If there is one phrase that describes The Villa, it is  "lightness of being". In the Northwest, where light deprivation is a recognized disease, we really treasure every ray of sunshine. How strange it is then that a house that was designed to stay cool in Mediterranean climates (it feels air conditioned here on our hottest days) is so light and airy. The ten-foot tall Palladian windows that surround the main floor certainly help--there may be more square feet of glass than there is wall. Even the upstairs windows are oversized and admit lots of sun. But since the walls are a foot thick, they offset any heat gain/loss from the old window panes.

The interior is painted in soft tropical colors: peach, coral, fuchsia, apple green and pink, with lots of white trim and white ceilings. There is none of the sometimes dreary feel you can find in a Craftsman or Victorian style home. Each window is like a picture frame of the beautiful landscape surrounding The Villa. To get a better idea of the decor, click on the picture in the upper left corner of this page for a tour.

My  favorites times of the day here are mornings and evenings, when beams of light cast interesting shadows as they pass through the wavy original glass or the etched Waterford on the landing. The hues of color on the walls constantly change with the angle of the sun.

Warm in the winter and cool in the summer, we still attempt to add some man-made creature comforts: all rooms have ceiling fans (as if you need them--in the midst of the summer, we still get wonderfully cool breezes in the evening off the cool waters of Puget Sound) and all but one have fireplaces (particularly for our guests from truly tropical climes).

This "lightness" applies to the lifestyle here as well. It is a casual, family atmosphere. If you want privacy, your wishes will be respected (we enjoy a little private time ourselves), but most guests can't seem to help becoming a part of the family. We sometimes find guests napping in the sunroom or living room, a book in their lap, just so relaxed that they have slipped away.

Three rooms have private verandahs and there is a common verandah, two patio areas and several garden rooms with outdoor patio furniture, Adirondacks and hammocks. With only a dozen guests here at a time, there are obviously more than enough places for everyone to enjoy some quiet time and space.

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