Retreat to a $2.5M Orcas Island estate

Feeling the need to get away from everything? Maybe someplace with a wide, deep moat? Head up to the San Juan Islands; and in particular, head to this property on Orcas Island that is even more remote. The Sound acts as one moat. A pair of lakes conjures images of another. Sitting up on Buck Mountain is a $2,500,000 custom home that won’t be quick to get to, which may be the very point of it.

NWMLS / Sothebys

Location is important, but this house is also defined by a wealth of accomplished artistry. Usually, bathrooms are relegated to secondary mentions, but look at the work that went into just one of the five bathrooms. Some tile artist, specifically Chuck Totten, must have devoted weeks or months designing and installing the art in this one room. Even with a team of helpers, it couldn’t be a simple task. Similar attentions to details echo through the house.

NWMLS / Sothebys

Back in the living room, reclaimed beams cross the ceiling. Another custom art piece, the fireplace metal work by Steve Lopes, are only two elements that support a room that includes a library, and that leads to a covered patio that overlooks the lake.

NWMLS / Sothebys

There are multiple stories, which provides yet another opportunity to demonstrate fine woodwork that recalls hundred year old craftsmanship, but was probably built with the rest of the house in 1997.

NWMLS / Sothebys

Within the 4,339 square feet inside are three bedrooms, with the master set beside a sitting room with another custom fireplace.

NWMLS / Sothebys

Step back outside, and you can keep stepping for a long while. The property covers 105 acres of hillside with old-growth forest those two lakes, and not much else.

There must be something else, though, at least organizationally. There’s a $470 monthly HOA fee, so there may be a few extra rules, regulations, conditions, and neighbors to become familiar with. Almost away from everything, but not quite.

• 1701 Day Lake Rd, Eastsound [Zillow]