If you’re like Brian and me, we always spend time in January thinking ahead to what trips we’d like to take. If your plans bring you to Seattle, we wanted you to know that in addition to the Lakehouse, we have a second vacation rental home in Ballard, just north of downtown Seattle, that’s perfect for smaller groups: Goldfinch House!
Goldfinch House (which accommodates 6, is on a quiet residential street close to the water … and we’re celebrating its fifth birthday this year! Brian took a brick bungalow (where I had lived for decades and raised my daughter) down to the subfloor and exterior walls, then built it back as a 3-bed, 2-bath contemporary home with a shed roof, big windows and skylights that flood the great room with western light. Why “Goldfinch House?” We named it for the cheery yellow birds that flock to our birdfeeders in springtime.
“Unsurpassed attention to every detail! Quality, quality, quality! We cannot wait until we return to this fabulous property with fabulous hosts!” – Randy
We designed Goldfinch House with multiple gathering spaces, indoors and out—big surprise, knowing Brian, right? The main suite is a high-ceilinged room with clerestory windows and a deck. It has a huge, spa-like bathroom with a deep soaking tub, 2-person shower and heated floors. The kitchen is my favorite part of the house. It has a Miele gas range, granite “waterfall-style” island and drawers filled with absolutely every kitchen tool and implement you can imagine, plus a plethora of pretty serving dishes that I’ve collected. We had fun shopping for bright contemporary art, which gives Goldfinch House a happy vibe. (I’m not the only one who thinks so!)
A PRIVATE OUTDOOR OASIS
Our guests love the backyard, a tranquil oasis with a dining patio, lawn, flowering shrubs and a couple of fruit trees. Last year the Italian plums were a huge hit for a certain young boy visiting with his family, who had a blast picking them. The other tree is a quince tree, which always sparks conversation, since quince isn’t often grown around here. (Coupled with apples, quince makes a delicious pie!) Our new flagstone patio in front of the house, surrounded by a wall of fragrant jasmine, is ideal for soaking up the morning sun.
Oh my – I can’t even begin to describe how very awesome and amazing this Airbnb is!! Leslie and Brian have truly done everything possible to make their home gorgeous, comfortable, classy and so much more! From super comfortable beds, sparkling clean bathrooms and kitchen, absolutely well-stocked amenities – each detail has been thoroughly planned. What a treasure to have the home located just a few blocks from the fascinating Ballard locks and gardens! I so highly recommend Leslie and Brian’s Airbnb!! – Maren
A SHORT WALK TO SAND BEACHES AND RESTAURANTS
It’s just a few blocks to the nearest beach; to Seattle’s most-iconic waterfront restaurant (Ray’s Boathouse); to the city’s most highly vaunted Cuban sandwich shack, Un Bien; to the exciting National Nordic Museum with its new, Instagram-worthy troll; and to the Ballard Locks, one of the most dynamic spots in the city, where you can watch boats of all types rising or falling as they maneuver through the locks. If you venture farther north along the water, you’ll come to Seattle’s treasured Golden Gardens, a sweeping crescent of sand with gorgeous views of Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains. And it’s just a 15-minute walk from the house to Ballard Avenue, the heart of Ballard’s dining district, where some of the city’s best restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines inside historic brick buildings.
This has to be the best vacation rental EVER. It felt like staying in a Sunset Magazine, from the incredible home design and decor to the lovely backyard and front landscaping. The host met us and welcomed us in person, which was wonderful. We will definitely stay here again. — Susan
Feel free to reach out, even just to say “Hi!” (Our address is [email protected].) You can take a sneak peek at Goldfinch House on Airbnb, and if it looks like the right space for your next visit we’re happy to book directly to save both of us the fees. Of course, if you prefer, you can also book through Airbnb.
We’re happy you’re a part of our wonderful community of guests and we look forward to seeing you again, whether at Blue Heron Lakehouse or Goldfinch House! Take care, and stay warm this winter!
