portage bay residence
Perched right on the water in Seattle’s Portage Bay, this three-story home—with a rooftop deck to boot—soaks in front-row views of houseboats, the Montlake Bridge, and all the watery comings and goings. With direct dock access, it’s built for both hosting a crowd and sneaking away for a quiet paddle.
The top floor and roof deck are for entertaining, while the bedrooms are tucked below for privacy and peaceful mornings. We started with an already-permitted set of plans, then reworked the layout and exteriors to make the home flow better and feel more connected, while re-permitting the changes.
Wrapped in warm, oiled red cedar, the house glows against the water, and inside, wood floors, wood-framed windows, and crisp white walls bounce light, reflections, and sky into every corner. Every level has a way to spill outside, keeping that waterfront connection alive. Down at the dock, there’s boat storage and everything needed to dive into life on the bay—literally.