Nestled within the suburban charm of Montlake, a community in Seattle known for its rich history and distinctive architecture, homeowners are finding innovative ways to blend the old with the new.
Renovations in this affluent neighborhood offer a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of maintaining character while accommodating the needs of modern families.
Architectural designer Tamara Engel, who resides in Montlake, notes, “The lots here are very small, with setback and height restrictions.”
This observation reflects a dual narrative; while the dense suburban charm attracts families to the area, it also poses limitations that drive some away.
Montlake is a cherished sanctuary for historic Tudor revival homes, with the National Parks Service estimating that 27% of the neighborhood’s residences are century-old Tudors. These homes have unique characteristics that set them apart from other architectural styles.
Tudor revival homes emerged in the U.S. during the 1890s, inspired by rustic English cottages from the 1500s. They stand out with their quirky designs and asymmetry, ensuring that no two Montlake Tudors look the same, even those constructed by the same developer.
Constructed primarily during the late 1920s, these homes are often referred to as stockbroker homes, but their appeal waned following market fluctuations.
Typical Tudor features include steeply pitched roofs, front-facing gables, decorative half-timber framing, arched doorways, distinctive chimney designs, and tall, narrow windows.
For many families in Montlake, zoning restrictions necessitate creative solutions for space challenges rather than traditional renovations.
Kirt Debique and Ann Marie Mentis, local residents and owners of a charming 1927 home, found themselves confronting the limitations of their Tudor during a growing phase.
With the home showcasing old-growth mahogany trim and leaded glass windows, they cherished its historic charm but struggled with functional space issues.
Mentis recalls their dilemma: “We were storing kitchen items in an unfinished basement, bathroom items in a hallway nook, and clothes in various rooms, given the limited closet space.”
Feeling constrained without a proper place for shoes and coats, they opted to elevate their home to create a more usable basement area.
“We decided to raise the entire house to elevate the finished basement,” she explains. “The extra square footage provided us with a mudroom, office, full bathroom, family room, and we even snuck in a small fourth bedroom.”
This renovated basement, which now has high ceilings and ample natural light, redefines the concept of typical Tudor living—transforming their underutilized space into a vibrant family area.
To navigate their renovation project, Debique and Mentis enlisted Engel’s expertise, ensuring the home’s historic facade remained intact. Engel emphasizes, “When I do a project in a historic neighborhood, my goal is for someone to walk by and never know that a remodel was done.”
Jennifer Gardner Design was tasked with the challenge of marrying contemporary functionality with traditional Tudor design elements.
The kitchen, initially awkwardly arranged around a wall and a misaligned peninsula, became a focal point of their remodel. The addition of 200 square feet allowed for a spacious island and multiple cooking stations, ultimately enhancing the flow of the space.
The elegant design features include Calacatta gold marble countertops and customized cabinetry, complemented by unlacquered brass and nickel fixtures from Ferguson Plumbing Supply.
Mentis took the initiative to source vintage lighting, collaborating with Gardner to ensure that the scale and finish harmonized with the Tudor aesthetic.
Selecting the right high-end range was another critical choice for the couple, leading them to favor performance over style with a six-burner, dual-fuel Wolf range—they wanted the best of both worlds.
Debique has since expressed enthusiasm for their new kitchen, while Mentis enjoys her serene retreat—a refreshed bathroom adorned with English floral garden wallpaper, serving as her personal escape.
However, the highlight of the renovation might just be the mudroom, an essential addition that streamlines daily comings and goings. Mentis affectionately describes it: “It’s a mother’s dream.”
Designed with marble counters and a pink Dutch door that opens to the backyard, the mudroom simplifies hectic days for the family, becoming an unsung hero in their home.
The rising trend of homeowners expanding their living spaces by going underground has been accelerated in Seattle, as noted by Jeremy Weiss, co-owner of WA Development Group, the project’s general contractor.
While some choose to dig down, the challenges of lifting an older home include potential damage such as plaster cracking. In the Debique-Mentis project, issues related to an upper floor makeover were meticulously managed.
The lifting process for the house alone was a substantial $30,000, with additional costs for foundation work and basement renovations ranging widely based on scope.
Gardner highlights the evolving market, emphasizing a significant increase in renovation costs since the pandemic, with kitchen remodels surpassing $100,000.
Options for homeowners have narrowed, forcing many to reconsider hiring interior designers due to budget constraints. Gardner views this shift as a challenge in the current economic climate but has adapted by launching a step-by-step online design service.
Engel expresses satisfaction with the Debique-Mentis project, asserting that their commitment to renovating the home enhances the overall character of the Montlake neighborhood.
In a community where small lots and closely situated houses foster connections among residents, such dedicated renovations demonstrate a devotion to preserving neighborhood heritage while adapting to contemporary needs.
Their transformation reflects both personal fulfillment for the family and a commitment to maintaining Montlake’s distinctive charm.
image source from：https://seattlemag.com/seattle-culture/at-home/underground-overhaul/
