20 Pacific Northwest Homes We Love

Homes in the Pacific Northwest are often built on varied terrain: at the edge of the coast or a lake, on sloping hills, right in the middle of a forest or as in this case, at the base of a mountain. This Craftsman in North Bend, Washington, feels right at home with Mount Si and the Snoqualmie River, which runs behind it. The rustic lodge exterior blends wood lap siding, cedar shake roofing and exposed beams with stacked stone and metal roof accents.

Location reigns supreme for this 5,400-square-foot Craftsman home. Not only does it sit on Lake Washington, it also has views of the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Mountains from its back deck. The cedar shake roof is quintessential in style and a major benefit in the wet climate of the Pacific Northwest. It's less likely than its counterparts to warp or crack from water damage and is an effective insulator, helping to keep homes warm in cooler weather.

Our fave Pacific Northwest twin sisters and real estate mavens Leslie Davis and Lyndsay Lamb of Unsellable Houses devised the perfect curb appeal for this sweet family home that they infused with PNW coastal charm. A soft blue-gray exterior is highlighted in crisp white trim for an inviting and completely sellable entry.

In addition to maximizing the use of organic materials, most Pacific Northwest designers and builders want their homes to feel like an extension of nature, as if the structures have always been there. In Redmond, Washington, this luxurious wilderness getaway is completely encompassed in evergreen trees and an ambient water garden.

Since rain is a constant in this area of the country, seizing sunlight is of upmost importance. Floor-to-ceiling glass and large picturesque windows become a must in the design for flooding space with natural light and bringing the outdoors inside. Even on this urban lot, expansive windows maximize the northern California scenery and sunshine.

Deep overhangs are another architectural element that provide shelter for you and your home from the rain and wind, allowing Pacific Northwesterns to enjoy the outdoors even when the weather isn't ideal. Leslie and Lyndsay wholly merge this cedar shake siding home with the enveloping vines and foliage to create an outdoor oasis seemingly burrowed into the trees.

Childhood dreams come true with this uber-luxe treehouse. Located on 21 acres in Quilcene, Washington, the property includes streams, trails, waterfalls and a sandy beach — all made for exploring. The open-concept home may have the rustic vibes of knotty wood and tumbled stone, but is fully equipped with all the amenities of modern living.

Just 90 minutes from Seattle on Washington's Camano Island, this idyllic property takes in bays, coves and waterways on all sides. The eight-acre estate features a 4,700-square-foot home, a guest house, a post-and-beam barn, gardens and a view of Mount Baker. Expansive porches and decks, as well as picturesque windows, seamlessly connect the indoors and out.

Craftsman and lodges play a significant role in Pacific Northwest architecture, yet modern style has its place, too. Planted on the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon, this contemporary home mixes warm woods with steel to form an avant-garde-meets-organic abode.

Even if the home isn't on a multi-acre property at the base of a mountain, homes in the area maintain a connection to their natural surroundings. For this Unsellable Houses redo, Leslie and Lyndsay opened up the formerly choppy backyard to forge a livable outdoor space, complete with multiple seating areas, a shed/flex room, and of course, to let those trees add color and privacy to the yard.

Wood and stone are faves for Pacific Northwest homes, but it doesn't mean they have to be void of color. This Bothel, Washington, home has a forest green exterior that reflects the surrounding trees.

Fans of contemporary architecture will love this modern home in Bend, Oregon. With soaring 22-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and an open concept floor plan, the home is designed to take in the mountain vistas. Solar energy powers the entire house, which is kept warm by radiant heated concrete floors throughout.

In a region where outdoor adventure is a main part of life, take homes from day to night with smart landscape lighting. Integrated throughout the boulder and low-maintenance landscaping, as well as the stairs and deck, illumination allows the outdoor spaces to be used well after the sun sets.

In northern California, native grasses surround this modern home in sweeping waves that create a soft juxtaposition against the home exterior. Glass garage-style doors completely open the main bedroom up to the landscape for true indoor/outdoor living. Opting for a cantilevered roof eliminates the need for support beams to provide an uninterrupted scene.

Towering evergreens are a significant part of the Pacific Northwest landscape, dotting views nearby and far away. When Leslie and Lyndsay staged this home for the market, they made sure to emphasis the view, in addition to the privacy the trees offer.

Decked out in natural stone and a standing seam metal roof, this tiny guest house is a charming escape to the northern California wine country. Fully outfitted with a kitchenette, stone fireplace, cozy living space and relaxing bedroom and bath, the modern cabin packs a lot into its 640 square feet.

Located on Washington's Puget Sound, the HGTV Dream Home 2018 boasts a dramatic asymmetrical roofline but keeps the focus on its waterfront setting. Covered patios, a fire pit area and an upper deck wrapped in glass railing are all situated to take full advantage of the coast.

When you're besieged by nature, it starts to take over. When Leslie and Lyndsay came up with a game plan to make this home sellable, one big project was turning the backyard into a true destination. In addition to creating an inviting deck, they trimmed back overgrown trees and shrubs to show off the mountain and water vista.

Reflecting its environment, this Oregon home showcases the careful selection of natural materials and sophisticated design. The cedar shake siding is set against surrounding trees and a lush green lawn, where a reflecting pond establishes a calm visual.