High-end midcentury time capsule on Seward Park waterfront asks $3.9 million

Usually, when we see a midcentury modern home with most of the finishes intact, it’s not especially luxurious—but occasionally a high-end home will come along that hasn’t been remodeled each decade with the design trends of the day. This home in Seward Park, just below the park itself, has always been a little fancy, with 100 feet of waterfront, more than 5,000 square feet of space, and five whole bedrooms on more than an acre of land. But it’s also gone through minimal aesthetic changes since it was built in 1954, thanks to having the same owner since 1970, who preferred to lovingly maintain the midcentury look than overhaul it entirely.

The home was designed by Lawrence & Hazen, a pair of residential architects known for many of the mainstays beloved by midcentury enthusiasts: sloping wood-paneled ceilings, dividing stone fireplaces, and giant window banks. The team won an AIA National Merit Award for designing their own office—now the Maple Leaf Veterinary Care Center—in 1953.

A classic, hillside setting of many a beautiful Northwest midcentury gives it a low profile on the street, but plenty of space, and views, on the inside. At entry, visitors are immediately greeted by wooden walls and stone accents that extend to the exterior. A large, open great room carves out two gathering spaces between a statement fireplace, opening to a large view deck. Adjacent is a kitchen—with original cabinetry—and a formal dining space that extends to a patio. On the other side, a master suite gets its own view balcony and fireplace, plus a walk-in closet with a network of original cabinetry.

Below, a den and library both add to the fireplace count, and smaller bedrooms maintain their original aesthetic with brick accents and built-ins.

5770 S Oaklawn Place is listed for $3.85 million through Windermere Real Estate.