Epitomized by the work of influential California architects Charles and Ray Eames and real estate developer Joseph Eichler, mid-century modern homes took root in Seattle when the city was expanding beyond its core into neighborhoods such as Magnolia, View Ridge and West Seattle. “The mid-century design was a move away from traditional, compartmentalized floor plans,” says local real estate agent Mark Potvin (gbk.com) “and into more open plans that make small homes feel bigger.” The emphasis here is on function rather than fanciness, with simple lines, small bedrooms (intended only for sleeping) and plenty of windows to bring the outside in.

“These houses flow like we live today—less formal, more comfortable, more organic,” Potvin says. “And the beauty of this 60-year-old design is that it lends itself easily to remodels. It doesn’t take much to make a classic midcentury modern home feel contemporary.” As in many cities, these houses are currently in vogue in Seattle. “People will pay a premium for midcentury homes,” says Potvin. “They’re the darlings of the market.”

Magnolia
List price: $1,545,000
Square footage: 3,100; 5 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms
Year built: 1956
Property size: 9,408 square feet
Property taxes: $9,514
Bonus: Beachfront property with views of the Ballard locks, boats and sea life
Date listed: 2/2012

 

Seward Park
List price: $949,000
Square footage: 4,362; 5 bedrooms/4.5 baths
Year built: 1951
Property size: 11,837 sq ft
Property taxes: $7,174
Bonus: Updated brick rambler with views of Lake Washington and a meticulously landscaped yard
Date Listed: 2/2012

Blue Ridge
List price: $1,700,000
Square footage: 4,373; 5 bedrooms, 2.75 baths
Year built: 1951
Property size: 10,018 sq ft
Property taxes: $10,543
Bonus: Fully remodeled with a black-bottom swimming pool and Zen garden
Date Listed: 1/2012

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