Windermere, leash free, rich and bountiful local charm!

Windermere, the lovely exclusive neighborhood in northeast Seattle, bordering the equally exclusive Laurelhurst area on the south and Magnuson Park and Sandpoint Way on the north and west, is a wonderful part of Seattle that is named after the Windermere in England's lake district. It became a prestigious part of Seattle in 1910, and is one of the city communities that is a bit separate from all the rest.

Bordering Lake Washington on the west side, the Windermere neighborhood boasts many multi-million dollar lake side and view homes, many of them refurbished historical homes. It has its very own private Windermere Beach Club, a small park and beach side gated swimming and picnic area that is accessable only by the members of the community. The views look out towards Bellevue in the east and Husky Stadium and the Arboretum in the south.

Charming and friendly in an upscale way, Windermere has a small retail district that consists of a several specialty stores. Michael Wm Farrell Jewelers, a sparkling gem of a jewelry, watch and gift boutique, has something unique for everyone and an enchanting display that catches a symphony of lights and colors. Mr. Farrell is a master jeweler in the field and creates his own one of a kind custom-made heirloom quality works of art that would dazzle even the most discriminating shopper. Friendly service and simply gorgeous! And speaking of friendly, I certainly felt right at home with a happy and cheerfully inviting welcome at Studio J. It feels like a great burst of sunshine when you open the door to the salon, especially on a cold winter day when clients are greeted with such warmth and energy. Who wouldn't want to patronize this professional and heartwarming place? Well known for their fabulous cuts, colors, and more. Smiles are on the house.

And every neighborhood needs their fresh local bakery, in this case, the locally owned Great Harvest Bakery. A nice selection of organic and very delicious made fresh daily breads and pastries. You know it tastes good when the crowds are lined up throughout the day. And just a few steps away, you have the very elegant Sandpoint Grill which has a full bar and a seasonal menu using organic meats and produce from local markets. Deep rich woods envelope you in this modern yet rustic feeling restaurant, kid friendly, and special 3 course $30 specials on Saturdays. One of the city's best New York style pizzerias is just around the corner at Pagliacci's where every item on the menu, from the cheese to the Brooklyn Bridge pizza to the salads are about as good as they come in Seattle.

The corner drugstore is Katterman's Sandpoint Pharmacy. Feels like the way the old drugstores used to be, where you can pick up your prescriptions and grab a little trinket gifts and candies, too. And don't forget to visit the one-stop variety store shopping at City People's True Value Hardware Store where you will find everything from tools and paints, to clothing and stationary. Just like the old corner hardware store. There is a lot of that old fashioned comfort to go around here in this pretty piece of Seattle nestled near the lake. It is a dog's and dog owner's paradise with Magnuson Park, one of the city's few leash free zones. Seattlelites travel from all parts just to bring their canine companions to this main attraction. And the people are nice, too! Bring your dog, bring your appetite, and run leash free!

Helen Toyoda

Realtor

Helen@SeattlePowerSearch.com

206.383.8182