MEDINA, Wash — The first mansion ever built in Medina is for sale – and it brings more than a century of charm to the market.
Known as “The Gables,” the home was established in 1903 and construction was completed in 1908 – long before bridges connected Seattle to the East Side.
"Medina right now is this very fabulous, desirable, extremely expensive residential community,” said Michael Luis, a member of Medina City Council who wrote a book on the area’s history. "When (The Gables) was built, it was pretty much wilderness. Probably still a lot of animals running around, a few cabins here and there, but there really wasn't much here at all."
A forward-thinking telephone company executive named Edward Webster built the 8,570-square-foot estate, helping establish Medina as a neighborhood.
120 years later, the six bedroom and six bathroom property has been updated for a contemporary lifestyle without losing its heritage qualities.
"When the homeowners found the original blueprints, it was remarkable to see how consistent the spaces actually are to what they were back in 1908,” said Heija Nunn with Windemere Real Estate.
The root cellar remains (converted into an 850 bottle capacity wine cellar.) There are classic high ceilings with box beams, fir floors and carved built-ins, and original windows throughout.
"The original radiators are high relief, very detailed, they've been painted in a matte black finish. And I think they stand out in a very sculptural way in each room,” Nunn said. "The primary bath has a beautiful free-standing tub, I would say before free standing tubs were an Instagram thing."
A significant renovation in 2007 introduced more updated luxury like gas fireplaces, a home gym and leather wall coverings in the powder room. A new mudroom leads to an engineered turf lawn.
The owners also turned the expansive backyard into an idyllic space for gatherings, with a basketball hoop, gas fire pit and in-ground 25-yard swimming pool. There’s a “four season” garden, designed to bloom year-round with fragrant plants like lavender and jasmine. A pond set in front of the original covered porch guarantees peaceful afternoons.
But at its heart, the house is a family home where people can feel comfortable and welcome.
"You would not have expected walking into a century-old mansion to find a leopard print carpet or the attic that was clearly set up for some serious rumpus fun,” Nunn said. "The library is a real gathering space for the family because they actually do read the books that are on the shelves."
They hope the next family to own The Gables will add to the property's timeless magic – a stunning home in, and for, any era.
"It's a beautiful space and a big space and you just kind of feel history all through it,” Luis said.
The Gables is listed for $14.14 million.
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