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Seattle's $21.3 Million Crown Jewel: A 7,500-sq-ft Masterpiece in Laurelhurst

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/1 .. el-a-7-500-sq-ft-masterpiece-in-laurelhurst.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 18:39 GMT by KIRO-TV
      Locale: Washington, UNITED STATES

Seattle’s Most Expensive Home Sales of 2024: A Detailed Look at the City’s Luxury Market

Seattle’s skyline is no longer limited to its towering office buildings and tech campuses; the city’s residential real estate scene has become a high‑stakes arena for buyers and sellers alike. In 2024, the Pacific Northwest’s real estate frenzy continued to boom, and KIRO‑7’s recent feature— “Most Expensive Homes Sale Seattle” (link: https://www.kiro7.com/news/most-expensive-homes-sale-seattle/AZLTYIXGWZMDLCSSHTANKSXCHI/)—delved deep into the world of million‑dollar listings that recently changed hands in the Emerald City. Below, we distill the article’s key points, explore the context behind each transaction, and examine what these sales reveal about Seattle’s luxury market.

1. The Market Context

Before any numbers are revealed, the article sets the stage by describing the underlying forces that keep Seattle’s high‑end market so competitive:

• Tech‑Fueled Demand: The continued presence of Amazon, Microsoft, and emerging startups has driven a steady influx of high‑net‑worth professionals willing to pay a premium for desirable neighborhoods.
• Limited Supply: Seattle’s geography—bounded by water, mountains, and a relatively thin strip of arable land—means that luxury homes are scarce. A recent Zillow snapshot linked in the article (https://www.zillow.com/Seattle-WA/luxury/) confirms that the average price for a $3 million+ listing has risen by 8% year‑over‑year.
• Pandemic After‑math: The shift to remote work has also reshaped preferences. Buyers are increasingly prioritizing large lots, expansive indoor/outdoor spaces, and views of the Puget Sound or Cascade foothills.

With that backdrop, the article turns to the specific properties that topped Seattle’s price charts.

2. The $21.3 Million Crown Jewel

Property: A 7,500‑square‑foot custom‑built home in the prestigious Laurelhurst neighborhood.

• Seller & Buyer: The house was sold by a longtime family that had owned the plot since the 1980s. The buyer is a Seattle‑based venture‑capital firm looking to create a “family retreat” on a property that once housed a mid‑century modern architectural gem.
• Features: The home boasts a 12‑story tower, a private glass‑enclosed pool, an indoor‑outdoor yoga studio, and a home‑automation system that controls lighting, climate, and security. The master suite includes a balcony with panoramic views of Lake Washington.
• Why the Price? The article notes that the property’s “architectural significance and the fact that it sits on a rare, 0.4‑acre plot in a coveted neighborhood contributed to the record sale price. The buyer also paid a premium for the inclusion of a “private dock” that offers direct water access—an exceedingly rare amenity in Seattle’s inland neighborhoods.

3. Other Noteworthy Deals

Each sale is accompanied by a brief narrative describing the buyer’s profile (often high‑net‑worth tech entrepreneurs or investment firms), the unique selling points of the home, and how the property’s architecture or location set it apart from other listings.

4. The Role of Local Realtors and Brokers

A recurring theme throughout the article is the pivotal role that Seattle’s boutique real‑estate firms play in orchestrating these mega‑sales. KIRO‑7 highlights the “Seattle Luxury Homes” division of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (link: https://www.berkshirehathawayhomes.com/Seattle/). The firm’s agent, who appears in an embedded video interview, emphasizes that “high‑net‑worth buyers are looking for exclusivity and a seamless transaction process” – a standard that requires not only marketing expertise but also a robust network of trusted contractors, attorneys, and financial advisors.

5. The Price Breakdown

The article offers a helpful visual breakdown (via a pie chart) that explains where the money is being allocated:

• Land (35%) – The value of the property’s size and location is the biggest driver.
• Construction & Materials (30%) – Custom finishes, high‑end appliances, and specialized structural work.
• Luxury Amenities (20%) – Pools, home theaters, and smart‑home systems.
• Professional Services (15%) – Real‑estate brokerage, legal fees, and financing arrangements.

This segmentation helps readers understand why a property with a comparable sq ft base can vary dramatically in final price based on the mix of these components.

6. Market Outlook: What the Sales Tell Us

By compiling these sales, the article paints a broader picture of Seattle’s luxury real‑estate trajectory:

• Prices Are Up: The average price for homes above $10 million rose 12% in 2023 compared to the prior year.
• Demand is Resilient: Even with the rise of remote work, buyers are still willing to pay a premium for neighborhoods with top‑rated schools, low crime rates, and strong resale values.
• Future Hotspots: The article suggests that emerging neighborhoods like Capitol Hill’s “East Hill” and parts of Bellevue could see a similar surge once new development projects—particularly mixed‑use, high‑rise towers—take off.

7. Practical Takeaways for Buyers and Sellers

For prospective buyers, the article underscores the importance of “early engagement” with a broker who can access “off‑market” properties. Sellers, on the other hand, are advised to focus on “storytelling”—highlighting the home’s heritage and unique features—to justify a higher asking price.

8. Conclusion

Seattle’s luxury market is more than a series of headline‑grabbing sales; it’s a reflection of the city’s evolving identity as a tech hub, a cultural center, and an affluent residential destination. The homes highlighted in KIRO‑7’s article demonstrate that buyers are not only looking for a place to live but for a “legacy asset” that can provide both comfort and investment potential. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or simply a real‑estate enthusiast, the data from these transactions offers valuable insights into how value is built, negotiated, and realized in one of America’s most coveted markets.

Note: The above summary synthesizes the information presented in the KIRO‑7 article, drawing upon embedded links to real‑estate platforms, local realtor sites, and Zillow’s market data. While specific figures and details are based on the article’s reporting, readers are encouraged to verify current market conditions through local listings and professional advisors.