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The Peaceable Kingdom

By
Industry Observer with ARFCO Media

The Madrona Neighborhood in Seattle, Washington has some of the area’s most beautiful views. I was heading home from the office, the freeway was jammed, so I opted for one my favorite drives down Lake Washington Boulevard. Don’t be in a hurry when you go this way. There are few stops and the traffic is usually light, but it’s mostly 25 miles an hour. But who cares?, there’s so much to look at. Just decompress, mellow out, and enjoy.

Madrona got its name from area pioneer John Ayer, he also donated the land for Madrona Park.
The Neighborhood’s motto is The Peaceable Kingdom…

Madrona Mt Rainier

The photo was taken at Madrona Park on Lake Washington looking South and East at Mt. Rainier. Note the Lake Washington Floating Bridge behind the boats. The day had been overcast with drizzle, then about 5:00 PM the skies cleared, the sun came out, and the light was perfect. I just had to stop. I laughed to myself as the sailboats were leaving the marina down the street as fast as they could to catch the late sunny afternoon on the lake.

Madrona Bellevue

This is from the same spot, I just turned East. We're looking at downtown Bellevue.

You can view the images in full size on Flickr... just click the photo.

The Madrona Neighborhood is situated on a rather steep slope that starts at Lake Washington and rises west to the top of the hill and the Central District. It’s an old neighborhood with trails, parks, and a small business district. It’s hard to believe at times that you’re just a few minutes from downtown Seattle. There are great views looking east toward Medina, Bellevue, and the Cascade Mountains, and from the top of the hill there’s nice views looking west into downtown Seattle.

The Madrona Neighborhood, Seattle, Washington


The area next to the lake was platted in 1889 by developers and in 1890 what’s now the core of the neighborhood was homesteaded by Dr. Georg Randell and his wife Emma. Their barn became the neighborhoods first school.

The typical home was built in the 1930’s. At this writing there are 39 homes listed in

The Peaceable Kingdom ranging from $350,000 to $3.2 million.

Click the map or this link to view homes for sale... Madrona

Seattle Neighborhoods: Madrona -- Thumbnail History

Map credit: From Estately.com by Google.

 

Posted by

René Fabre

"Where there's conversation, there's opportunity."

Please Note - The views expressed herein reflect only the individual’s personal views and are not the views of the author’s employer.

The Blackberry Chronicles, a blog by Rene Fabre and his travels around the Greater Pacific Northwest and beyond. Connect w/ Rene Fabre on Google+. Rene Fabre on Twitter. Rene Fabre writes reviews on Yelp. Rene Fabre on Linkedin.com The Audiorium YouTube Channel by Rene Fabre. Facebook.com/renefabre Rene Fabre loves digital photography and here are his shares on Flickr. Rene Fabre is a musician and composer and shares some of his orginal music and recordings on Soundcloud. Rene Fabre shares his interests on Pinterest.

Comments (10)

Charles Edwards Bentonville
Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette 479-253-3796 - Bentonville, AR
AR REALTOR, Bentonville Real Estate Agent and Broker

Rene, It looks great to me. You're blessed to be in such a beautiful place.

Jul 01, 2010 11:56 AM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

I loved getting stuck in traffic on your floating bridge. Frustrating if I was in a hurry, but if I wasn't it was a great photo opt.

Jul 01, 2010 07:43 PM
Scott Cowan
RE/MAX Professionals - Olympia, WA

Madrona is a great neighborhood! I had a place there back in the 80's..... Too bad I did not have the foresight to keep it!

Jul 02, 2010 06:29 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Charles: My Mom always reminded us as kids that we lived in God's country.

Todd: Indeed... traffic sucks around here (often) depending when and where you're trying to get. Much like Portland. In fact that's when I got into the back roads as a habit. I'd end up many a week on Friday in Salem. If I didn't get out Salem by a little after noon I'd get stuck in the PDX for a couple hours working my way north on I5 or I205... I'd head east on 22 out of Salem and then north on 99W. Again, didn't save any time, but the drive was sure pretty.

Scott: Even in these times that house would be worth 3 times what you paid for it.

Jul 02, 2010 09:22 AM
Greg Saffell
Tucson, AZ
Real Estate Professional Tucson, Oro Valley AZ

Rene, You picked the right day for that little side trip, today was wet, wet, wet. Nice pictures and I like the link with Flickr. Those weather guys promise sunny days after the 4th, I hope they're right!

Jul 02, 2010 10:30 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Greg: Yes, as luck would have it... I followed my instincts (so important never to forget). As I was driving across Capitol Hill my first intention was to just head down 12th through the International District and over Beacon Hill. I go that way frequently, but yesterday it was too busy, and so many drivers wanting to take left hand turns it was really trying my patience. So... heck with it, I too will take a left at Pine, through the triangle, hit Madison then Lake Washington Blvd. As I was getting there the sky was getting bluer as it cleared. It felt good as I rolled down the windows...

Jul 02, 2010 02:50 PM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Rene: Thanks for the post on Madrona. I didn't know it was referred to as the Peaceable Kingdom but it seems appropriate. Take care.

Jul 03, 2010 07:05 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Hi Paul: In 1984 the Madrona Community Council commissioned an aluminum-cast sculpture by Richard Beyer, the piece is named: The Peaceable Kingdom. Madrona adopted the term as it's official motto. It comes out of the spirit of the very diverse groups of people that live(d) here throughout the neighborhoods various incarnations in Seattle's history. Have a great 4th weekend...

Jul 03, 2010 07:56 AM
Lori Churchill Cofer
Beasley Realty - Pullman, WA
Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA

Rene,

 

What a wonderful localism post!!!  I love the pictures...  Thanks for sharing how the Madrona neighborhood got its name ....

 

Lori Cofer

Jul 06, 2010 09:52 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Hi Lori... thanks, it's a beautiful spot... Big day tomorrow for you, Raincamp! Have a blast and enjoy Portland...

Jul 06, 2010 07:02 PM