Island Retreat on Bainbridge Island: A Pacific Northwest Family Getaway
Just a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington, the island community of Bainbridge Island is home to a striking modern residence known simply as the Island Retreat. Designed by Coates Design Seattle Architects—recognized for contemporary architecture and sustainable approaches—this hillside house blends Pacific Northwest character with thoughtful site stewardship and family-focused planning.
This 2,600-square-foot, two-bedroom retreat sits on a parcel adjacent to its matching shoreline sibling, Seaview Escape. Both homes belong to the same extended family and have remained part of the property since the 1950s. The two sibling houses were designed in tandem and set only about 50 feet apart so they can be used together during large family gatherings while still offering independent living and privacy.
Architecture and Interior Character
The Island Retreat channels a regional Pacific Northwest aesthetic, pairing warm wood finishes with metal cladding and expansive glass. Inside, wide wood floors and an open plan emphasize natural materials and a connection to the surrounding landscape. A dramatic two-story glazing wall floods the interior with northern light and frames distant mountain views from the upper balcony.
A sculptural set of cantilevered wood stairs—described as “floating”—rises to a small library that overlooks the double-height living and dining area below. This vertical openness creates visual continuity between levels and strengthens the relationship between indoor spaces and the slope outside.
Materiality and Focal Elements
The living area is anchored by a substantial stone mass wall with cortex panels that serves multiple purposes: it houses the fireplace and media center, provides separation from the master suite and functions as a tactile architectural counterpoint to the glass expanses. The combination of stone, warm wood and metal accents reinforces the home’s rugged-yet-refined Pacific Northwest identity.
Bathrooms incorporate coastal touches—beach glass and nautical-style light fixtures—to bring a subtle waterfront ambiance indoors, reflecting the property’s immediate proximity to the shoreline. These details complement the simple, modern interiors without overwhelming them.
Respect for the Site and Sustainable Considerations
Preserving the steep slope and existing site topography was a priority when developing these homes. To minimize earth disturbance, the new buildings follow the existing footprints and were sited to respect the natural contours. This approach reduces grading, protects vegetation and helps the houses sit more gently within the landscape—an important consideration on coastal parcels with long family histories.
By maintaining the original topography and limiting the construction footprint, the design balances modern living with a restrained environmental impact. The result is a retreat that feels integrated with the land rather than imposed upon it.
Family Use and Coastal Living
Because the property has remained in the family since the 1950s, designing spaces that accommodate multi-generational gatherings was central to the project. Each home functions independently but was conceived with shared family use in mind—connecting people to each other and to the coastal setting. Expansive decks and carefully placed windows maximize views and encourage outdoor living in this temperate maritime climate.
Visual Highlights
The photography captures the home’s interplay of light, material and landscape—showing how large windows, wood decks and sheltered entries work together to create a modern coastal refuge. From the elevated vantage points, views of nearby water and mountains become a continuous backdrop for daily life.
Coates Design Seattle Architects’ Island Retreat demonstrates how contemporary architectural language can honor a site’s history and natural character while providing comfortable, flexible spaces for family life on Bainbridge Island.
