October 23, 2006

Metronatural Living

I must admit, I was just dying to use this word in a sentence, but, honestly, this week’s most and least-expensive listings can take advantage of Seattle’s new slogan too. Both have a vibrant urban center (Seattle) surrounded by pristine wilderness and outdoor recreation (sounds like just about anywhere in our beautiful state to me).

This week’s most-expensive listing in Clyde Hill reminds me of Italia’s Palatine Hill and surrounding Roman Forum.

I spent hours roaming this area on my Italian vacation and I could do the same if I lived on this 40,924-square-foot property. Nor would I ever have to leave, this 15,000-square-foot, seven-bed, eight-bath home has it all. I’d might have to transport my favorite Roma gelateria and Toscana winery to make the experience complete, but I bet the chef’s kitchen and huge wine room will suffice. And for the outdoor recreation requirement to be metronaturale (my Italian translation), this house sports an outdoor putting green (and indoor golf simulator). Perfect for warming up before hitting the 18 at nearby Overlake Golf and Country Club.

On the other end of the scale, is a one-bed, one-bath SeaTac condo with pristine wilderness (I see roses, green trees and tiki torches!) and outdoor recreation (three outdoor pools, and basketball and athletic court!). In addition to the great amenities, it appears your neighbors won’t mind a little bit of noise. The current owner clearly is a music lover and award winner, but I’m not sure the two are related. Check out the music room with guitars, a keyboard, swords(?!?) and a row of medals on the bookcase. All this for a mere $117,500.

The median price in Clyde Hill is $1,741,500. If you compare by square foot, the price isn’t that bad: median = $512/square foot; Italy in Clyde Hill = $717/square foot. The median condo price in SeaTac is $161,975. While the Zestimate on this condo is about $5,000 less, a virtually identical condo in the same building Zestimates at $120,967 (that’s the first time I every Googlized Zestimates and made it a verb!).