BELLEVUE, Wash. — With canals that wind through the neighborhood, the Keys of Newport Shores resemble Florida. But this is Bellevue. And one of the key properties right on Lake Washington is on the market. "It's such a gigantic lot. 175 feet of lakefront," says Jen Harper, the eponymous broker with The Jen Harper Team.
Given the way the grounds are positioned, it feels like you're on your own. "You can't see a neighbor." And you can't see the edge of the infinity pool. "One of the most beautiful pools on the planet. It's just gorgeous. And the view that you have from your pool looking at the lake is incredible."
Fellow broker Kara Wiper fancies the soaring artwork on the north edge of the pool. "The combination of having a sculpture on one side and a hot tub with a built-in table on the other? It's super fun." Indeed the pool table, if you will, is the perfect spot to hold your drink or snacks while relaxing in the soaking tub, from which you can bask in the northwest views.
The pool house on the south edge features glass, accordian sliders that disappear into the walls, revealing the palatial patio. A kitchenette and a sitting room make it the ideal spot to get out of the sun. "It's the most amazing party house," Harper says.
There's a gazebo just steps from the shore. "Fabulous spot for a wedding," says Wiper. The 100-foot dock is shaped like a U. "And what's so cool is that this giant dock is over to the side of the property. So even if you have a 100-foot boat, it doesn't ruin your view from any room in the house or any of the yard and pool space. So that's a gigantic gift," says Harper.
The dock is a launching pad to any number of journeys. "Load your boat right here at your dock and you can go all the way to Alaska or Mexico. Go through the locks and out to the Sound. It's a great spot to be in," says Wiper.
The house itself is stately without being stuffy. "People love when we come through the main gate of the property. And then there's another gate that goes into a courtyard. Then the front door...then it opens into the entry. Then they get to the part where they see the lake and the real wow starts," Wiper says.
The wows keep coming. There's a Chihuly in the hall. "Amazing. Totally custom-built, " says Harper. A toilet isn't usually a highlight, unless it's the one in the master bedroom. A Toto estimated to cost $7,000, this smart commode opens as you arrive and includes oscillating or pulsating options. "The master bedroom toilet is crazy. It does anything you want. There are push buttons and you can select from a menu. You'll have to check it out," Wiper says.
Not far away is a hers closet. When you open a door inside, you notice a foot pedal. Step on it and around comes a carousel of clothes! It's akin to an automatic rack you might see at a dry-cleaner.
The Newport Shores neighborhood includes a yacht club with a clubhouse, party room, tennis courts, pool and a marina that serves about 330 homes. "It's a big enough neighborhood where, if you don't wanna go to the parties, no big deal. But anybody who does want to, you get to know way more neighbors because there's no way people can invite 330 people to their house. Other than this house, they probably could. They can invite the whole neighborhood," says Harper.
Story sponsored by The Jen Harper Team. KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email.