There's a meme going about that appeals to people who want a quiet and small house on a big lot in the woods, rather than an urban life. Up on Whidbey is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1,139 square foot log cabin on 5.6 acres for $275,000 that might match that dream.
The log cabin was built in 2005, but looks like a classic cabin. Big, rough-hewn logs, stacked into exterior walls, with bigger logs acting as beams and pillars supporting the roof and floors. The floor is stone tile, which makes most sense around the petite wood stove. Upstairs in the loft is the single bedroom. Downstairs is a bathroom with a claw foot tub and similar fixtures that maintain the image of an old-timey cabin.
The land emphasizes the rural character, as it should. With three pastures, and attendant out buildings, you have enough room for horses, livestock, or really big pets. The land is sloped, which helps keep the fields from becoming mud; and tended well with enough trees left to act as natural landscaping.
Tying the house to the land are a covered porch for sitting and enjoying the view, and an uncovered patio that appears to be equipped with an outdoor brick oven for foodies who like baking and roasting without heating up or smoking out the kitchen. If the weather's too cool, but you need some sunshine and warmth, a solarium/greenhouse lets you and your plants soak up photons without getting soaked by the rain.
With that much wood and nature around, you might want to check for termites and other pests. That's something you don't have to worry about if you stick to a new condo in downtown Seattle.
· 4619 Smugglers Cove Rd, Greenbank [Windermere]