Serenity Bestowed – Lone Cedar

Serenity Bestowed■

”It’s like working in a treehouse.

“It’s like working in a treehouse.” An apropos quote from The Lone Cedar Residence owners describing the views of the surrounding landscape. Not only does it have a Swiss Family Robinson feel, but looking past the beautiful trees, we see Lake Washington where serenity is immediately bestowed from its water view and Seward Park – in the distance – signals peace and nature in the middle of a busy metropolis.

The owners have lived on this property since the 60s, where they planted roots to raise their family. Their connection to the Mercer Island Community runs deep and they wished to build a home where they could continue to age-in-place but remain close to friends and loved ones. To that end, this new home was built with dual master suites, where both levels could be lived in separately by the mother and daughter owners.

The original lot once stood a three-car garage, which looked down on their old home below. The lot was subdivided which created a narrow and relatively flat building site. Though the lot appeared to be ideal for construction, the existing soil required 74 pin piles to shore up the ground before the foundation could be poured.

Creating accessibility was important and CCH worked closely with the owner and architect to make that happen. All transitions were flat for ease of access and door jams were widened where possible. Though a two-story, the stair treads are deeper than normal and the risers shorter for more comfort.

Each floor was built so family members could retain their own space, but the home’s Great Room brings together an awe-inspiring vaulted ceiling, views to the neighboring flora, and a communal kitchen to mix, mingle, and be at the end of the day.