Port Townsend, WA

Last week I showed this home to one of my Buyer's and thought it was interesting enough to share. I personally have never come across a home owned by a county, so presenting an offer on this will be a first for me.

The previous owner was growing canibus in his yard and I suspect in an attic that is quite large with very big un-characteristic skylights. It is my recollection that this resident was warned a few times before the home was confiscated. What I don't know is why a neighboring county owns this home, and not our county of Jefferson.

MLS description:

"The J. W. Griffiths House is described on the National Historic Registry as one of the finest intact Victorian residences outside the historic district.This home offers spectacular water views on the second & third levels and a secret garden Morgan Hill location. Two and one half story, wood frame structure w/brick masonry foundation. Wonderful Vintage Victorian detailing throughout. scrollwork and gingerbread trim plus fish scale wood shingles adorn this painted lady."

This is a great house, on a wonderful 10,000 sq. ft. view lot in one of the cities most popular neighborhoods. So much deferred maintenance, yet so much potential. Gorgeous woodwook and flooring throughout, tall ceilings and generous sized rooms. This home was originally marketed around $800,000, but after a few nibbles and an inspection the price has been lowered to the low $500,000 range. This is not my listing.

Top photo shows front of home with date carving.

Right: Dining room with door to front porch. This beautiful dark rich wood is an example of the woodwork and detail throughout the house.

Carriage House in back of house

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View of neighborhood and bay from upper deck

The cultural events that go on in this area of the Northwest are truly amazing. For a geographically large area with a very small population it is quite an accomplishment. One that has been going on in an area between Port Townsend and Sequim is the Olympic Music Festival.

This is held on a sunny and tranquil 55 acre farm in a beautiful area, dense with forest and snuggled under the Olympic Mountains. The concerts are held in a barn and can also be heard from the grassy knoll. Tickets range from $18 to $30. People are invited to bring a picnic lunch and snacks for the outdoor area or you can purchase a box lunch for $13.00. Atmoshpere and dress is casual on stage and off and music is classical from the most beloved classical composers.

This all began when in 1966 members of the Philadelphia String Quartet moved to Seattle to become the University of Washington Quartet in Residence. During their 30 year tenure they made numerous tours and recorded the chamber music repertoire.

In 1984 Alan Iglitzin, a group member, founded the Olympic Music Festival. Since it's opening season, the Festival has grown from three weekends to twelve. Today more than 10,000 people attend "Concerts in the Barn". A must for Port Townsend folks, some people come from California and Canada.

This summer's schedule is starting June 27 with Chopin, Schubert and Brahms. The last perforamance weekend is September 5th and 6th. These performances can be heard on KING FM and are featured throughout the year on NPR's "Performance Today"

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I love my office and all the agents and staff. Really a great bunch. Here is one that is making a difference in our community. This woman is behind a new program to help people in need in Jefferson County with their winter heat.

Temperatures here can get just below freezing at night and stay that way for a good 3-4 months in the winter. Jan Marquardt in our office applied to Realtor Magazine Good Neighbor Award for a grant to help out and is one of the finalists to receive $1000 to be used in conjunction with our local aid group, OlyCap which is helping with this program.

The idea is to organize donations of wood from property owners, tree cutters, haulers, stackers, and last but not least, money. Wood will be delivered for home heat to those that cannot afford elecric heat or propane.

Jan is a successful realtor who still finds time to help others and a very nice person. I am so happy to be associated with her.

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Just a short post to show you our joy last night. Celebrations were held all day, but I was working! I did make it downtown at 6 pm and took in a bit of the Gallery Walk and enjoyed champagne and fabulous chocolate at William's Gallery. William was Bill Metzler back at Windermere RE and I knew him when. Now he and his Jewelry creating wife Wendy have a wonderful gallery packed with treasures from around the world, showcasing her art.

Chamber Music at Artisans on Taylor.

The main attraction was taking place at Union Wharf and you could not miss it because you could hear the music of The Freddy Pink band where ever you went.

They really rock and have a great repetois with oldies, but goodies. There was dancing in the street.

One of our more colorful citizens (I think she is wearing her Kintectic Sculputure Race outfit) and her wheels.

We are all waiting in line for the great pizza at Waterfront Pizza...was worth the wait.

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Finished 11 days ahead of schedule and just in time for our day long celebration on Saturday, June 6th.

The Hood Canal Bridge which links the Olympic Peninsula to the rest of the world has been closed for repairs for the past month and people have had to drive around the canal, or take multiple ferries, or be bused to walk on ferries and more buses.

Check out the celebrations!

· 11 am - Official ribbon cutting ceremony at Salsbury Point Park in Kitsap County recognizing community leaders, the bridge contractor, elected officials and featuring the Chimacum High School band.

· 12 pm - A small parade of vintage cars from 1959 to 1961 ( the time period the bridge opened) driving from Salisbury Park and winding its way through Port Ludlow, Port Hadlock and into Port Townsend.

· 12 pm - The Bridge Opening Bash in Port Townsend .

· 11 am to 6 pm - A special exhibit of Hood Canal Bridge historical photos will be featured in the City Council Chambers in City Hall.

· 1 pm - Dock of Bay concert will be at the Pope Marine Building

· 2 pm - Port Townsend's Mayor will have a welcoming ceremony at Union Wharf

· 3-5 pm - The Delta Rays will play a free concert at Union Wharf

· 4-8 pm - "Swoon Under the Full Moon in June" community block party will take place on Washington Street.

· 5:30-7:30 pm - Freddy Pink will perform a free concert at Union Wharf

· 5:30-7:30 Gallery Walk (Art galleries open and serving refreshments)

Thank goodness this is behind us and we can look forward to a wonderful summer and welcome all the many tourists who annually drive through this area to hike, camp, fish and just enjoy the incredible scenery.

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