LEVITT LAKESIDE MODERN

This “Levitt Lakeside Modern” is a large, architecturally significant waterfront home which will be spectacularly relocated in a single piece to your waterfront site!

The House Itself

Designed and built in 1969 by “Architect to the Stars,” Hal Levitt, from Southern California, the house is notable first for its sheer scale and clarity of plan. With 6,230 sq/ft of interior space arranged largely on a single level, the rooms are generous, well-proportioned, and deliberately separated into public and private zones. Ceiling heights vary throughout the house, reaching 11 to 13 feet in several primary living areas, lending a sense of openness and volume that is increasingly rare in contemporary construction. The main floor comprises 5,560 sq/ft of floor space, and a smaller portion, 570 sq/ft of the space is a “staff’s apartment” situated above two-car garage in an L-shaped configuration to the main parts of the house.

The interior spaces were clearly designed to accommodate both everyday living and large gatherings. Living and dining areas are expansive without feeling cavernous, while secondary rooms remain comfortably scaled and well connected. Multiple fireplaces, broad circulation paths, and wide openings between rooms reinforce the house’s emphasis on flow rather than compartmentalization. Throughout, the architecture favors calm progression and long sight-lines over dramatic gestures.

Architecture and Materials

The architectural language is confident and restrained: strong horizontal rooflines, deep overhangs, and extensive use quality materials and finishes anchor the house visually and structurally. Covered outdoor areas and large transitional spaces blur the boundary between inside and out, a hallmark of late-1960s modern residential design. This is a house that feels grounded and substantial, designed to age well rather than chase fashion. There have been extensive upgrades in the past, bringing the more public-facing parts of the house into the present with an upgraded kitchen, lighting, and electrical while keeping all of the architecturally important elements of the house pristine and original.

The Move

At approximately 130 feet in length, the relocation of this house is technically ambitious and unusually compelling. The plan is to move the structure in one piece, preserving its integrity and minimizing disruption to the building fabric. Moves of this scale are uncommon, but they are precisely the kind of challenge Nickel Bros is known for. The result will be a complete house—arriving whole, not reassembled—ready to be placed thoughtfully on its new waterfront site.

Designed for a Waterfront Setting

Although the site will change, the house’s relationship to water remains central. Its long elevations, covered terraces, generous glazing, and interior-to-exterior flow are ideally suited to a waterfront property. Relocated and oriented carefully, the house will feel neither transplanted nor compromised, but properly re-anchored to a setting that allows its design to function as intended.


Hal Levitt and the Architecture

Harold Warren “Hal” Levitt (1922–2003) was a Los Angeles–based modernist best known for designing refined, highly private residences for Hollywood’s cultural elite. Often described as the “Architect to the Stars,” Levitt built his reputation in Southern California by creating homes that emphasized discretion, proportion, and livability over architectural showmanship.

Among the most notable figures to have commissioned or owned Levitt-designed homes are Steven Spielberg, Dean Martin, Burt Lancaster, Debbie Reynolds, Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, and Ellen DeGeneres. His appeal to this clientele was rooted in a consistent architectural approach: clear planning, generous but controlled spaces, strong indoor-outdoor relationships, and a material palette that conveyed permanence without ostentation.

While Levitt’s work is firmly associated with Hollywood and Southern California, his career includes a small and little-known Pacific Northwest chapter. A Levitt-designed waterfront home in Medina, Washington is often cited as his only documented commission in the region. Levitt Lakeside Modern expands that narrative. Long overlooked within Levitt’s body of work, the house reveals its authorship clearly when viewed alongside his California designs: the horizontal emphasis, the measured procession of spaces, and the quiet authority that defined his best work.

That this house remained largely unrecognized as a Levitt design for decades only adds to its intrigue. It stands as a rare Northwest expression of a modernist more commonly associated with Hollywood—an architectural outlier whose pedigree becomes unmistakable once you know where to look.

Harold W. Levitt: The Master of Hollywood Modernism

Harold Warren “Hal” Levitt (1922–2003) was a pivotal figure in mid-century residential design, operating at the intersection of high-stakes Modernism and the discrete glamour of Hollywood’s golden era. A graduate of Stanford and USC, Levitt refined his craft under the mentorship of legendary architects Roland Coate and Burton Schutt before establishing his own practice in Beverly Hills in the 1950s. He quickly became the architect of choice for Los Angeles’ cultural and cinematic elite, earning him the enduring moniker of “Architect to the Stars.”


 

An A-List Pedigree

Levitt’s commissions read like a historical registry of 20th-century entertainment. His ability to balance programmatic clarity with total privacy made his work essential for figures such as:

The Architectural Language

Levitt’s work is characterized by horizontal rigor and volumetric play. His designs emphasize the “long view,” utilizing deep roof overhangs and expansive glass planes to dissolve the boundary between the interior and the landscape. Unlike many of his contemporaries who favored stark industrialism, Levitt’s Modernism was grounded in permanent, substantial materials—stone, terrazzo, and high-grade timber—creating homes that felt authoritative rather than transient.

A Rare Northwest Chapter

While Levitt’s legacy is rooted in the canyons of Bel Air and the Trousdale Estates, he occasionally exported his California Modernism to the Pacific Northwest. For decades, his 1972 waterfront treasure on Fairweather Lane in Medina—famed for its 18-foot floor-to-ceiling windows—was considered his only documented regional commission.

The “Levitt Lakeside Modern” (1969) expands this narrative significantly. Long a “quiet” masterpiece in the Seattle area, the house reveals its undeniable authorship through its measured procession of spaces and its sophisticated, discrete entry sequences. Saving this structure is more than a relocation; it is the preservation of a rare northern outlier from one of the most influential residential architects of the 20th century.

Historical References & Further Exploration

The Northwest Connection

Iconic California Masterpieces

Architectural Archives


A Note on the Spielberg Connection: While Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film The Fabelmans explores the tract-home aesthetic of his youth, the director’s adult life has been defined by an appreciation for high-modern architecture. Spielberg’s ownership of a major Hal Levitt estate in Southern California is often cited as a testament to the architect’s ability to create “cinematic” spaces—homes that frame the landscape with the same intentionality as a director frames a shot.

PRINCETON CARRIAGE HOUSE

Urgent Update!

This was one of the most requested houses we listed in 2025 and it sold very quickly. Unfortunately, the buyer’s destination site requires a longer review period than expected, leaving no time to move the house from its current Seattle location. We are urgently seeking a new recipient who can take the house immediately and help prevent demolition.

Please call ASAP and ask to be transferred to Jeff McCord for details on saving this house.

2004 Carriage House – Move & Save This Gem!

This remarkable 2004 Carriage House was originally built as a companion to the neighboring home, and now it’s ready for a new life on your property.

Spacious Loft Living

• Main Floor: 510 sq. ft. of bright, high-ceiling living space with exposed wooden beams and rafters.
• Loft Bedroom: 240 sq. ft. tucked above the living area, for a total of 750 sq. ft. finished space.
• Garage Potential: The original lower-level garage can be built back, restoring it as a true, highly desirable carriage house design.

Distinctive Features

• Large 3’x9’ bay window — perfect for soaking up winter sun or curling up for an afternoon nap.
• Open-concept design with warm natural wood accents and a single bathroom.
• On-demand hot water heater included.
• Frosted glass garage door and opener hardware ready for relocation and re-installation.

Why It’s Available

When the property was subdivided, the new buyer planned redevelopment, which means this charming carriage house must be moved.

Why You’ll Love It

This home feels spacious and inviting beyond its square footage. Whether used as a guest house, rental, or your own downsized retreat, it has timeless design and versatile potential.
Video tour available below.

Don’t wait—unique homes like this sell quickly! Call Nickel Bros today to secure this beautiful carriage house for your property.

DENNY CREEK MODERN RENO

Classic Craftsmanship, Fully Reimagined

This 1,300+ sq ft home offers a rare and compelling balance: the integrity and material quality of a 1920s house, paired with the performance and comfort of a modern rebuild. Originally constructed in 1920, the home was taken down to the studs and comprehensively rebuilt in 2018—resulting in a residence that lives like a new home while retaining the strength and character of old-growth construction.

The structure itself tells the story: fine-grain Douglas fir joists, beams, and rafters—materials that are notably denser and stronger than today’s standard lumber—form the backbone of the house. These original elements provide a solidity and permanence that are difficult to replicate, even in the best contemporary builds.

A True Studs-Out Transformation

The 2017 renovation was not cosmetic—it was foundational. All major systems were replaced or upgraded, including electrical, plumbing, heating, and appliances. The interior was thoughtfully reconfigured to support modern living, with open, well-proportioned spaces, vaulted ceilings, and strong sightlines that create a sense of volume without excess.

The kitchen and living areas are designed to be both practical and refined, featuring quality cabinetry, durable countertops, updated appliances, and clean, restrained finishes. Bedrooms and bathrooms are finished to the same standard, offering comfort and longevity rather than trend-driven design.

Ready for Its Next Chapter

What makes this home especially compelling is its adaptability. It offers the charm people value in older houses—real wood, proven construction, and thoughtful proportions—while delivering the reliability, efficiency, and convenience expected of a modern residence. In effect, it offers the best of both worlds: a house with history, rebuilt for the future.

Denny Creek Modern Reno is ready to begin its next life in a beautiful new setting, bringing together craftsmanship, design, and long-term value in a way few homes can.

 

GREEN LAWN NARROW

At 26-feet wide, this is a rare “narrow” house that can fit along significantly more roadways than usual due to width constraints. The house has had some great aesthetic upgrades over the years, including a roomy galley style kitchen with lots of storage and full height cabinets. The main living areas of the house total 1,060 sq/ft, and the unfinished garage adds an additional 390 sq/ft that could be converted to usable space as well, with a total of 1,450 sq/ft all on one floor.

One suggestion we often give is to consider a full daylight basement or lower floor once the house is delivered to your site, which would double your 1,450 sq/ft house to as much as 2,900 sq/ft total!

The three bedrooms allow for a family with kids, or for flexible space for office & guest bedroom. There is a small powder room that was added to the primary bedroom for convenience in the last renovation.

This is a well-built, functional, and affordable home for someone to make their own! The main rooms have been upgraded to an efficient, multi-head mini-split heat pump system (which allows both heating and cooling). This kind of heating/cooling is considered one of the most efficient from an operations standpoint, and since it runs on electricity it works in more remote locations that don’t have gas service available.

There is also a whole-house instant hot water system (typical costs between $2,000 and $3,500 when including install costs).

Please contact our office and ask to be referred to Jeff for more info on the home!

OXFORD MCM

This classic MCM (mid-century modern) home has beautifully finishes & updates with Brazilian hardwood floors in the main living areas, a classic but modern (upgraded) 1950s-style kitchen, high-quality windows and MCM-style oversized blinds, an open-style living room and kitchen area, and generous bedroom sizes with cedar-lined closets and a large attached garage.

The main living area is 1,490 sq/ft, and the attached garage adds 480 sq/ft for a total of 1,970 sq/ft for the moved portion of the house. It had a daylight basement (1,250 sq/ft), making it a total of 2,740 sq/ft or as much as 3,944 sq/ft if you include the garage and build a complete lower floor under the moved house! Size is very flexible with your final creation (feel free to ask about your options).

This home has a short timeline of availability, but it’s worth the effort to inquire and put in an immediate offer, as this house can be moved to storage if necessary due to the impending demolition date. But act quickly or it may be gone soon…

Contact our office and reach out to Jeff to ask any questions you may have. This is a beautiful and well-built home with significant upgrades and renovations throughout!

CAMANO ISLAND COTTAGE

This is an AMAZING small home that is perfect for an island getaway or your 1st-time affordable home. The previous owners did a full, top-to-bottom renovation about 17-years ago, including replacing most of the windows with Milgard double-pane thermal windows, and installing Saratoga Heart Pine floors throughout.

NOTE: The Saratoga Heart Pine floors are ¾ inch solid plank from a mill on the east coast. It is known for its durability and unique character.

Home Layout & Design

The home features a true open plan layout, and has many modern amenities, including an IKEA kitchen with glass front cabinets and a built-in microwave. For heat there is a modern convection radiator in the bedroom and a custom gas stove in the living room which has won awards for efficiency. The stove is surrounded by glass on three sides and originally cost over $3,500 and is included with the moved home.

This house, other than expected wear-and-tear, is practically “turnkey” once it is delivered to your property and connected to utilities.

Adding Value to Your Home

At under 1,000 sqft, it can be used in most jurisdictions as a “Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU)” while still maintaining another, larger home on your property. If you were to decide to put it on a full-height daylight basement (rather than a 4-foot crawlspace) you could enjoy the benefits of a true primary residence by adding additional bedrooms downstairs, or even using it as a rental to help pay for your mortgage…

NOTE: In this configuration, your total square footage would be over 1,600 sq/ft once you build out your daylight basement!

Next Steps & Tour of Home

Please contact our office to learn more and schedule a tour! Once you speak with our Sales Representative, you can learn more about this home and the potential suitability to deliver it to your property. We can guide you through what questions to ask and how to participate in our moved house buying process. Call to find out more!

*THIS HOME WILL SELL QUICKLY*

COHO BEACH COTTAGE

This is an absolutely charming, brightly colored beach cottage which may be perfect for your lot!

Whether you keep it small & modest or have us lift it up high enough to become a *carriage house* over a garage, you will be able to continue this house’s colorful history with a long, new chapter written about your own family’s time with this small treasure.

The house is a 2-bedroom, 1-bath cabin, but built stoutly with 2×8 floor joists on 24-inch centers (pretty solid for a 657 sq/ft cabin).

It has a charming galley style kitchen, a small pantry, and an enclosed porch with room for a washer/dryer, and a single bathroom.

THIS LOVELY HOUSE HAS BEEN MOVED BEFORE!!

One of the previous owners of this cottage, author, Sue Mills, published a book called “The Divine Mirror of Loneliness,” in which she writes about Berte Olson from Stavanger, Norway, who’s family became one of the early homesteaders in the area where the cottage is now. Berte—who lived in the house on Fidalgo Island just north of Whidbey—became the first female ferryboat captain in the State of Washington in the early 1900s before the Deception Pass Bridge was built.

Berte’s ferry service business was all but quashed once the bridge opened. However, she showed her salt by moving the house *herself* by barge & tug to where the house is presently located on Whidbey Island, giving it to her sister to live in for the rest of her life. Berte then moved to the Hood Canal and then set up a new ferryboat service down there!

This house is already popular and is likely to find its “house rescuers” very quickly. Don’t hesitate to contact our office ASAP if you wish to learn more!

KITSAP CARRIAGE HOUSE

This wonderful Carriage House — newly built in 2003 — works perfectly as a DADU (“detached accessory dwelling unit”) as it will meet a common permitting criteria for most jurisdictions (typically 800 sq/ft) for a DADU or “mother-in-law” unit.

It can also be renovated to add a kitchen in the downstairs utility room. Just add some windows in that section and you can achieve a modest both mighty rental unit to accompany your primary residence, or as a cute Craftsman-style vacation destination for you and your family.

Please be sure to watch the walk-through video to see how the layout currently flows and how you can modify it to your needs!

Walkthrough Video

POINT NO POINT CUSTOM

This beautiful 2002 waterfront rambler is spacious and open to your potential view. There are plenty of large windows that face the waterfront in its current location. This home will work well for a family — with room to grow.

There’s a generous master bedroom & secondary bedroom on one end of the house and additional rooms on the opposite end which have been partially renovated with the drywall currently removed down to studs. These rooms can be customized and decorated as an additional bedroom or two if you decide to do so.

The kitchen, formal dining room, and massive living room and entertainment spaces are open-plan style with views through to the kitchen. This home will make for a wonderful gathering place for friends and family alike!

Contact Nickel Bros to arrange to come see this wonderful home for yourself!

THE 12TH MAN HOUSE

This house is called “The 12th Man House” because it is located in Renton, WA near the Seattle Seahawks training facility!

This perfect ‘entry-level’ home will qualify as a mother-in-law or DADU unit (typically less than 800 or 1,000 sq/ft) for your primary property, or function as a guest cottage or perfect for your vacation property. At 720 sq/ft, this house can fit on most move routes and within the setbacks of most standard lots.

The living room of this home is generous for the overall size of the house and the two bedrooms are smaller but functional.

If you are looking for a good value but also a little extra space, build a full daylight basement under the house. Even if you don’t finish out the basement in the first six months, capturing that extra 720 sq/ft under the house will add ‘instant equity’ to your project.

Please contact your local office right away to learn more about the 12th man!!