Leschi homes offer private access to Lake Washington

SEATTLE -- Three homes remain at The Lakeside in Seattle's Leschi neighborhood. The boutique development of six condominium and townhome residences is perched on the western shore of Lake Washington and offers private access to the lakefront.

The Lakeside affords waterfront living with the added benefit of a low-maintenance, "lock and leave" lifestyle. "Everyone knows that waterfront is inherently limited," says Ric Dieu, community sales manager for The Lakeside and a broker with Realogics Sotheby's International Realty.

"The opportunity to buy is especially compelling now," he says. "Our prices have been reset for today's homebuyer, interest rates are at historic lows and there appears to be no new construction development on the horizon of any kind, let alone on the waterfront. The Lakeside is unique in that it is both a savvy financial investment and an investment in lifestyle."

The Lakeside is the first luxury condominium development along the lake between the state Route 520 and Interstate 90 bridges in a decade. The homes range in size from 1,407 to 1,950 square feet and are priced from $1.095 million.

Preferred financing is offered, with interest rates from 1.25 percent for the first year on a five-year adjustable-rate mortgage (3.209 percent APR) and monthly payments starting at $2,868. That brings waterfront living within reach, says homeowner Emilie East.

"I can't think of what I don't love about The Lakeside condominiums," she says. "It should go without saying that the views are spectacular and the access to the lake is priceless. But what I love most is the attention to detail in the design of these beautiful new waterfront homes. It has everything I've ever wanted -- and better yet, it's in a fantastic neighborhood that I'm proud to call home."

The homes boast the latest in engineering and technology systems. Waterproofed exteriors include Pennsylvania bluestone, Artisan and HardieShingle siding. Soundproofing systems were designed to meet or exceed the highest acoustical standards.

Kitchens and bathrooms at The Lakeside feature marble, granite and limestone surfaces. Merbau hardwood floors, custom cherry cabinets, Marvin windows, solid-core wood doors and painted millwork also contribute to the appeal. Gas fireplaces in the living rooms, forced-air heating and air conditioning, and heated master-bath floors add to the comfort in all seasons.

The same attention to detail extends to safety. The Lakeside is a gated community, and its systems include video monitors and individual home security. Two parking spaces are provided for each home in a controlled-access, underground garage, rare along the waterfront.

Perhaps the most appealing attribute of The Lakeside is the concept of indoor/outdoor living. All homes feature terraces (some as large as 400 square feet) that offer commanding and unobstructed views of Lake Washington, downtown Bellevue and Mount Rainier.

Residents enjoy access to the shared waterfront, which features a rockery beach cove with flagstone steps leading into the water. The native landscaping, natural rock seating and patio area provide a quiet spot for reading or relaxing with friends. There is a well-appointed dock for transient boat moorage (a deeded moorage option is available), and the community is within walking distance to the Leschi Yacht Basin, which offers protected, full-service moorage.

The Lakeside offers a respite from the frenetic pace of urban life yet is convenient to downtown Seattle and the Eastside by way of Interstate 90. Nearby amenities include several parks, Bluwater Bistro, Daniel's Broiler, Sabai Thai restaurant, Leschi Market, Pert's - A Deli on Leschi and Starbucks, to name a few.

"[The Lakeside] feels like a vacation getaway, but in three minutes I can walk to Leschi, and in 10 minutes I can drive downtown," says Rachel DeBusk, another resident. "It's heaven for a triathlete -- I can swim, bike and run right outside my door."

Content provided by The Lakeside