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Explore History: Ralph Anderson Home Designed for First American to Summit Mt Everest

Brooke HubbardJuly 20, 2018September 14, 2018

5943 49th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98136
For Sale: $1,299,000
Beds: 2 | Baths: 2 | SQFT: 2030 | Year Built: 1973
MLS# 1329209
Listing courtesy of NWMLS / WINDERMERE R.E. WALL ST. INC.
Contact: Heidi Ward Real Estate Broker

Ralph Anderson designed this one-of-a-kind midcentury modern home for James Whittaker, the renowned mountaineer, who is best known for being the first American to Summit Mt. Everest. Whittaker was the President of REI and carried his love for adventure and the great outdoors throughout every area of his life, including the design of his home.

Naturally, Whittaker selected Ralph Anderson as his architect, who developed what we now call the “Northwest Regional Style” and who’s signature style took into consideration the relationship between the home and the land on which it was being built. Anderson’s designs took full advantage of light exposure and outside vistas, and was known for bringing the outside landscape into the inside of the house through large expanses of glass, walls of windows, and generous outdoor living spaces. In this home, Anderson incorporated views of the mountains, the Puget Sound, and the surrounding islands. Anderson was extraordinary in creating a partnership between the inside and outside of the home and turning it into a real-life masterpiece.

With Whittaker’s love for the nature and Anderson’s unparalleled design skills, together they created this beautiful midcentury modern gem now for sale in West Seattle. This home has remained untouched over the years. It boasts signature cedar-clad walls and ceilings. A dramatic two-story bank of windows in the living room frames the views & floods the interior with light.

The Northwest Regional Style home is designed to integrate the outdoors and the indoors. Anderson deigned the home to bring the outdoor landscape right into the living room. He utilized high glass windows, and walls of windows in large rooms that show off the picture-perfect view of the Puget Sound.

The interior and exterior of the house were designed with locally sourced wood, complete with high ceilings, high glass windows, and rock walls to complete the midcentury modern feel.

The awe-inspiring views shouldn’t only be admired from indoors.  Step through a gated entry to your private oasis with a swimming pool, and soak in the Puget Sound views unblemished by rooftops.

Interested in a tour? Contact Heidi Ward or join us at one of our open houses this weekend.

OPEN HOUSES:
Saturday: 2pm – 4pm
Sunday: 1pm -2pm

Posted in Architects and Designers, Mid-Century Modern, Real Estate, Seattle, SellingTagged james whittaker, midcentury modern, modern architecture, ralph anderson, seattle real estate, west seattle

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