The Story Behind
Roland Terry Masterpiece on Nearly Four Private Acres
Roland Terry's architectural legacy reaches its zenith in this extraordinary Contemporary Villa, where the pioneering Northwest modernist's design philosophy transforms nearly four acres into a masterwork of sophisticated living. Built by the esteemed Schultz Miller construction firm, this estate exemplifies the seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces that defined Terry's revolutionary approach to Pacific Northwest architecture.
The home's entrance sets the tone for the experience within, where ornate walnut doors—imported specifically for this project—open onto herringbone-floored galleries that serve as a prelude to the villa's sophisticated interior landscape. Venetian plaster walls create texture and warmth throughout, while soaring clerestory windows flood the spaces with natural light that dances across exposed timber beams and custom millwork.
At the heart of the home lies the coffered-ceiling great room, anchored by a limestone fireplace that serves as both functional element and sculptural focal point. The space flows effortlessly into the grand kitchen, where custom cabinetry houses professional-grade appliances and a secondary prep kitchen ensures entertaining remains seamless and sophisticated. Checkered marble floors create visual rhythm while maintaining the home's commitment to natural materials and artisanal craftsmanship.
The formal dining room elevates everyday meals to gallery experiences, with hand-painted walls beneath coffered ceilings creating an atmosphere of quiet grandeur. Each bedroom serves as a private retreat, with light-filled spaces opening onto individual terraces that blur the boundaries between interior comfort and garden serenity.
The primary suite represents the ultimate in personal sanctuary design, featuring its own fireplace and a vast dressing room that rivals the world's finest boutiques. Dual bathrooms ensure both luxury and functionality, while the private terrace offers secluded outdoor living.
Beyond the main living areas, the estate caters to contemporary lifestyle needs with remarkable sophistication. A paneled media room provides intimate entertainment space, while the climate-controlled wine cellar protects valuable collections in optimal conditions. The soundproof office ensures productive work environments, and the Finnish sauna adds wellness elements that complement the recreation room's leisure focus.
Practical luxury extends to the custom vault for secure storage and the impressive six-car garage that accommodates significant automotive collections. Every detail reflects Terry's commitment to creating homes that function as complete lifestyle environments rather than mere residences.
Shoreline, Washington represents one of the Pacific Northwest's most desirable residential enclaves, where this Roland Terry masterpiece occupies nearly four acres of prime real estate just minutes from both Seattle's urban sophistication and the natural beauty that defines the region. This established community, incorporated in 1995, has maintained its reputation as a haven for discerning homeowners seeking privacy and tranquility without sacrificing accessibility to metropolitan amenities.
The property's location along Northwest Highland Drive places it within one of Shoreline's most prestigious neighborhoods, where substantial homes sit on generous parcels surrounded by mature landscaping. The area's topography, characterized by gentle slopes and established tree canopies, provides natural privacy while offering glimpses of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains that have drawn residents to this region for generations.
Shoreline's proximity to Seattle—just fifteen miles north of downtown—makes it an ideal location for professionals seeking refuge from urban intensity while maintaining easy access to the city's cultural institutions, dining scene, and business centers. The community benefits from excellent transportation infrastructure, with Interstate 5 providing direct routes to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the broader Puget Sound region.
The neighborhood surrounding this estate reflects the area's commitment to preserving natural beauty while accommodating sophisticated residential development. Shoreline Community College, located nearby, adds educational resources and cultural programming to the area, while the community's extensive park system—including the 150-acre Hamlin Park with its old-growth forest trails—provides recreational opportunities that complement the estate's private gardens.
Local amenities reflect the community's upscale character, with the nearby Richmond Beach offering saltwater access and stunning sunset views across Puget Sound. The area's retail corridor along Aurora Avenue North provides convenient shopping and services, while more extensive retail and dining options are easily accessible in neighboring communities.
Shoreline's school district maintains an excellent reputation, contributing to the area's appeal for families seeking educational excellence alongside lifestyle quality. The community's commitment to maintaining its residential character through thoughtful planning and development standards ensures that properties like this Roland Terry estate remain unique treasures within an environment that values both architectural significance and natural beauty.
The estate's Penelope Hobhouse-designed gardens represent a particularly significant aspect of the property's relationship to place, as the renowned British landscape designer's work here creates a dialogue between English garden traditions and Pacific Northwest native plantings. This synthesis reflects Shoreline's broader character as a community that honors both cultural sophistication and environmental stewardship.
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