront boundaries are with Bellevue to the east in Meydenbauer Bay and with Hunts Point to the north around Evergreen Point in Fairweather Bay.

The southwest point of Medina is Dabney Point and home to Medina’s beach park, city hall and police department.  Medina’s west coast from Dabney Point to the SR520 Bridge is known as CEO row and Medina’s Gold Coast.  The mega-lots (lots over two acres) in this area of Medina stretch over 200 yards from the shoreline to Evergreen Point Road. Medina’s western bluffs are over 100 feet above the water.  Many of the bluff houses are hard to see from the water because they are high on the hill offering fantastic views.  Because of the height, many estates have trams.  These trams cost more than $100,000 each.  The stairways from the bluff to water level have over 100 stairs. There are three MLS listings over $4.2 million.

At the southern end are the side-by-side expansive Peter La Haye (deceased and inventor and developer of cataract implant lenses) and Jeff Bezos (Amazon founder and CEO) multi-mansioned estates (previous post).

Further north is the must see, Bill Gates compound. Since 1997 Microsoft and Bill Gates have been holding an annual very exclusive “CEO Summit.”  The inaugural 1997 conference introduced his 50,000 sq ft, $150 million, LW estate that was near completion.  Usually about 100 top-level people from around the world attend.  Sessions and meetings are held at the Microsoft campus and Bill’s estate, aka his personal Convention Center (see guide).

(This is the tenth 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.)

Bill Gates Mansion

Guide For Viewing From Water

A – Grand Staircase – 92 feet long, descending 84 steps with roof 63 feet above the stairway.  The Grand Entrance is at the top with a 6,300 sq ft garage for guest limos.  The gate for the road to the estate is in the upper right.  The driveway continues past the Grand Entrance through a second gate to the family four car garage above the inner sanctum [D].

B – Library (hidden behind [A] and trees), 2,100 sq ft and home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Leicester.

C – Guest and convention wing with reception hall, guest rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, meeting rooms, theaters, etc.

D – Family 11,500 sq ft “inner sanctum” with 4 bedrooms. A 60 x 17 foot indoor/outdoor pool is below and the lakefront building is the boat house.

E– Executive offices and main reception hall.

F – Security offices, activity center and exercise room.

Since 1997 Microsoft and Bill Gates have been holding an annual very exclusive “CEO Summit.”  The inaugural 1997 conference introduced his 50,000 sq ft, $150 million, Lake Washington estate that was near completion.  Usually about 100 top-level people from around the world attend.  Sessions and meetings are held at the Microsoft campus and Bill’s estate, aka his personal Convention Center.  Most of the meetings and social events are closed to the media and public and advance notices of the times and places of these are not provided.  The above is a guide to his lakefront convention center as viewed from the public waters of Lake Washington.  The estate along with more information is in LW 130 Homes on pages 118 and 119.

Medina Northwest - Mansions

South to North

A major Seattle fund raising brunch for President Obama was held at the Medina mansion of former Microsoft President, Jon Shirley on September 25, 2011. About 65 guests paid $35,800 per couple and listened to Obama blast the GOP. More information is in a 10/5/11 Seattle Mansions post. Jon was President and COO of Microsoft from 1983 to 1990 when he retired. The couple collects art and vintage racing Ferraris. The mansion is two houses north of Bill Gates’ campus. The Shirley’s mansion has 27,255 sq ft with only two bedrooms. Much of the mansion’s space is for the art and automobile collections. The value of these collections is estimated to be worth more than the $40 million estimated value of the property. The property is on 4.35 acres with 244 feet of waterfront.

This mansion was listed for $8.5 million in 2010 and $6.9 million in 2011. It is currently not listed. From the listing by Rondi Egenes, Windermere and Bruce Gunnels, Big Dog Realty “A masterpiece in construction, design, and finished detail. 130 front feet facing due west. 3200 square foot garage. State-of-the-art tram down to exquisite home, featuring 180 degree views of lake, mountains and Seattle Skyline. Augercast pilings at every bearing point under all structures. Invisible retaining walls, natural springs and waterfalls. Georgian heart pine floors and beamed ceilings, river rock fireplaces. Custom built by commercial contractor. The ultimate in privacy and solitude.” Most of the homes in this area are on the bluff with a tram to the waterfront and dock. This home is on the waterfront level with a tram up to the garage. The home is 4,540 sq ft on 1.0 acres with 130 feet of waterfront. It is owned by Daniel and Susan Nelson.

This home was listed in early 2012 and taken off the market later that year. It was listed by Tere and David Foster, Windermere, “This street-to-water estate in the heart of Medina is the perfect place to make memories for years to come. Drive up to this 1.03 acre of lush landscaping and past the sport court. Sitting atop the water, this home features views of Seattle and the mountains from almost every room. Walls of windows looking out at the oversized view patio sets the perfect scene for summer gatherings. Curl up in the recently remodeled media room in the basement for movie nights. Take the tram to 62 feet of west-facing waterfront to spend on sunny afternoons. Build your own beach house. Long-term guests may reside in the one bedroom guest house, well-appointed and finished in 2006. An inspiration for designers and architects: honed marble, clean lines and a luxurious master bathroom. Medina-approved remodeling plans available. This property has everything you need in a neighborhood you’ll never want to leave.” The property is owned by Anthony and Elaine Pagones. They are both Windermere Realtors/Brokers. The main house is 4,270 sq ft and the guest house is 1,720 sq ft.

Page Numbers refer to Lake Washington 130 Homes.

The tour of Lake Washington Map of the Stars^® Mansions continues with Medina Evergreen Point - Mansions.

Medina Evergreen Point - Mansions

South to Northeast

This property is listed by Kathy Beckes, CB Danforth: “Estate Property. West Facing 232' Low Bank Medina Waterfront. 1.4 Acres. Spectacular views of Seattle Skyline, Olympic Mountains, University of Washington and beyond. Total Privacy, Expansive yard and 100' dock for multiple boats. Largest West facing Medina waterfront property available in years. Rarely does a property of this magnitude come on the market. Complete set of plans for a 13,000 sq. ft. home included in sale. Engineering/landscape design complete. Gold Coast Medina Estate Property.” The property is owned by KEH LLC. The agent for the LLC is John Tomlinson, an attorney, and the members of the LLC are Jacob and Inger Deutsch.

The Seattle Times and Puget Sound Business Journal had numerous 2012 articles about Michael and Linda Mastro’s flee from justice and their capture in October. The saga was one of the top stories of 2012. The Mastro’s were captured in France after 16 months on the lam. Their former mansion sold 12/6/10 for $9.1 million by the bankruptcy court. There are a series of attorneys listed as the buyers: Robert Bruce Johnston, LCY LLC Series Homes, and James F. Rigby Jr. that were used to sign the documents to keep the real buyers’ identity off the official records. Mastro paid $15 million for the mansion in 2006. The Mastro bankruptcy, with original debts of $570 million, is the largest in Washington state’s history. Many “family and friends” lost their fortunes when his commercial real estate investment funds failed. More information about Mastro and his former Medina Mansion is in Seattle Mansions posts: 1/3/13 In and Out of French jail, 2/26/12 Auction of Pieces, 4/6/11 Mastro Injured, 11/10/10 Sale of Mansion, 10/11/10 Listing of Mansion and 11/12/09 The Bankruptcy and Mansion. The 2010 listing was by Lisa Whittaker, Coldwell Banker Bain. The mansion is 7,050 sq ft on 1.1 acres with 176 feet of waterfront.

Christopher P. and Patricia Liddell sold their Medina mansion 3/21/11 for $4.5 million to Chandan Chauhan. Christopher had been CFO for Microsoft and GM. Chandan is a co-founder and Sr VP for Bellevue based Intelius. See 3/12/11 Seattle Mansions post and 5/20/11 Seattle Mansions post for more information on Liddell and Chandan. The Liddells purchased the mansion in 2005 for $7 million. The home was listed for sale at $8.8 million in 2009. At the time of the sale it was listed by Tere Foster, Windermere: “Waterside Reflections on Lake Washington. Waves roll gently up on the beach as the sunset dances across pavilions of glass. A magical dreamscape lays claim to 174 feet of waterfront w/ two docks. Views of LK WA, the UW Stadium, Seattle & Olympic Mts. The level waterside presents lush native plantings & pond. Gracious open living offers a sunny breakfast nook, view dining rm & intimate living area. An exceptional one-of-a-kind masterpiece w/ nature at your doorstep.” The estate has 7,365 sq ft on 0.63 acres.

This home is listed for $7.0 million. From the listing by Wendy and Kathryn Lister, CBBain: “1926...original specifications as stunning today as then. Rich cherry, moldings, terra cotta, shuttered windows, coved ceils. More, more! Fascinating analytic dyed cabinets, boxed ceil, 3 stoves, radar range, stainless backsplash, black granite...where? 5 star kitchen...in dress up clothes. 'Miles' of hardwoods. Library shelves. Tiers of gardens. Geranium greenhouse. Hand blown window. The dock? Can accommodate 124'. 45' moorage, 3 lifts. Old-fashioned street lamps. Dance studio, movies, wine.” The home is 4,990 sq ft on 0.5 acres with 75 feet of waterfront. It is owned by Bruce D. Milne. He is the Founder and CEO of Bothell-based Corum Group. From the firm’s website: “He has overseen more M&A transactions than anyone in the world over the past 22 years.”

This mansion is listed for $10 million. From the listing by Tere and David Foster, Windermere “Clean lines frame sweeping views of Lake Washington from this modern residence in Medina. Awash in sleek finishes and refined details, this home makes a dramatic statement. Sited on 80 feet of waterfront, the setting provides year-round entertainment, with outdoor living rooms, a sport court, and lush landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows and dramatic chandeliers set the stage. Caesarstone counters with clean lines and glass tile meet extreme functionality in the kitchen. Spend weekends working out in the swim spa followed by relaxation in the sauna. Game nights in the rec room, complete with a large projection screen and full kitchen. Not a room is missing from this over 9,000 square foot house [on 0.5 acres]. An absolute modern masterpiece on one of the most desired streets in Medina.” It is owned by PFHC Holdings LLC whose managers are Paul and David Pong. The Bellevue-based Pong family of LLCs has developed hotel properties in the greater Seattle area.

This mansion was listed for $7.2 million in 2010, $6.9 million in 2011 and $6.8 million in 2012. From the listing by Tere and David Foster, Windermere “The Manor at Fairweather Bay, presides over a protected position on the lake. The estate is a marriage of old world elegance and a modern sensibility. The grounds play host to expansive emerald lawns and private dock. A palette of colors and unrivaled attention to detail: rich millwork, stones, and European arches. Generous entertaining spaces: intimate formal rooms, media & game rooms, and outdoor living area. Guest house, garages for 6 cars & a spa are some of the luxuries at this fine estate.” The mansion is 6,040 sq ft on 0.6 acres with 60 feet of waterfront. It is owned by Jon A. and Laura Wood.

This mansion is listed for sale at $9.8 million. It was previously listed for sale for $9.9 million in 2009, for $8.5 million in 2010 and sold for $7.3 million 4/11/11. It previously sold for $11 million in 2006 to Joachim Hertel. David M Dryer is the current owner. The home is listed by Anna Riley, Windermere: “Grace and grandeur on the lake. This treasured waterfront oasis on exquisite street to water grounds has just been beautifully renovated with the luxury finishes and breath taking style. 100 ft of cherished waterfront w deep moorage. A true gas lamp gated arrival signals beautiful details including a slate roof, Italian plaster, statements of stone and unending master craftsmanship. A rare estate for today's active lifestyle celebrating the ultimate NW dream lifestyle. Private guest house.” The mansion is 7,560 sq ft on 1.0 acre with 100 feet of waterfront.

Page Numbers refer to Lake Washington 130 Homes.

The tour of Lake Washington Map of the Stars^® Mansions continues with Hunts Point West – Fairweather Bay - Mansions.

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)