Peterson helped breath life into the vision of architect Tim Hossner of Replinger Hossner Osolin Architects in Seattle.

Photography by BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER/THE SEATTLE TIMES.

To read the full story visit: Seattle Times

Homes showcased are designed to grow with a family’s needs. The days of segmented formal rooms for living, dining, and cooking are rapidly disappearing, and being replaced with spaces that are more compact – yet flexible.

It was great for me to read comments by David Miller, an architect and chairman of the University of Washington Department of Architecture. I’ve had the pleasure of working with his firm on several occasions and agree with his assessment, “Lasting flexibility has been a common approach for Northwest architecture since we stared doing Modern houses; its part of the Modernist credo. The northwest, though, has that outdoor-indoor connection.”

The Isles cottage community in Anacortes, carries on the Modernist tradition of creating a small footprint with a strong indoor-outdoor relationship. Common areas, pathways, and clubhouse appeals to those looking to create a sense of community within the neighborhood. I call the design concept “Swasian” combining my Swedish minimalistic senses with strong Asian influences. As odd as it sounds, traditional craftsman styling goes hand-in-hand with native plants and grasses to provide naturalized areas that are low-maintenance.

I developed The Isles knowing that this is the type of home I would build for myself. There will never be a need to ‘move-up’ or ‘downsize’. The flexibility of the space can change with our future lifestyle needs. Because of the built-in security, property management, and zoned living, these cottages function well as primary homes, vacation homes, or rentals.

The Isles will host Open Houses now through October. Contact Jessica Notaro to schedule a showing jessica.notaro@coldwellbanker.com.

To vote for your favorite Seattle dwelling visit: www.aiaseattle.org/futureshack_2010.

In a report on Friday August 6, 2010 the economic forecasters Fiserv and Moody’s lists Washington state as the number-one state in upcoming rebound in home values!

Washington State Nations Top Home Value Rebounder

According to forecasters home prices are expected to rise 25.5% (Seattle) to a high of 44.7% (Bremerton) within the next 48 months; making this an outstanding time to buy properties at all time low pricing.

“I’m sure many real-estate investors are sitting on the sidelines looking for great deals. I’m doing the same thing!” says Pete Peterson, developer of the Isles.  ”With the rise in optimism about our region, now seems to be the time to put your money where your thought it.”

The Isles, a cottage community of 17 planned single-family homes, originally sold in the high $500′s. Today they are priced from $425 – $469,000 depending on finishes. That represents a 23-28% savings to investors. Research from Fiserv and Moody’s shows this to be a solid investment an in-line with new market pricing.

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Working with architect, Tim Hossner of Replinger Hossner Architects, CJ made that dream come true. Nestled in a high-bluff lot surrounded by evergreens, the home is located in LaConner and  overlooks Skagit Bay.

The home will be featured in Pacific Northwest Magazine, a publication of Seattle Times. Renowned architectural photographer Benjamin Benschneider is shown here during the photoshoot.

Photographing a Habitat Construction Home

For more information on custom-home building by Habitat Construction, contact Pete at 369-540-8215.

Modern couples demand convenience. What could be easier than front-load washer/dryer placed within your spacious walk-in closet, just off the master bedroom.

The Isles provides six floor plans to choose from. The “Catala” currently being finished is the largest at 1883 square feet and have been redesigned to maximize living space. Come visit today.

This home has a direct, unobstructed view of Guemes Channel and the San Juan Ferry. Large deck design allows you to spend many warm afternoons entertaining outside. You are likely to be joined by a pair of eagles nesting living just across the street, or the deer as they wander through our neighborhood.

Premium finishes throughout. Large guest suite on the lower floor provides privacy for everyone.

Built for year-round living, you’ll enjoy romantic fires in the winter, and breath-taking views in the summer.

Agents open house October 11. This home is ready for your special touches.

“My inspiration were the custom vacation homes I’d been building on Decatur Island for 15 years. My style is best described as “Swasian”, a mix of “swedish and asian”. I wanted to live in a community that minimized our environmental footprint, while providing plenty of usable living space. Why have a McMansion, when a cottage lives just as big?”

The views change minute by minute, and day by day. Watch the San Juan Ferry come in for docking. Guemes channel offers a playground for sailers and boaters, as well as a commercial channel for barges and tugs. You’ll never tire of the action on these waterways, or the fabulous summer sunsets.

Casual Elegance provides the perfect balance in island living. Quality craftsmanship throughout your home provides elegant, low-maintenance living. Hardwood flooring, maple wainscotting in the living areas provide the warmth essential to island living. Owners enjoy the special touches throughout these homes. Heated tile flooring in the baths, zone heating to lower utility costs, on-demand hot water systems, timed irrigation, and professionally maintained lawn care mean less time maintaining and more time enjoying!