A charming riverfront compound in Washington that boasts both a gothic A-frame abode and a studio cabin is flowing into the hands of a new owner, having snagged itself a buyer just days after listing for $640,000.
Located in Baring, on a bank of the South Fork Skykomish River, the delightful dwellings boast both river and mountain views—and that is just one of the many amenities that helped to secure an interested party so soon after the home hit the market.
“There has been a lot of interest in it, and we have had multiple offers,” says David Faigin of Compass– Seattle.
“The buyer came to the first open house and came in with the top offer. We knew it was going to be popular and thought it would go quickly because it is a finite riverfront property in a sought-out market.”
Perhaps the most unique aspect of the main residence on the property is its very quirky shape, which is unusual even for an A-frame home.
The gothic A-frame is often referred to as a “pregnant A-frame” due to its expanded walls that bow out from the traditional triangular shape.
This design makes it feel as if you are nestled inside a barrel, providing a cozy ambiance, which is enhanced by a Nordic wood stove in the main living space.
Built in 1968, the home features an open floor plan with curved wood walls and ceilings, exposed beams, and oversized windows and glass walls designed to capture the stunning scenery.
A loft-style interior features a small galley kitchen, a dining area with sliders that open to a spacious deck, and a main-floor bedroom. A bonus room upstairs could be used as a second bedroom or home office.
The sellers, who bought the property for $187,000 in August 2005, have upgraded the home, including adding a new roof.
“The original roof used to be cedar shingles that lasted a long time until the sellers put on a new one just a few years ago,” Faigin adds.
A spacious deck out back offers a convenient spot to cast a fishing line.
Also found on the nearly half-acre lot is a detached building used as guest accommodations. It could be transformed into a studio.
“The family calls the separate guesthouse the bunkhouse,” Faigin adds. “It was set up with one bedroom, one bathroom, and a fireplace. It’s really such a unique little property that would make an ideal getaway or vacation rental with income potential.
“The regulations building on the water are restrictive, so existing homes with that type of river frontage are hot commodities. It’s also a popular area for short-term rentals. The sellers have owned it for about 20 years and used it as a family retreat.”
Though the property has been used historically as a vacation home, Faigin says it could easily serve as a primary residence, particularly because it is located within the Riverwood Park Community Club.
“The community has beach access, which is a nice thing to have in the mountains,” he says. “The property is also located between a town called Index, which is 5 miles to the west that is the hub of rock climbing, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
“It’s also about an hour and 15 minutes from Seattle with its dramatic scenery and high mountains. To the east of that, about 7 miles, is Skykomish, which is a neat old historic railroad town with a couple of restaurants and a tavern.
“About 15 minutes farther east than that is a ski resort owned by Vail Resorts called Stevens Pass Ski Resort, so there really is year-round appeal.”
Faigin also insists that, despite its proximity to the river, the home is at lower risk of flooding than surrounding properties, because it sits “on a high bank.”
