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More than fifteen years ago, Michael & Peggy DuPont set out to find the perfect site as the location for their own residential manor. What they selected was a private 22 acre wooded site on the banks of the Puget Sound in Olympia Washington. A site conveniently located off the busy thoroughfares, but not so far that boarding an international flight within about an hour in Seattle, can be done with relative ease. Olympia is the capitol city of Washington state and is nestled at the end of a salt waterway called Budd Inlet, and also has the primary Deschutes River emptying into it. The DuPont manor rests on a peninsula of land close in enough to have the capitol dome as a backdrop. It was on this bluff overlooking the blue Budd Bay waters, which their carefully selected homesite began. This site was to shape their vision of an estate truly deserved of the DuPont family name. This vision was a time-woven dream for them, and the design of the manor had the DuPont family history in its core. In fact they made several visits to existing DuPont mansions on the east coast (New York, Maine, Delaware,…) in search of reverberating the traditional DuPont architecture here on the saltwater banks in Olympia. As one drives to the location, after a long winding private drive, over stone bridges, next to ponds teaming with waterfowl, and wildlife at its banks... The European villa appears in its splendor. And as its backdrop in a distance, is the stunning snowy peak of Mt. Rainier. There are three tumbling water falls splashing into a pond that acts as a moat against the front entry’s façade. The drive-under porte-cochere bridge rests one in front of duel gas flickering lanterns, and beveled glass entry doors. One knows that this palace is one constructed with no expense spared in its design, engineering or construction as the feel of stone envelopes the home. In fact, the home was built over a natural seasonal stream with the foundation supported by over 100 yards of caisson, retaining wall and foundation concrete and steel. So strong in fact, that the earthquake of 2005, after extensive investigating, had no visual impact. Imported slate roofing, copper fireplace duel-flues, plaster walls and double-framed thick walls all add to the experience of quality. The balance of the estate to its surroundings is apparent, as although it is a large manor (15,000 square feet), it nestles nicely onto the bluff overlooking the water. The Budd Inlet waterway is an active water-sports playground for all of the area residents. From sailboats to international historical maritime vessel, they dance in the sparkling waters in front of the mansion. Easy access from the manor by one of its two beach accesses, allows for convenient enjoyment to the inviting waters. All the outdoor amenities such as the grassy knoll, the pool, gardens and greenhouse, invite this as the place to have that outdoor party, or celebrity laced fund raiser. Of course the local 4th of July boat parade and fireworks are a can’t-miss hit for the extended family. The extensive 22 acres harbors plenty of opportunities for nature trail walks, horseback rides, trail bike excursions or just quietly walking amongst nature. Once inside, the main entry opens to twenty foot ceilings, with a window wall centered on the Mt. Rainier vista and the Puget Sound waterway. A semicircular stairway wraps onto the second story leading to the private master bedroom suite. There are double French doors with a Jack-n-Jill overlook balcony off the master entry. A spacious bedroom overlooks the sound and has a large cantilevered deck opening to the morning sunrise. A stone fireplace and cozy sitting nook offer spaces of solitude after a busy day. The master bath centers on a luxurious spa tub with four marble columns framing the center of the room. The waterfall and body-shower two person shower, with steam jets, is spacious enough for two. There are separate his and hers toilet areas and vanities, along with walk in closets. There is a separate and private set of stairs leading up to the master from the kitchen. Just off the stairs is the master sitting area and office. These have their own private deck overlooking the grassy knoll and the Budd Bay northerly waterway. The main stairs lead to the guest suite with private balcony looking over the water and a separate bedroom. Both have their own bathrooms and fireplaces. Completing the upstairs is a rooftop garden atop the porte-cochere. This space overlooks the four cascading waterfalls, and offers a secluded retreat in the late afternoon sunshine (or moonlight). A stone surface with boxwood hedges and accent landscaping finish this space off nicely. On the main level, there is the primary powder room and coat/gift drop off area. Two more cozy bedrooms, and the main family room. The family room is over 600 square feet and is accented with a hexagon nook and a wetbar for those formal parties. Off the gourmet kitchen is two eating nooks and the immediate family-family room. The elevator is centrally located and serves all floors from this location. There is the dry pantry, butler’s pantry and silverware closet. The laundry room, crafts room open up to a hallway leading to the aviary/garden sitting room. The prettiest room in the house is shaped like a hexagon of French doors allowing the room the be awashed with light, while the blue waters sparkle in the distance. The lower floor is a huge entertainment area large enough to comfortably hold a billiards table, tennis table, foosball table and several guests. There is the one-of-kind granite carved wine cellar capable of holding several hundred bottles. The gymnasium offers a great water view as you listen to your favorite music or watch the latest news. The theater room seats at least fifteen guests and will have surround-sound technology along with a sloping floor to allow for the optimal viewing experience. The outside area will have space for an infinity edge pool, spa, fireplace, firepit, waterfall and wetbar. A rocky stream and four-tier water cascade trickle in the background as eagles float weightlessly above. With two beach accesses, it offers one the ability to boat, kayak, or jetski at a moments notice, with miles of gorgeous Puget Sound coastline to explore and enjoy. This estate is more than a historic home, with timeless architecture on a stunning footprint,...it's an irreplaceable investment, worthy of staring your own family heritage. |
