When searching for their dream home in the Seattle area, one couple’s journey led them to the iconic work of John Burrows, a renowned midcentury builder. “Once you go Burrows, you never go back,” they laughed, recalling the rainy winter day they stumbled upon a Burrows home. His architectural style, created in collaboration with designer Anna Williams, captivated them.
Burrows’ 35-40 homes, constructed in the 1960s through the 1980s, are characterized by skylights, cedar beams, and flat roofs. His fearless approach to building on steep hillsides ensured every home had integrated, private forest views. “Many of his homes remind me of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces,” they shared.
The couple was instantly drawn to the skylights. “In the kitchen, the bathrooms, the dining room… they make the house feel alive,” they explained. Their shared love of space and nature gave these skylights even deeper meaning. “Whether it’s the rain pitter-pattering during winter or glimpses of the stars at night, it’s like living in a tent, always connected to the world outside.” This connection has influenced the overall design of their home, blending structure with freedom.
Settling into the house brought immediate rewards. Both working remotely in tech, they value the serenity of their environment. “The house provides a calm and practical space for us to focus.” They described evenings spent in the kitchen, sipping natural wine while experimenting with ingredients picked up on their travels. Their dog, River, an energetic nine-year-old Australian shepherd-border collie mix, adds lively chaos to their lives. Fortunately, the home’s durable wood floors handle scratches and dirt from outdoor adventures with ease, growing more charming with age. “It felt livable from the start, which is rare,” they added.
Among their favorite features is a custom-installed outdoor sauna. “It was a labor of love,” they admitted, recounting the effort that went into building the gravel platform and assembling the sauna. Inspired by Scandinavian culture, this addition transforms their home into a retreat. “We spend time forest bathing, grounding, and escaping into this third place. It keeps us healthy and happy.”
The home continues to evolve. The couple is transforming the downstairs into a modern artist studio, blending practicality with creativity. “We wanted the space to work for us. No unused rooms collecting dust like in childhood homes,” they joked. The studio reflects their hands-on approach to life, fostering curiosity and expression.
They’ve also made thoughtful updates to suit modern living while respecting the home’s midcentury origins. Removing carpets and knocking down walls opened up the space, creating a balance between original design and contemporary style. “We wanted it to feel like us—modern but fun, not a museum.”
The location is the perfect complement to the house. Just 20 minutes from Seattle, Lake Forest Park offers a quiet, wooded escape with international neighbors and scenic trails. A secret path to a local park reveals breathtaking views of the Cascades and Mount Rainier, a daily reminder of the beauty surrounding them. “This house feels both historic and whimsical, grounding yet freeing. It’s truly one of a kind.”
