Real EstateUncategorized June 4, 2017

Gig Harbor Territorial Paradise~4308 NW 88th Ave MLS#1118366

As history tells it, the harbors along the Puget Sound region are rich with tale of discovery, adventure and shelter.  Gig Harbor, was a hidden treasure inner harbor unveiled by explorers May 15, 1841. Lieutenant Charles Wilkes (1798-1877) had led several ships on an expedition around the world. He sent one of his ships, the Porpoise, to probe deep into the southern reaches of Puget Sound on a surveying expedition. Lt. George Sinclair, the ship’s sailing master, dispatched a longboat to check out the shoreline north of Tacoma Narrows. It was later noted that there existed a “pretty little bay that is concealed from the Sound” and which was guarded by a sand spit….now known as Gig Harbor, Washington.

Although fishing continued to be Gig Harbor’s most predominant industry, both logging and farming took seat.  Farming had long been an important industry in the logged-off areas overlooking the harbor where for thousands of years the Native Americans built their homes and sustained their tribal lives through the abundant natural resources of this shoreline. So, from cows to lumber milling to boat building, to fishing, the Gateway to the Peninsula provided the foundation for a way of life and love of trees, peace, and life’s essence that still exist today.

To discover a preserved oasis within the boundaries of such a historic City that one could live upon, thrive within and grow amongst the gentle tree giants and solitude in arms-reach of the City and Harbor proper, is a gift.  This beautiful home of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms on a park-like 2+ acres of land is an escape with ready access to all of life’s amenities and conveniences.  This beautiful home is host to mature trees, unique perennials and fruit trees of great variety.  As you make your way off of the quiet main road through a gated drive, winding towards the main property, it strikes you that you have left all of your modern cares and worries behind and can breathe long and deep as you embrace your new sanctuary.

Depending on the time of the year, the yard and garden will roll into variegated colors of Fall, flowered blooms of Spring and energetic efforts of generations of Mason Bees a buzzing.  With outbuildings, workshops and room for tractors, you will have time to marvel at the peaceful and harmonious sounds of a waterfall, play soccer or volleyball, put-put golf or croquet on the vast sprawl of green before you.

Garlic, tomatoes, raspberries, apples and more provide opportunities for even more discovery and joy.  To live amongst the giants of the forest, to bathe next to the sea as the salt air wafts through your landscape is to have found a home where generation upon generation can understand the true meaning of what it is to live and breathe in the great Pacific Northwest.

Home SalesLuxury HomeReal EstateRetirementUncategorizedVacation Home August 7, 2016

What would it be like to live in a Victorian Seaport in the USA?

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Many, many, many years ago, there was a safe harbor on the West Coast settled in 1851 and nicknamed the ‘City of Dreams,’ and then Port Townshend (today Port Townsend) by Captain George Vancouver.  For thousands of years before this settlement, Indian Tribes were the sole inhabitants to include;  Chemakum (or Chimacum), Hoh (a group of the Quileute), Klallam (or Clallam), Quinault and Twana (the Kilcid band – Anglicized: Quilcene).Amy8

As history notes, new diseases brought to this land wrought havoc on the Native tribes killing an estimated 90% of the local tribal populations. With the initial nickname of City of Dreams, the vision was that Port Townshend would become the largest harbor on the West Coast.  Although that piece of the vision never came to fruition, the opportunity to live on the coast where history runs rich, legends are alive and breathtaking views are a part of daily life, is right before you.

There is a magnificent custom home available in Lincoln Beach, Port Townsend, that boasts landscapes of the sea, the aroma of sweet seaweed and seasalt at your doorstep.  This home born in 1979 is 2538 square feet of luxury and warmth.  With 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, there is much space to enjoy yourself or to share with others.  The cedar hot tub just off of the master will allow you to enjoy the twinkle of the stars in the jet black sky’s making wishes and more dreams to come true.

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The hand cut stone walls in the spa bath lead you to step out of your watery experience onto heated floors before fixing yourself a spicy beverage or hot cup of cocoa as you read your book or play Monopoly with your family.  Exposed wood beams, a crackling fire and expansive harbor and mountain views will leave you breathless.  This could be YOUR next home in a fine example of a Victorian Seaport right here in the USA.  MLS#940226    5 Lincoln Beach Dr, Port Townsend 98367 amysteele@wre.com

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Uncategorized January 24, 2015

Would your wish be to live within a ‘Driver’s’ reach of a Premier Golf Course?

When I was a little girl, I lived just a couple of miles north of what was at that time, a huge gravel and sand pit.  I remember several times a week driving by the pit on the way to soccer practice in Lakewood gazing out the window at the beautiful Puget Sound and distant views of the south side of Fox Island.  I used to tell Mom that, 'one day, I am going to build a giant house down there, right on the beach as soon as they stop digging gravel out of it.'  She would always smile at me and just nod her head not wanting do dampen my vivid imagination or slow my habits of dreaming big.

While attending both Curtis Jr. and Sr. High Schools, the 'Pit' became a place where some would gather in the hours of darkness to enjoy the scent of seaweed and sips of refreshment while building their own memories and friendships.  Just to the west of the gravel pit was conveniently the New Tacoma Cemetery-a place for teens to also explore and visit ghostly figures in the hours of darkness.

As I grew up, I decided not to wait for a someday opportunity to buy a slice of gravel pit heaven to build my castle upon and instead settled 3 miles north of the 'Pit' on a different slice of University Place landscape.  Good thing I didn't hold out for a piece of the Pit because today, it has been transformed into a magnificent seaside world class 18-hole golf course, Chambers Bay.  This is the home of the 2015 US Open, a links style course with sandy windswept dunes, undulating slopes in the fairways and mottled greens framed with wispy sea grasses.

The course is rimmed with a paved walking, running, dog loving trail. This golf course perimeter takes your breath away both physiologically and mentally as you scale the ups and downs of the hills kissed by tall Douglas Fir trees while hearing the whistle of the passing trains along the beach front.  Inclusive of the childrens play area, a dog park and remnant monoliths of industries gone by, there are few who could not have some sensorial satisfaction or activity quenched by this hidden fingerprint of Scottish descent with a Northwest flare–how grand it would be, and is, to live just a 'Driver's' reach from such a magnificent, mystical place.