Boutique collection showcases lakefront living

SEATTLE -- Now that summer has arrived, the three remaining homes at The Lakeside in Seattle's Leschi neighborhood will be showcased during an open house from noon to 5 p.m. June 30-July 1.

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 is so close it feels like you are 'in' the lake," says Ric Dieu, community sales manager with Realogics Sotheby's International Realty. "I'm a water person, and there's nothing better than opening a window and listening to the water. It's the most soothing sound I can think of, and it begs you to go out and play."

The lakeside lifestyle is prized and inherently limited, he says, "because they aren't making any more waterfront."

"Within moments you can grab a kayak or paddle board, or jump on a boat from the shared dock, or simply sit at the dock with friends and enjoy the waterfront on a warm summer day," Dieu says. "At the Lakeside, your opportunities are endless, not just because it's on the water but because it's enviably located in one of Seattle's most coveted neighborhoods. Leschi is a little, defined, village-like neighborhood that is close to everything, yet peacefully removed at the same time."

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 --space that's 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 resortlike lifestyle offering both vibrancy and serenity -- a perfect balance for those who want to live in the city and enjoy a retreat from the frenetic pace of high-rise living.

"[The Lakeside] feels like a vacation getaway," says Rachel DeBusk, another resident. "And it's heaven for a triathlete -- I can swim, bike and run right outside my door."

Content provided by The Lakeside