RICHARD CORFF MET THE SECOND LOVE of his life (a 2,500-square-foot, 1952 Paul Hayden Kirk–designed modern home on a one-acre Eastside lot) through his first love (his wife). The home had belonged to his in-laws, and he was immediately smitten. When they planned to move in 1992, he snatched it up.
Modern homes tend to be one-story buildings with low-pitched roofs, characterized by open floor plans, substantial hearths, and a strong indoor-outdoor flow achieved by an emphasis on glass. In Seattle a number of renowned architects built these homes from 1945 to 1970, including Kirk as well as Roland Terry, most often associated with his work on Canlis Restaurant. For Corff, the abundance of such homes became an opportunity. He merged his real estate background with his passion for architecture and founded 360° Modern.
“We match people who are selling modern homes with people that are interested in [buying] them,” says Corff. Since the company’s launch four years ago, 360° Modern’s agents have provided definitions of modernist style for buyers, marketed themselves as the local authority, and created a database of modern homes. The company served Los Angeles transplants Rob and Nicole Adams well. They sought a large midcentury modern home with original architecture and a view—but they were on a tight budget. Corff showed the couple a 1950s home in Bellevue designed by Harry Nordquist—and priced well within their means. In other words, they found their modern dream home.
Second Home
Hood Canal
$4,250,000
Image: the real estate agency
Just a short drive and a ferry ride away, Hood Canal is tucked between the Olympic Peninsula and Puget Sound. It’s easy to get to, but don’t think it’s as easy to leave. Under the mountains’ scenic shadows await pristine waters, ample recreational opportunities, and lush evergreen and madrona forests. This 1936 European-style manor designed by architect Lionel Pries boasts a library, lavish gardens, billiard and theater rooms, 12 bedrooms, and 11 bathrooms. Park your yacht or seaplane at the 300-foot dock and revel in unspoiled views along the eight acres of waterfront property.
Listed by Joe Sanchez, Coldwell Banker Bain.
Buying Power
Swimming Pools
Seattleites seem to prefer Puget Sound over pools—less than 1.5 percent of King County homes currently for sale have one. So when it comes to marketing a house with a swimming pool, summer’s the time to cash in. A pricey investment, pools can up a home’s value by about 8 percent.
Image: the real estate agency
Redmond $1,295,000
Details 5310 236th Ave NE; 3,695 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3¾ baths, built 1994.
Selling points A parklike setting on nearly five acres surrounds the pool, accessible through the kitchen’s French doors.
Listed by Shirley Metcalf, Windermere Real Estate.
Image: the real estate agency
Seattle $2,250,000
Details 2656 W Viewmont Way W; 3,910 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, built 1933.
Selling points Colonial on corner lot carries brick and wrought iron theme around the pool.
Listed by Virginia and Whitney Mason, Coldwell Banker Bain.
Image: the real estate agency
Medina $8,987,500
Details Address unlisted; 6,300 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 5½ baths, built 2007.
Selling points The best of all watery worlds: Pool area leads to 115 feet of no-bank waterfront with private dock.
Listed by Breffni McGeough, John L. Scott Real Estate.
Published in the Best of the City issue of Seattle Met.
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