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Craftsman homes first started appearing in Seattle around 1900 as an offshoot of the British Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized the handmade over the mass-produced, and design simplicity over the ornate Victorian homes of the era.

Found in neighborhoods all across Seattle, especially Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Leschi, West Seattle and Wallingford, the Craftsman design reflects our region’s connection to the timber industry—the homes are usually made of wood—and the low-slung rooflines and deep, overhanging eaves seem perfect for our often rainy weather.

In Craftsman homes, workmanship is key, says Seattle real estate broker Kevin Doran (kevindoran.info).

“Most Craftsmen have some beautiful woodwork on the main floor. Oftentimes, this has been painted over,” he says, but paint can be stripped to restore the original look to the home. Inside, Craftsman homes tend toward open, flowing floor plans—think “great room.” Says Doran: “I think these homes work well in Seattle, with more flow, encouraging conversation and connection, and exteriors with more natural, muted tones harmonizing with the environment. It’s easy to see why I and many Seattleites gravitate to this architecture.” 

Capitol Hill (see photo above)
List price: $1,995,000    
Square footage: 5,043; 5 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms
Year built: 1906
Property size: 5,760 square feet
Property taxes: $12,899
Bonus: “Seattle Box” Craftsman; the seller is an architect
Date listed: 5/26/11
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Madrona
List price: $825,000
Square footage: 2,400; 4 Bedrooms/2.5 Bathrooms
Year built: 1908
Property size: 3,484 sq ft
Property taxes: $7,770
Bonus: Big views of Lake Washington
Date Listed: 10/15/11

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Montlake
List price: $2,150,000
Square footage: 5,910; 5 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms
Year built: 1918
Property size: 9,000 sq ft
Property taxes: $19,791
Bonus: Meticulously updated
Date Listed: 9/7/11

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Note: Some or all of these homes may have sold since publication. Listings and data courtesy of Zillow.