During a nearly three-year effort to secure permits for a new build, a tree struck a home originally designed by iconic Seattle architect Wendell Lovett. When the permitting process stalled, the owners ultimately decided to sell the property. Where many saw the home as a complete teardown, James Dainard, real estate investor and host of A&E’s Million Dollar Zombie Flips, saw an opportunity to preserve the home’s renowned mid-century modern design for generations to come. Nestled amongst the tall pines of Bellevue’s Hilltop neighborhood, the 2,200-square-foot restored home works in tandem with its surroundings in a true celebration of the Pacific Northwest.
The sprawling one-level house features a natural wood deck that wraps peacefully around the existing pine trees, simplified landscaping that lets the mid-century architecture lead, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the surrounding forest. Dainard sought to preserve the home's defining architectural features while enhancing the space with modern amenities. Though years of vacancy and tree damage meant not everything could be salvaged, he was able to save the original built-in cabinetry in the entry, walkways, and living room, the see-through fireplace and its original stonework, exposed beams, and several of the Shoji screens, while updating the kitchen and bathrooms with new appliances and fixtures.
The open-concept living area shows this preservation in practice, where the original brick fireplace stands as the focal point of the space. Wood shelving and cabinetry run along the walls, creating layers of height to draw the eye from the living room to the kitchen, joining with floor-to-ceiling wood paneling that unites the space. The Hilltop community is home to roughly 40 mid-century houses designed by some of the Pacific Northwest’s most influential architects, including Fred Bassetti, Paul Hayden Kirk, and Lovett himself.
Few pockets of the region hold this concentration of architectural history in one place, and by restoring rather than rebuilding, this project preserves this incredible area for years to come. The restoration stands as a balance between authenticity and livability: a home that meets contemporary expectations while honoring Lovett’s original vision and preserving an important piece of Pacific Northwest architectural history.
