In Peach Court, a project by Wittman Estes, a 1910 Craftsman-style home in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood has been renovated for contemporary living while maintaining its historic character. The 2,491 square foot residence, now home to a young couple who frequently host gatherings and have a deep appreciation for nature, has undergone a thoughtful transformation. Beyond adapting the space to fit their lifestyle, the renovation also addresses a larger issue, Seattle’s housing shortage. With much of the city’s older neighborhoods dominated by single-family homes, housing density remains a challenge. The addition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on the property provides a modest step toward addressing this issue.
A Transition from Historic to Contemporary
To balance preservation with modernization, the renovation follows a gradient approach. The original layout remains largely intact, but as one moves through the house from the entry to the backyard, traditional craftsmanship gives way to modern interventions. “It’s as if you enter from the past century and walk into the future,” explains architect Matt Wittman. This gradual shift allows the home’s historic elements to remain prominent while introducing thoughtful updates that improve functionality.
Throughout the renovation, careful attention was given to retaining defining features of the Craftsman era. Stained glass windows, period joinery, and inlaid doors were preserved, with original casework repurposed into a new arrangement. These elements coexist with contemporary additions, creating a space that respects its origins while supporting a modern way of living.
Opening Up the Home to Light and Nature
One of the most dramatic transformations took place at the rear of the house. The original west-facing facade enclosed the space, blocking natural light and disconnecting the house from the backyard due to an outdated storage addition. The design team removed the addition and replaced the facade with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. The change redefines the home’s relationship with its surroundings, allowing light to flood the interior and providing a stronger connection to the garden. A reconfigured kitchen layout extends onto a new deck, creating a flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The backyard itself serves as an extension of the living space, featuring a mature birch tree and lush wisteria. With direct access to Peach Court, a narrow residential lane with pedestrian walkways and parking, the outdoor area is now more integrated into the fabric of the neighborhood.
Reconstructing with Precision and Purpose
Every original material removed during construction was carefully documented, preserved, and repurposed where possible. The front living room remains nearly untouched, maintaining its oak flooring, patterned windowpanes, built-ins, and sculptural staircase. The front porch, previously deteriorating and disproportionate to the home’s facade, was rebuilt with a taller and wider structure. This update provides better coverage while serving as a carport, integrating modern practicality into a traditional Craftsman design.
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New posts, rafter tails, and built-in storage reinforce the balance between restoration and innovation, offering a contemporary take on classic architectural details. Rather than erasing history, these updates improve the home’s character while making it more adaptable to present-day living.
Adding Space for the Future
Beyond restoring the main residence, the project introduces a garden-level rental unit to the property. The 581 square foot, self-contained apartment consists of one bedroom and one bathroom, accessible via a newly created courtyard entrance. While modest in scale, the addition reflects an important shift in urban housing, expanding density without sacrificing the integrity of historic homes.
Wittman Estes design team: Matt Wittman, AIA, Jody Estes, Mariana Gutheim, Alex Hale
Project team
Architecture and Interiors: Wittman Estes
Landscape: Wittman Estes
Structural Engineer: J Welch Engineering
Builder: Dowbuilt
Photography: Rafael Soldi
