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Find the hidden room atop this Lopez Island home

Location is important, but so is style and play

By Tom Trimbath
Windermere

As if being close to the water on Lopez Island wasn’t enough, this custom, 2,004 square foot two story is topped with a tower, equipped with a hidden room, and shares the lot with the original cabin. Include the 0.92 acres, and get a package priced at $549,000.

Location is the selling point for any house, but even more so for the islands. The eventual buyer will probably be someone that enjoys the water, the beach, and nature - and isn’t expecting to commute regularly. The property is near the southern tip of Lopez, far from the ferry, and close to two bays: Outer and Barlow. Victoria’s city lights the west, nature all around, and a pair of parks in the neighborhood.

Windermere

The house is worth a trip, too. Custom built in 1998, its style is aging well. Two floors of shingled exterior, roof beams extending for support and show, and a generous deck. The tower stands out. On such a flat lot, a little height brings in views from far away; which is handy because the house isn’t waterfront. Being able to see over the neighbor is handy, but not necessary because there are views all around.

Windermere

Atop the tower you get a full panorama, an excellent outpost for watching storms, whales, and sunsets go by. The metal railing and tile floor are contrasted by a stained glass fixture.

Windermere

Downstairs there are three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, as well as a living room that’s equipped with an ornate pot belly stove, and a modern kitchen.

Windermere

The fun part is the room with the bookshelf as a door. Close it and be surrounded by books and games, a good place for the kids to hide. Maybe the adults, too.

Windermere

For a bit of history, step back outside to the original log cabin. Find out if the logs were felled on the island, or arrived as driftwood. In either case, if they’re old enough they may be old growth and likely to last a long time. There’s no tower, but the location’s the same - and there are no steps between you and the world.