Garth Stein no longer needs a "forever house." The author of The Art of Racing in the Rain has listed his 3,970-square-foot brick Colonial Revival in Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood for $2,450,000, marking the end of a 25-year residency with his wife, filmmaker Andrea Perlbinder Stein. The couple purchased the property in 2001, seven years before Stein’s novel launched him into bestseller status, intending to raise their three children in the space. Now that their youngest child has left for college, they are ready to downsize and redirect their energy.
The home, originally built in 1924, carries the weight of that era but hides a modern skeleton. Stein and his wife began renovating almost immediately after purchase, with a major overhaul in 2009 by architect Rocky Rochon that reworked the traditional layout to maximize light and sightlines. The result is a house that feels warm and old-souled, yet contains all-new systems, including air conditioning and two bathrooms designed by Marianne Simon Design that won a Luxe Design Award in 2018. The primary suite offers a lake view, while a lower-level space serves as an office or studio.
Listing agent Amy Sajer of Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International emphasized the rarity of the opportunity. Mount Baker, a neighborhood laid out by the Olmsted brothers with curved streets and park access, rarely sees inventory. "I sell a lot in that neighbourhood. All of my sellers have been there either 30, 40, or 60 years. It’s that vibe of a neighbourhood where people stay forever," Sajer said. For buyers, this listing removes the heavy lifting of updating plumbing and electrical in a historic structure.
The property features steel-and-glass French doors opening onto bluestone terraces, a gas firepit, and a detached two-car garage. Inside, the kitchen boasts a Viking range, custom cabinetry, and countertops in marble and butcher block. All four bedrooms are positioned in the corners of the home for privacy and views. The lake is just a block away, and the street plan still follows the original topography, offering trails and tennis courts within the park.