West Seattle scene: Not the ‘sold’ sign you thought it was

This story is from the “looks can be deceiving” file. Messages/questions we’ve received suggest that more than a few people who have seen those two real-estate shingles in the 4800 block of Beach Drive believe the “sold” sign means the historic-landmark Satterlee House/”Painted Lady of Beach Drive” finally has a buyer, after years on the market. No, the 107-year-old Satterlee House has NOT been sold; it is still on the market. The “sold” sign is for the house to the south, 4872 Beach Drive; we confirmed that with its selling agent, Dan Mullins, who tells WSB that while that house is not an official landmark, it has a long history of its own: “It was built about 100 years ago for the Chinese consulate.” He says the family buying it wants to “restore it to its original beauty.”

Meantime, a couple of people who e-mailed us also wondered about the work crew you see on the Satterlee House’s front lawn in the background of our photo, recalling that the “lawn” is actually on the books as three separate lots (which was part of the subject of the long court fight that ended at the state Supreme Court’s doorstep three years ago). According to the permit shown in online city records, it’s side-sewer-repair work.

P.S. Here’s the current listing for the Satterlee House, on the market right now for $1,595,000 (down more than $600,000 from its 2008-2009 listing price).

7 Replies to "West Seattle scene: Not the 'sold' sign you thought it was"

  • S. May 14, 2013 (1:03 pm)

    Yay Dan!! Yay Redfin!!

  • G May 14, 2013 (1:29 pm)

    We used to play baseball on their big front lawn when we were kids.

  • West Seattle Hipster May 14, 2013 (8:30 pm)

    Was friends with Erica Satterlee when I was a wee lad, it was such a treat to visit that house.

    Great family.

  • AJP May 14, 2013 (9:03 pm)

    The listing seems really sparse for such an expensive property. I would expect a lot more pictures, and better quality ones too. The owner might want to get a new agent.

  • sgs May 15, 2013 (7:05 am)

    Maybe my green tea hasn’t kicked in, but I’m confused. Not sold, but “the family buying it wants to restore it…..?” Is someone buying it?

    • WSB May 15, 2013 (7:57 am)

      SGS – the family buying *the house to the south of the Satterlee House.* Story in a nutshell:
      -people passing think the SOLD sign is for the Satterlee House
      -there are two signs close together and the SOLD sign is for a DIFFERENT house SOUTH of the Satterlee House
      -we talked to the selling agent for that DIFFERENT house, which is being bought by a family
      -Satterlee House remains on market

  • sgs May 16, 2013 (10:23 pm)

    Thank you, got it. Appears there are 2 historically interesting houses down there. I’ll check it out on my next walk.

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