10/10 Excellent
Sara and Jim K.
Aug 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sara and Jim K.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Entire home
Goldfinch House - Scandinavian Modern Near Beaches
Photo gallery for Goldfinch House - Scandinavian Modern Near Beaches
Reviews
10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 62200 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Seattle, WA
- Place, Hiram M. Chittenden Locks6 min walk
- Place, National Nordic Museum9 min walk
- Place, Shilshole Bay Marina16 min walk
- Airport, Seattle, WA (BFI-Boeing Field)25 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Office 1
1 Queen Bed
2 bathrooms
Hallway Bathroom
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Main Suite Bathroom
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Goldfinch House - Scandinavian Modern Near Beaches
On a quiet side street in Ballard, just 2.5 blocks from Puget Sound, Goldfinch House is a cheerful contemporary home with sleek Scandinavian style, abundant light and thoughtful luxury touches throughout. Filled with art and greenery, it offers a beautifully equipped chef’s kitchen, media lounge with surround sound and a serene main suite with soaking tub and private deck.
Now accepting bookings for World Cup: June 10–30.
The home sits high above the street, creating a sense of privacy and calm. Skylights and clerestory windows flood the great room with light, where a soft leather sectional, vibrant art, plants and a 65" Sony TV invite relaxed gatherings.
The chef’s kitchen is fully stocked for serious cooking, with high-end appliances, All-Clad cookware and an 11-foot granite island that's ideal for buffet dining and makes meal prep a shared experience.
The main suite is an elegant retreat with king bed, luxe linens, high ceilings, and sliding doors to a furnished deck overlooking landscaped gardens. The ensuite bath features a deep soaking tub, radiant floors, and a spacious two-person glass shower. A quiet queen bedroom and stylish guest bath complete the main level.
Downstairs, the media room features an Italian leather reclining sofa, 75" screen and surround sound. A cozy sleeping area with a queen bed and luxurious linens, plus a workstation, sits just beyond a divider stocked with Northwest books.
Outdoors, the private backyard offers a lawn, dining terrace, professional grill, and lush plantings—ideal for al fresco meals and lounging.
Location highlights:
• 5-minute walk to the Ballard Locks and National Nordic Museum
• Easy waterfront access with a scenic promenade past Shilshole Marina to Golden Gardens Beach
• 15-minute walk to Ballard Avenue’s historic shops, chef-driven restaurants and brewery district
• 20 minutes to downtown Seattle
So close to the Sound you can smell the sea at low tide, Goldfinch House offers a stay that’s far beyond the usual—an inviting, design-forward home with concierge-style hospitality.
Owners Leslie and Brian, Northwest natives and devoted food lovers, are happy to share recommendations and help guests craft memorable itineraries.
Now accepting bookings for World Cup: June 10–30.
The home sits high above the street, creating a sense of privacy and calm. Skylights and clerestory windows flood the great room with light, where a soft leather sectional, vibrant art, plants and a 65" Sony TV invite relaxed gatherings.
The chef’s kitchen is fully stocked for serious cooking, with high-end appliances, All-Clad cookware and an 11-foot granite island that's ideal for buffet dining and makes meal prep a shared experience.
The main suite is an elegant retreat with king bed, luxe linens, high ceilings, and sliding doors to a furnished deck overlooking landscaped gardens. The ensuite bath features a deep soaking tub, radiant floors, and a spacious two-person glass shower. A quiet queen bedroom and stylish guest bath complete the main level.
Downstairs, the media room features an Italian leather reclining sofa, 75" screen and surround sound. A cozy sleeping area with a queen bed and luxurious linens, plus a workstation, sits just beyond a divider stocked with Northwest books.
Outdoors, the private backyard offers a lawn, dining terrace, professional grill, and lush plantings—ideal for al fresco meals and lounging.
Location highlights:
• 5-minute walk to the Ballard Locks and National Nordic Museum
• Easy waterfront access with a scenic promenade past Shilshole Marina to Golden Gardens Beach
• 15-minute walk to Ballard Avenue’s historic shops, chef-driven restaurants and brewery district
• 20 minutes to downtown Seattle
So close to the Sound you can smell the sea at low tide, Goldfinch House offers a stay that’s far beyond the usual—an inviting, design-forward home with concierge-style hospitality.
Owners Leslie and Brian, Northwest natives and devoted food lovers, are happy to share recommendations and help guests craft memorable itineraries.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space
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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (9 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Property Registration Number STR-OPLI-19-000119
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
About the neighborhood
Seattle
Located near the beach, this vacation home is in Ballard, a neighborhood in Seattle. Seattle Cruise Ship Terminal 91 and Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Pike Place Market and Bellevue Square. Consider Seattle Center for a night out, and don't miss Woodland Park Zoo if you're traveling with kids. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Seattle, WA
What's nearby
- Hiram M. Chittenden Locks - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
- 28th Avenue Northwest Street End Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
- National Nordic Museum - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
- Ballard Locks Fish Ladder - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
- Shilshole Bay Marina - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Cardoon - 10 min walk
- Pico Café - 8 min walk
- Ballard Beer Box - 11 min walk
- Ocho - 14 min walk
- Taco Time NW - 6 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Samantha S.
May 1, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic and Relaxing
Samantha S.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Carl D.
Aug 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Carl D.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
8/10 Good
Steve B.
May 22, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Steve B.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Randy E.
Jan 6, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely Fantastic!
Randy E.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Linda S., Port Clinton Ohio
Aug 30, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing clean home, great location !
Linda S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Laurie S.
Dec 4, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Top Notch!!! New and super modern, clean, comfortable!
Laurie S.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
10/10 Excellent
Carolyn
Jun 1, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Carolyn
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sara M.
May 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
May Seattle Visit
Sara M.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Tiffany H.
Jul 28, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
STOP LOOKING, THIS IS THE HOUSE!
Tiffany H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Stephen R.
Sep 9, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay!
Stephen R.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2019
10/10 Excellent
Joel H.
Aug 10, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place
Joel H.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
10/10 Excellent
Mary H.
Jul 7, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wondeful home away from home!
Mary H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019
10/10 Excellent
Melinda P.
May 28, 2019
First-time Renters
Melinda P.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2019
About the host
Hosted by Leslie Forsberg
Leslie, a former magazine editor and travel writer, and Brian, an architectural designer and former Seattle homebuilder, live in Port Angeles, just minutes from Olympic National Park, where they continue to pursue projects in design, real estate and community development. They also own Blue Heron Lakehouse, a 5-star luxury home on Lake Sammamish, just 25 minutes east of Seattle—offering guests another uniquely Northwest experience.
Why they chose this property
We chose this neighborhood because it offers something increasingly rare in Seattle: a peaceful, beautiful residential setting that’s still deeply connected to the water, culture and daily life of the city.
Goldfinch House sits in one of Ballard’s most sought-after pockets—quiet streets lined with gardens and beautiful homes, just a few blocks from Puget Sound. The fresh air, comfortable microclimate and proximity to the water make it feel like a retreat, while everything you want to explore is an easy walk away.
Within minutes, guests can reach the Ballard Locks, Shilshole Bay Marina, the National Nordic Museum and the historic Ballard Avenue district, known for its chef-driven restaurants, independent boutiques and lively nightlife scene. The waterfront offers abundant recreation as well, from paddleboarding and kayaking to long walks along the marina and days in the sun and sand at Golden Gardens, widely considered Seattle’s best sand beach. In the evenings, the best place to be is Sunset View Park, where the neighborhood gathers to watch the sun setting over the water and the Olympic Mountains.
This has been Leslie's family home for more than three decades, and she raised her family here—so we know this neighborhood intimately. Ballard, and specifically this pocket neighborhood--Sunset Hill--was an easy choice because it balances calm and beauty with access and energy, and it’s a place people tend to fall in love with quickly and remember long after they leave.
Goldfinch House sits in one of Ballard’s most sought-after pockets—quiet streets lined with gardens and beautiful homes, just a few blocks from Puget Sound. The fresh air, comfortable microclimate and proximity to the water make it feel like a retreat, while everything you want to explore is an easy walk away.
Within minutes, guests can reach the Ballard Locks, Shilshole Bay Marina, the National Nordic Museum and the historic Ballard Avenue district, known for its chef-driven restaurants, independent boutiques and lively nightlife scene. The waterfront offers abundant recreation as well, from paddleboarding and kayaking to long walks along the marina and days in the sun and sand at Golden Gardens, widely considered Seattle’s best sand beach. In the evenings, the best place to be is Sunset View Park, where the neighborhood gathers to watch the sun setting over the water and the Olympic Mountains.
This has been Leslie's family home for more than three decades, and she raised her family here—so we know this neighborhood intimately. Ballard, and specifically this pocket neighborhood--Sunset Hill--was an easy choice because it balances calm and beauty with access and energy, and it’s a place people tend to fall in love with quickly and remember long after they leave.
What makes this property unique
Goldfinch House isn’t a purpose-built rental—it’s our own home, built in 2018 and thoughtfully designed for how people actually live, cook, relax and gather. Every space reflects things we value and use ourselves, which guests consistently tell us makes the home feel unusually warm, comfortable and homey.
The interiors are filled with natural light from skylights and clerestory windows, creating bright, open rooms accented by contemporary art and cheerful colors. The layout offers both togetherness and privacy, with two distinct living areas including a media lounge with a 75" screen, surround sound and an Italian leather reclining sofa.
The kitchen is a true standout. Designed for serious cooking, it’s stocked far beyond the usual rental with high-end appliances, All-Clad cookware, abundant tools and beautiful serving pieces—ideal for everything from casual breakfasts to celebratory dinners.
Outdoors, the home opens to an expansive backyard with terrace dining for eight, a professional grill, furnished deck, lawn, flowering shrubs and fruit trees—an uncommonly spacious and relaxing space.
Guests also appreciate practical comforts that matter: blazing-fast internet, a dedicated workstation, premium bedding with high-thread-count linens and a peaceful setting that feels removed from the city while remaining walkable to Puget Sound, the Ballard Locks, museums, beaches and Ballard’s historic dining and shopping district.
In short, Goldfinch House offers high-quality design, luxurious finishes and thoughtfully curated amenities, paired with a location that no other Seattle neighborhood can match.
The interiors are filled with natural light from skylights and clerestory windows, creating bright, open rooms accented by contemporary art and cheerful colors. The layout offers both togetherness and privacy, with two distinct living areas including a media lounge with a 75" screen, surround sound and an Italian leather reclining sofa.
The kitchen is a true standout. Designed for serious cooking, it’s stocked far beyond the usual rental with high-end appliances, All-Clad cookware, abundant tools and beautiful serving pieces—ideal for everything from casual breakfasts to celebratory dinners.
Outdoors, the home opens to an expansive backyard with terrace dining for eight, a professional grill, furnished deck, lawn, flowering shrubs and fruit trees—an uncommonly spacious and relaxing space.
Guests also appreciate practical comforts that matter: blazing-fast internet, a dedicated workstation, premium bedding with high-thread-count linens and a peaceful setting that feels removed from the city while remaining walkable to Puget Sound, the Ballard Locks, museums, beaches and Ballard’s historic dining and shopping district.
In short, Goldfinch House offers high-quality design, luxurious finishes and thoughtfully curated amenities, paired with a location that no other Seattle neighborhood can match.
Languages:
English, Spanish, Swedish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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