Our Custom Built Seward Park Mid-Century Modern Home Is For Sale

Kim and I are the second owners of our beloved custom built Seward Park Mid-Century Modern home. The original owners were contractors and it seems only fitting that the next set of owners worked in real estate. Over the years we have lovingly restored and updated where it seemed fitting this mid-century modern home in South Seward Park. I task that seems endless. But like a good friend of ours use to say “Owning a home is a hobby.” This home was one of our greatest hobbies.

Typically we would create content around the mid-century modern elements of a home. Over the years you know that we are avid loves of this style of home in Seattle. Not only are they exceptionally built but they live so luciously. We would know! Kim and I own not one but two mid-century modern homes. Our other being our Lake House in Long Beach.

Today I want to take you on a journey of love for this amazing home and the community that we cherished for the last 21 years.

Here Are The Ten Things We Loved About Living In Seward Park Mid-Century Modern Home

The last few months has been super emotional as we sort through all of our memories. The final moving truck left the home on Tuesday a couple of hours before the home was listed on the NWMLS and I was holding back tears. It is a huge transition to make this move. But more importantly we had a lot of love we poured into this home and love that surrounded us while living here!

Let’s dive into the TEN things we love the most about living in this home and being part of the Seward Park/Rainier Beach community.

Second Owners Of This Seward Park Mid-Century Modern Home

Being only the second owners of this custom built Mid-Century Modern home means all the original details like the Texas Sandstone fireplace, mahogany wood paneling, slate entry, and beechwood built-ins were incredibly well preserved.

Over the 21 years we owned this Mid-Century Modern Home in Seward Park we updated every part of this home. Unfortunately, the home was an estate sale when we bought it. This meant that almost EVERY system needed to be updated. Updating plumbing, heating, roofs, fencing, etc… are the most unsexy parts of owning a home. Or shoud l I say owning a home as a hobby?

Yes – we did eventually update the to sexy parts of the home like the kitchen, added a wet bar, finished the basement, and so many other little details.

The Many Parties We Hosted On The Lanai

Hosting BBQs and Sunday dinners on our spacious lanai was always a joy. Especially, since we were able to create this lush garden oasis that provided us with natural shade and privacy. Starting with our epic Easter party and going into Thanksgiving we celebrated so much goodness on that Lanai.

Currently, the garden on the lanai is so lovely. We are super proud with how all of the plants have taken form on the patio.

BTW – Most of those plants are staying with the new owners.

The Custom Layout Of The Mid-Century Modern Home In Seward Park

The problem with MOST mid-century modern homes in Seattle is that they have an impractical layout. For instance most of the typical 1960s Seattle Mid-Century Homes have three bedrooms and one bathroom upstairs with a tiny little closed off kitchen.

But not this Seward Park Mid-Century Modern Home!!!!

Our Seward Park Mid-Century Modern home was custom built by a contractor specifically for his family. He designed the home to have FOUR bedrooms and TWO bathrooms on the main floor. Downstairs the design was to have a laundry room, another 3/4 bathroom, and a massive basement romper room.

The main living area has a den, a formal dining room, a HUGE living room all of which open to the lanai that overlooks the neighborhoods.

Oh – I almsot forgot about the oversized two car garage. You can actually park four minis in this bad boy. All of our vintage car lovers were so jealous of our garage.

The Party Room, Romper Room, Guest Suite or as some call it THE BASEMENT

Fully finishing the basement was a stellar decision. It was a perfect guest suite for folks staying over a few weeks, and the best sleep-over space for our teen and his friends while attending Rainier Beach High School.

Kim and I bought the home and this space was framed and had electrical and was always intended to be a party room. But like most people who are contractors their own houses are always the last to be finished.

We loved being able to take what the original owners and builder intended and making it a reality!

Hot Tubbing In Total Privacy On The Lanai

Being able to pop out of our bedroom early in the morning or late at night for a private soak in the hot tub was a game changer during COVID and beyond. Kim and I intentionally had the deck surround built and added the bamboo to give us the ultimate hot tub privacy experience.

Cause if you know you know how Kim likes to hot tub.

Looking at you Noel!!!!

Being A Part Of A Diverse Community With Awesome Neighbors

Be'er Sheva Park Beach and Water Front — default

Our block is one of the few areas in Rainier Valley that has not been fully gentrified. For the most part all of the original families still live in the neighborhood. As a result we all look out for each other.

There have been numerous times I have forgotten to close up my car after a Costco run and luckily my neighbor is always looking out for me. Our neighbor Michelle had a whole relationship with our kitty Sasha that we had no idea about. The neighbors on the other side of Seward Park have regular family gatherings almost every weekend and it feels like the “old” part of Rainier Valley is still with us.

Advice To Get Along With The Neighbors

One big part of advice is you want to fit in with your fellow South Seattle neighbors. You can park in front of your house, behind your house, in your yard, BUT do not even think about parking in front of your neighbors house!

Trust me when I say we are all interlopers on this neighborhood and we need to show respect to those who have been here longer than we have.

Walking Our Dog The Closeby Parks And To Lake Washington

Our daily dog excursions started in Be’er Sheva park, through the Rainier Beach Urban Farm, and the wooded trail in Pritchard Beach, and finally hanging out in Lake Washington. Along the way we would say “Hi” and give snacks to our chicken friends on 54th, watch people set their boats into the water at the marina, enjoy the Bald Eagles over Pritchard Island, and so much more.

Honestly, walking this area of Seattle makes you feel like you are in another world.

Bonus Treat: The Rainier Beach Urban Farm has a farms stand and you can buy plant starts every spring.

King Donuts Is The Best Donut Shop In Seattle

King Donuts! Do not let those instagram influencers tell you that other donut shops are better than King Donuts. They are lying to you!!!! We loved snagging one of their new flavors like mango, tajin, ube, or our favorite the apple fritter fresh on a Saturday morning.

The thing that we love about King Donuts in addition to their amazing flavors is that this place has been a Rainier Beach institution. It is a BIPOC owned business that is VERY LGBTQ+ friendly.

And the best part is that King Donuts is only three blocks from the home.

Being A Regular At Local Cafes And Restaurants In Seward Park and Rainier Beach

We love being regulars where everyone knows who we are at local places like Third Place Books, Redwing Cafe, Jude’s, and the various street taco spots.

Here is our short list of places to go and be a local at near this Seward Park Mid-Century Modern Home:

Jude’s
Kaffa Coffee and Wine Bar
Redwing Cafe
Drae’s Lake Route Eatery
Just Like Home Caribbean
Rainier Restaurant
Umami Kushi
Pizza Pucinella
The Stonehouse
Bang Bang Kitchen
California Burrito
Taqueria Costa Alegre
Creamy Cone Cafe
Friend Chicken From The Seward Park Market

I’m sure I’m missing something. Oh I’m missing Third Place Books and Pizzuto’s in Seward Park!!!!

Having Our Nephew Be A Rainier Beach High School Graduate

As many of you know Kim and I took over as parents for our nephew when he was 11 years old. There was not a moment that we didn’t hesitate to put him into local Rainier Beach/Rainier Valley shools. He started 6th grade walking to South Shore, switched to Aki Kurose in 7th grade, and like many during that time finished Middle school online during COVID.

Our nephew was assigned Rainier Beach High School and it could not have been a better enviroment for him. Our kiddo was accepted into Full International Baccalaureate program and graduated with the most amazing students.

The acceptance our family received at this school along with its diversity and academic excellence is probably the most meaningful experience we had living in this home. We are going to miss this community so much!

Bonus – Being a Quick Jaunt to Kubota Gardens, Seward Park, Swimming At Martha Washington Park, and Dining In Columbia City

We are within minutes of two of the most beautiful parks in the city, Kubota Gardens and Seward Park. On a clear day you can see the “Mountain” and Mercer Island while you walk around Seward Park. During the Spring Kubota Gardens has some of the most spectacular blooms anywhere in Seattle. We have felt so lucky to have this incredible mix of Pacific Northwest in our backyard.

Not literal backyard but you get the gist!

Thank You For Enjoying This Seward Park Mid-Century Home As Much As We Have

It has been a joy in the last day to see people react to all the work and love we have poured into this home over the years. The home asked us to find its next caregiver who is going to treat her like a hobby they love. Let us know if you are interested and we will send you to Donna who will take good care of you.

More Details About This Mid-Century Home In Seward Park

Address: 8317 Duncan Ave S, Seattle, WA
Neighborhood: South Seward Park/Pritchard Beach
Listing Brokers: Donna Burns and Kim V. Colaprete
List Price: $1,050,000
Square Footage: 3,230 (not including the 700 sf garage)
NWMLS Number: 2522082
Bedrooms: 4+
Bathrooms: 3
More Information >

Want More Information About Buying A Mid-Century Home In Seward Park or in Seattle?

Luckily for you our passion for Mid-Century homes in Seward Park and the rest of Seattle has been turned into many guides.

Start Here For Your Seattle Mid-Century Modern Home Journey

We are here to help. Our team understands that this process can take a year or two. Give us a call. Our Team loves helping people develop a personalized listing plan for their homes. Feel free to contact us directly at thediva@teamedivarealestate.com or call/text 206-271-0264.