The Bellettini
1115 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, 425-450-0800; thebellettini.com
What You Get At the Bellettini, visitors enter a cobbled open-air courtyard honeyed with sunlight where a stone fountain bubbles. People lounge, sipping cappuccinos from the bistro. Downtown Bellevue’s elegant new retirement and assisted living community consists of 145 “luxury apartment homes”—think condo style with all the upgrades, like stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, tiled bathroom floors in marble or natural stone, and in-unit washer and dryer—that range in size from 700 to 2,400 square feet. The amenities could compete with any luxury resort. Two restaurants, casual Panini’s and fine-dining Toscano, welcome the public daily. Panini’s operates from 7am to 8pm (with happy hours from 3pm to 6pm and 9pm to closing) and is frequented by twentysomething professionals who figure the Belle for a hotel. Toscano plates until 10. Every month Darin Leonardson, former head chef for Google, organizes cooking demonstrations or a harvesting party in the on-site urban garden to help stock Toscano’s pantry with fresh veggies and herbs.
The PrimeFit Fitness Center, stocked with joint-friendly resistance training equipment, offers popular exercise classes like yoga, tai chi, and zumba dancing, and individualized workouts with a personal trainer. There’s even a brain fitness program to keep minds in top form with listening-focused exercises. Next door to the gym, Michael’s of Bellevue salon and spa, an area staple since 1979, serves residents and locals alike.
Cultural happenings organized by a former activities director for Princess Cruises may include such events as an Eastside Association of Fine Arts show featuring the Bellettini’s artist-in-residence Elaine Wilk, film screenings in the private theater outfitted with cozy leather club chairs, or private socials.
Who It’s For Movers and shakers who want to age in style and retire the word “elderly” for good.
Why I Live Here “The thing that I like the best—and I know this sounds silly but it’s the little things—is the valet parking,” says Esther Quint, resident and cofounder of the pool and spa supply-company Aqua Quip. “I don’t have to hassle with the garage. And not only that, there’s always the bright smile and the welcome back, and nice to see you, and did you have a good time? It doesn’t sound like much, but it makes you feel good. It lets you know that people are paying attention.”
Cost $3,200–$10,000 monthly, optional entrance fee starts at $250,000 and reduces monthly payments
Published: December 2009
for m & hal
10,000 a month? You could be making mortgage payments on a million dollar home at that price and afford to pay full time staff. The owners (Lytte of Mercer Island) of leisure care management are making a small fortune although they might have to downsize from their 40 million 1/2 acre home (yes house not land)is up for auction as of feb 2010.
The owners (Lytte of Mercer Island) of leisure care management are making a small fortune although they might have to downsize from their 40 million 1/2 acre home (yes house not land)is up for auction as of feb 2010.
Thank you for your article about health issues and older people. Check out this original song on You Tube about growing old in hard times.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM5HDRxwPns
Thanks,
Jim