Bear Creek 1.3 Acres

$557,950
14438 BEAR CREEK RD NE
Woodinville, WA 98077 Bedroom: 4 | Bathroom: 2.5
MLS# 283359

Welcome to privacy and relaxation! Park-like 1.3 acres inclds fruit trees, large patio, garden, greennhouse, large lawn, even a log cabin. Home offers 2900 sq. ft. of comfort incl. 4 beds and 2.5 baths with double sinks. Bay windows, wood-burn fireplace, gas fireplace and main office w/separate entry. Private bonus and double pantries in remodeled kitchen afford space for everyone. Newer roof, vaulted ceiling, hrdwd, large laundry, NShore Schools, cov'd RV parking this home has it all!

Fall

The leaves are changing and it is such a delight caring for our animals and winterizing our home on these crisp days. The kids have gone on numerous leaf walks, hunting for the biggest and brightest that they can find. I feel like it is a bit of a pioneer lifestyle, just with indoor plumbing.

I wish you your own kind of peace and tranquility within your home. Blessings xoxox

Pickling

One of the best things about living with some property is growing our own food. When we lived in the city in Seattle we had a small 4,000 square foot lot. We tried to find a balance between lawn for the kids and growing our own food, not really succeeding at either. To maximize our lot we planted tomato plants in the front yard, apple trees in the sidewalk strip (which every passerby helped themselves to), and blueberry bushes around the yard. It was something and we were proud of our efforts, but living with more land and possibilities has opened up an entire world of satisfaction.

This year we planted potatoes, apple and pear trees, blueberries, tomatoes on the vine, cherry tomatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers, cauliflower, broccoli, garlic, lettuce, spinach, kale, artichokes, asparagus, and herbs. I am certain we planted a few zucchini plants but the kids seemed to have dug them up~never to be seen again.

Yesterday we canned pickles and here are some pictures from our bounty!

The Bread and Butter Pickles
6 large cucumbers, sliced (we used small pickling cucumbers instead)
4 onions, sliced
1/4 cup kosher salt
1 pint white vinegar
3/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon mustard seed

Use fresh cucumbers; wash and slice. Slice onions. Mix vegetables with salt and let stand 1 hour.

Drain and rinse with 2 cups of cold water. Combine vinegar, sugar, celery and mustard seeds and heat to boiling for three minutes.

Pack vegetables into jars, add hot vinegar mixture, leaving 1/4" headspace. Seal at once and process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Ready to eat in 3-4 weeks. Keeps up to 1 year. Makes about 6 pints.

Gardening

Today's Vegetables Are Lower in Nutrients

August 11, 2011 at 9:00AM by Justine Sterling | Comment


Ah, the good old days. When men were men, women were women, and vegetables were vegetables. Although they may be bigger than they were 60 years ago, research has found that vegetables are significantly less nutritious than they used to be.

More from Delish: 5 Healthy Foods You Should Eat Every Day

Little research has been done on the matter, but the studies that have concentrated on the issue of diminishing nutrition in vegetables have found that since 1950 there have been notable changes, reports The Grist. One of the studies, conducted by Donald Davis, a now-retired scientist from the University of Texas at Austin, found that over the years vegetables have lost significant amounts of key nutrients. For example, according to Grist's infographic, which depicts how different vegetables have depleted in nutritional value from 1950-1999, tomatoes have decreased 55% in calcium, 25% in iron, and 17% in ascorbic acid (a type of vitamin C).

More from Delish: Are You Well-Versed in Vegetables?

Although there is no definitive explanation, Davis believes that selective breeding is to blame. Over the last 50 years, researchers and growers have successfully developed crops that yield a high amount of produce. When studies compared these high-yield varieties to non-high-yield varieties grown in the same soil, researchers found that the low-yield samples contained higher nutrient contents. That's because plants extract nutrients from the stalk to create produce. The bigger and more plentiful the vegetable, the less nutrients there are to go around.

More from Delish: Pick the Peak Season Quiz

To get vegetables like those from the good old days, Davis suggests choosing heirloom and non-hybrid varieties. Anecdotal evidence shows that these types of vegetables are not only more nutritious than their mass-produced counterparts, but they are also tastier. Anyone who has compared a store-bought plum tomato to an heirloom plucked fresh from the vine can attest to that. In that same vein, you have a better chance of finding these low-yield vegetables if you buy seasonally. To inspire your next trip to the farmers market, here's some great seasonal summer recipes.

5 Acres for Horses or Cows

Gorgeous horse property with nearly five horse acres and four stall barn. I am overly jealous of the riding arena as well!

If horses aren't your thing then there is also room for raising your own grass fed beef or emus. I know that sounds bizarre, but when you have land to spread out on you begin thinking about what you could do with it. An emu or two has crossed my mind (but quickly dismissed) on occasion!

$829,000
20010 178TH AVE NE
Woodinville, WA 98072 Bedroom: 3 | Bathroom: 1.75
MLS# 250693

Enjoy lush grass pastures, a bucolic equestrian property just shy of 5 acres awaits your happy horses. Completely renovated ranch style home includes 3 bedroom & 1.75 bths. Cherry & Hickory cabinetry. Entertainment deck overlooks beautiful pastures. 4-stall barn w/11 ton hay storage, 2 tack rms, 70 x 120 sand arena, 6 extra-large paddocks, enclosed loafing shed w/water & power plus 2 covered stalls. Large garage for tractor-trailer storage. Coveted trail access right from your own backyard.

If interested, please contact Jon Hunter at 206-228-1974 or jonhunter@johnlscott.com

A Park in your Backyard

What a gorgeous property to call home, and on a very manageable .88 acre lot. I can imagine family reunions, birthday parties, and lots of wildlife to view right from the backyard.

$499,950
18807 215TH WY NE
Woodinville, WA 98077 Bedroom: 3 | Bathroom: 2.5
MLS# 238263

Lexington at its best. Tastefully updated home on larger, private fenced lot surrounded by its own greenbelt. Sparkling stainless, Corian and butcher block kitchen. Remodeled master bath with heated floor. Refinished hardwood floors, new architectural grade roof (Sept 2010), new exterior paint, updated furnace and hot water, fully fenced landscaped back yard, dual entry driveway, 3 car garage, cement plank and cedar exterior, major septic system upgrade in 2007. Kids walk to Timberlake Jr High.

Ducks!

When we moved to our mini farm I knew that we would have chickens and horses. Fast forward one short year and we also have ducks and a bunny! I lobbied for ducklings on their cute factor~who can resist~and for their slug eating proclivities. Our garden needs some serious slug protection in this wet weather. Penelope and Sabrina are one month old and have been seen eating up to ten slugs in an hour. Go ducks!

I researched waterfowl breeds and found that Welsh Harlequins are the friendliest of all ducks and are an endangered breed. I thought I would do my part *wink* and order these in the mail. Yep, mail order is what you do if your local feed store doesn't have them available. We received these cuties from California on day three of their lives.

Interestingly enough, they have become quite friendly and like to follow us around the yard. They don't care to be petted or picked up but do seem to seek out our company. Last week they even followed me into the house! We pen them up at night so predators like raccoons, coyotes, and foxes won't get them.

Ducks are interesting and will seem more useful when they are laying eggs in 4-6 months. They are easier on our land then the hens who dig and scratch at the ground. They are messier and tend to have alot of watery poo. Regardless, I am happy to have had the experience of raising them and grateful that we aren't restricted by space or H.O. rules.

Wooded Privacy

This home reminds me of an updated and family friendly cabin in the woods. Privacy and with enough 2700 square feet for everyone to spread out in, this would be perfect for a family that is tired of smaller lots and having neighbors peer into their backyards. Just look at that entertaining deck, gazebo, and jacuzzi! I can only imagine how beautiful this home must be when it snows.

$499,750
19522 NE 202ND PLACE
Woodinville, WA 98077 Bedroom: 4 | Bathroom: 2.5
MLS# 162721

BEST PRICED 4 BR-BONUS ON THE MARKET!!!. Retreat like setting with this Stunning Craftsman with wrap around porch set among majestic evergreens. Enjoy privacy while still being in a neighborhood. 4 bedrooms and a hardwood floor bonus room, lavish vaulted master suite. Updated granite and stainless kitchen. Wall of windows dining room. Warm and inviting family room with gas FP flanked by floor to ceiling bookcases. Huge deck, hot tub and fire pit. Automatic nat gas generator.

If interested, please contact Jon Hunter at www.johnlscott.com or 206-228-1974

Equestrian Dream

Do you have horses? Dream of horses? If so, this is the home for you! Seriously gorgeous, movie stunning and a steal for 2.33 acres.

$695,000
15809 210TH AVE NE
Woodinville, WA 98077 Bedroom: 4 | Bathroom: 2.5
MLS# 238091

Picture Perfect equestrian property at Ring Hill. Jaw dropping gardens & grounds with walking paths & patios that are simply stunning. Timeless craftsman home with Granite & stainless kitchen, hardwoods throughout main level and main floor master suite with spa bath. Great room accesses grand decking with built in hot tub and glorious surrounding gardens. 3 stall main barn and additional shedrow barn all with paddocks. Outdoor arena, nearby trail access in quiet community of acreage homes.

If interested, please contact Jon Hunter at www.jonhunter@johnlscott.com or 206-228-1974

Berries

Summer is always a time of bounty and berries are literally icing on the cake. We are lucky enough to have a raspberry garden, numerous wild strawberry plants, and ELEVEN blueberry bushes! We joke that we should name our mini farm "Blueberry fields" or something as fitting, however unoriginal.

Of course with bounty comes preservation in the forms of canning, desserts, and berry everything! This year I made 21 jars of strawberry jam. I am new to canning since my family didn't can fruits or vegetables. I am finding it relatively quick and definitely worthwhile, especially come mid winter and being able to open something that you grew yourself.

Here are some photographs of our rewards and I wish you a most plentiful bounty of your own!

Creek Frontage and 2.65 Acres

Are you hunting for creek frontage, 2.65 acres, and a seperate dwelling mother-in-law apartment? This may be the home for you. Imagine entertaining with your very own creek frontage and plenty of room to spread out. Flat, usable, acreage which is ideal for all possibilities; gardens, bees, and livestock.

$490,000
20020 NE 145TH ST
Woodinville, WA 98077 Bedroom: 5 | Bathroom: 2.75
MLS# 250290

Enchanting 1760sf 3bd 2bth Rambler & 760sf 2bd Guest House Privately Located on 2.65 Level Acres Backed to Bear Creek! Luxuriously Upgraded Main Home w/Spacious Open Floor Plan & 4 Gas Fireplaces Features Formal Living & Dining Rm w/Expansive View Windows, Designer Chandeliers & Cherry Hardwoods Flowing into Grand Kitchen w/Custom Center Island & Deluxe Range. Sumptuous Master Suite w/Sitting Area & 4th Fireplace. Large Full Length Deck Overlooking Your 250ft of Beautiful Bear Creek Waterfront!

Contact Jon Hunter at www.johnlscott.com for a private showing or call at 206-228-1974

Beehives

With a few hundred dollars in startup money, a couple of hours a week of time, and help from the "Bee Guru" of Seattle we set up beehives this spring.

Last night we sampled some of the sweet honeycomb delicacy and were fascinated to find out that two hives, literally feet apart, produced different flavored honey. One was very mild and light tasting and the other, bolder and sweeter. I preferred the lighter one but both were great. I noticed that the texture of the honeycomb was less chewy than the samples I have had at the fair. I wonder if the freshest honeycomb is less chewy and, therefore, easier to swallow?

The big harvest comes this fall when we hope to harvest 50-60 pounds per hive!

Inspiration

“Only he can understand what a farm is, what a country is, who shall have sacrificed part of himself to his farm or country, fought to save it, struggled to make it beautiful. Only then will the love of farm or country fill his heart.”

- Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944)

Will You Be Our Neighbor?

Being the wife of realtor means long hours, huge gas bills, and perks such as insider information on houses coming on the market. We would love for you, a fantasizer of farm living, to be our neighbor.

The property next door to us is 2800 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths. It is a bank owned property being offered for $490,000 but I am sure they would appreciate an offer, any offer.

Since this fully fenced property is just under an acre, it isn't right for horses but could be ideal for goats, sheep, mini cattle, ducks and chickens. There is a good sized shed that would be perfect for a small animal barn.

The front yard is heavily shaded with large fir trees, providing a cooling front in the summer and gorgeous scenes when covered in snow. The back yard is cleared and sunny, allowing for an expansive garden just beyond the immense entertaining patio.