What a gem in the Ballard area northwest of downtown Seattle! Sam has created (...actually, curated) a wonderfully comfortable space with tons of amenities. And Sam himself is a premier host who periodically touched-base to make sure our stay was going well!
When we first arrived we knew we were in for a treat. Arriving after dark, there were warm, welcoming lights in the garden and around the home’s exterior, as well as inside the house -- creating a charming, inviting atmosphere. Walking into the kitchen for this week-long stay, we were greeted with fresh flowers, a bottle of wine, and chocolate on the kitchen table, as well as fresh fruit in a basket on the counter.
As we continued to settle in and look around for the next several hours of our stay, we kept being amazed by both the charm of the décor, and all the many amenities the home provided. All the details have been attended to! The house has a bit of a tech-savvy, ‘smart-house’ edge. Most of the lights throughout the house have adjustable dimmer switches to allow you to adjust the light level to fit your mood. There are music system sound speakers throughout the house. The kitchen appliances (like toaster, microwave, espresso-maker) are elegant and high-end, lending an air of richness and sophistication to the fully functional kitchen.
During our stay, the kitchen was fully stocked – both with all the pots, pans, & dishes you might need, as well as with food stuffs (such as canned & dried goods, spices, etc.) to supplement whatever you might purchase if you’re cooking some of your own meals. On our visit, the fridge was also stocked with numerous refrigerated items ranging from pesto to milk and half & half. The stoneware dishes and high-quality, hand-crafted pottery items make the kitchen feel especially elegant.
The décor throughout the house has an artsy and musical theme that shares numerous flourishes of Sam’s life as a professional musician – and it’s a really fun, eclectic collection. There are also numerous live house plants that further add to the happy, lived-in feel -- as though you’re staying for a visit at a best friend’s house.
Sam’s created a warm, super-comfortable home-away-from-home – and it’s quite a treat!!