We are back with Part 2 of our look at the “Royal Residence” selling at 957 22nd Ave on Capitol Hill. If you missed
Part 1, you’ll want to go back and
check that out to get caught up. There we looked at some historical documents as well as exterior shots of the home. Today I want to concentrate on the interior — so let’s get started.
The first thing you notice when you enter this home are the beautiful oak hardwood floors and their mahogany ribbon around the edges. A mixture of fir floors and carpeting cover the second and third floors. As you continue to walk through this massive 7,000 square foot mansion, nearly every room has something unique. The formal dining room has some incredible box beam ceilings, a curved radiator that follows the rounded bay window, vintage lighting fixtures (one of which was a gift from the King of Norway), and well-kept stained glass windows. The living room has a fireplace tiled by
Ernest Batchelder (an influential designer of the American Arts and Crafts Movement) as well as huge windows to welcome that rare Seattle sun. Some of the most detailed millwork I’ve ever seen, original hardware, radiators that can be considered works of art, vintage double-hung windows, a wine cellar, built-ins all over — you name it and this house has it. One of my favorite little historical details was on the inside of a bathroom closet drawer, a penciled listing of the heights of children who grew up in the home. The entries nearly spanned the 100 years that the house has been standing — now that’s just cool.
This is definitely one of the most impressive properties that Anna and I have been able to see first hand — hence the epic photograph collection. Again I want to thank Beth Toomey & Terry Miller of
Coldwell Banker Bain and owners Bob & Darlene Erickson for being such gracious hosts. If you are interested in possibly purchasing the home, be sure to check out
the listing and the
virtual slideshow. So then, let’s get to the photographs, shall we? Click on the picture thumbnails for high-res copies.
|
|
|
The view as you enter the home. The molding and woodwork are absolutely stunning. Notice the silver tray on the table — it is an original piece that was used in the home to collect calling cards in the early 1900’s
|
Passing through to the right is the living room with a roaring fire. Once again, the light fixtures and molding are absolute treasures.
|
|
|
|
Close-up shot of the tile-work on the fireplace by Arts & Crafts Movement heavyweight Ernest Batchelder. He was one of the nation’s most celebrated tile makers and his work can be seen in homes from New York to Southern California. One tile not pictured is his signature tile.
|
A closer look at the lighting fixture from the living room. Period details like this make the home feel very authentic.
|
|
|
|
Just past the living room is the formal dining room. This has to be the single most impressive room in the home. The woodwork, stained glass, and intricately detailed radiator are all amazing.
|
The kitchen has a very rustic feel. A wall was blown out in order to make the area larger and to connect it to the “breakfast room.”
|
|
|
|
This chandelier was a gift from the King of Norway. The then Crown Prince and his family were dinner guests in the dining room in 1939.
|
A closer look at that incredible curved radiator. This is a pretty extreme example of function meeting art.
|
|
|
|
The first floor library was used in years past as a reception parlor for guests who had come and deposited their calling card.
|
The basement houses this large wine cellar. The door hardware and chandelier were handmade by Stuart Kendall of en Clume’ Company. The mural of Le Chateau du Clos de Vougeot is an original watercolor piece by Homer Hacker.
|
|
|
|
Close-up shot of the oak hardwood floors and mahogany ribbon. This kind of detail can be found throughout the first floor.
|
This smaller radiator is seated next to the front door. All of the radiators in the home are still in use today.
|
|
|
|
Heading up the stairs to the second floor, you’ll find this large stained glass window. Also notice the built-in bench at left of frame.
|
The second floor master suite, with its oversized windows and white wood paneling, is very bright and fresh looking. A large walk-in closet can be found behind the bed.
|
|
|
|
Close-up shot of the banister with stained glass window in the background.
|
The stained glass window had to be taken down years ago and reinforced due to its weight.
|
|
|
|
The dramatic light hitting this molding makes it look even more impressive than it already is.
|
Detail shot of the fir floors in the second floor office area. Years of wear give these wood floors plenty of character.
|
|
|
|
This third floor bedroom is just one of six in the home.
|
The paint color and large windows make this bedroom extremely bright.
|
|
|
|
This stained glass window is original and has been well cared for and cleaned over the years. The setting sun in the west bathes the dining room in vivid colors.
|
The living room rivals the dining room for some of the most detailed molding in the home. Georgian Revival Style homes are known for their intricate millwork.
|
|
|
|
This second floor bathroom still has the original hex tiles and built-in cabinets.
|
On one cabinet in the bathroom you’ll find this penciled listing of the heights of children who grew up in the home. In this shot you can see entries from as far back as the 1930’s. An awesome find.
|
|
|
|
Detail shot of the tile to wood floor transition from the bathroom to office.
|
An alternate shot of the oak hardwood floors from the first story.
|
|
|
|
You didn’t really think I could resist taking just one more shot of those incredible radiators, did you? These are enough to make you forget forced-air forever.
|
Close-up shot of further detailed woodwork on the first floor. The architectural elements from the porch columns are repeated inside the home.
|
