As Seattle’s houses age and interior design trends change, many a century-old home has become a whole new building—while others are painstakingly preserved, but with relatively high maintenance needs. This Georgetown Victorian from 1900 at the latest (property records often stop at this date, even if the home is older) strikes a balance between the two, with intricate original millwork and a bright, modern remodel.

Very little has changed on its beautifully maintained exterior. Scalloped and round shingles adorn a large gable in shades of yellow and red. The windows are still heavily ornamented, some with arched sunbursts above and a geometric pattern below, and others with a latticed design. Gingerbread trim runs under the first-floor roofline, with decorative accents at each corner.

Step inside for a much more modern home that still makes room for that millwork. A large swath window and trim may have been replaced—but with bull's-eye corner blocks, an extreme reverence to Victorian design. The hardwood floors gleam, but appear vintage.

Still, “Victorian” may not be the first thing that comes to mind here. Exposed grain trim and floating shelves have more of a pine finish than the deep, dark colors of the era, and white walls make them pop. The aesthetic is much tidier than the typical super-opulent cabinets and wall treatments, especially in the straightforward kitchen cabinetry. The staircase to the second floor has gone from statement to simple.

One thing that often doesn’t survive a modern remodel is individual rooms. Gathering spaces and kitchens often coalesce into one open area. Here, they stick around: There’s still a sitting area separate from the living room, a formal dining room, and a kitchen with its own walls. A separate hallway runs along one side of the house, making way for office and lounging space while leading to a large utility room. Even remodeled spaces continue the tradition: What used to be an attached shed became a den, featuring French doors to the yard.

Upstairs in the four bedrooms, there’s a similar level of preservation, with millwork and floor plan intact. A few adjoining doors have been filled in, but the former door trim remains as a decorative element. One bedroom even still has a bay window. But there’s no compromising for modern conveniences: Mini-splits swap in for traditional radiators.

The yard is giant, especially for a neighborhood with townhouses popping up left and right. In the back, a sprawling network of wooden patios connect to a separate one-room, powered studio.

Listing Fast Facts

739 S Homer St
Size: 2,585 square feet/5,000 square foot lot, 4 bedroom/2 bath
List Date: 10/2/2021
List Price: $895,000
Listing Agent: Sue Bethke, Windermere