TACOMA, Wash. — It was once one of the best kept secrets in Western Washington. Tacoma is home to some beautiful million-dollar mansions.
And perhaps no Tacoma home is as beautiful as the White House of the West: The Rust Mansion. Built in 1905 for one of the richest men in America, it has recently been the subject of a year-long million dollar renovation.
"Initially when we started the project there was a concern that I'm this young entrepreneur," seller Ashley Burks said. " What am I going to do with the interior of the home? Am I going to update it and modernize it? And we did the exact opposite."
Walking through the nearly 11,000-square-foot home really does feel like stepping back in time. From $4.8 million earlier this year, The Rust Mansion can be yours for $4.44 million.
Five blocks away stands the second Rust Mansion. From the same architect who designed Stadium High School, it is both a grand work of art and a home built for gracious entertaining. Among the highlights are the Tiffany-esque stained glass embedded in the ceiling and near the staircase.
There's also a swimming pool and a ballroom. The home is currently off the market until the spring, but if you can meet their $3.25 million asking price, the owners are ready to talk.
For that same price you can pick up a one-acre-estate that looks like something you'd find on the French Riviera. This Spanish Mediterranean home is where Formula One Grand Prix pioneer Pete Lovely parked himself for decades.
"One of the most famous cars he built was called a 'Pooper,'" said David Blackburn, who has been living here for ten years. "That was a Cooper car with a Porsche motor in it."
Blackburn has built three businesses in the 12 car garage. Now it's time for another family to call this place home.
"I have three boys and it was great for them to run around," Blackburn said.
Finally, at just $2.45 million, your budget buy is the Thornewood Castle's carriage house.
"I spent a good thirty years working in this place," said owner John Mason, a financial manager who has both restored the house and filled it with unique treasures from all over the world.
"Everything is handmade," he said. "The whole house is handmade."
Mason says he probably spent $15 million on his four bedroom, 7,000 square foot home, where even the powder rooms are works of art.
"So, it's a real bargain," he said.
Currently off the market during this slow season, the one can still be picked up for the right price.
Four unique home. Each one in need of just one unique buyer.
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