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Goldfinch House - Scandinavian Modern Near Beaches

Photo gallery for Goldfinch House - Scandinavian Modern Near Beaches

Living area
Exterior detail
Room
Private kitchen
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6204.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Seattle, WA
  • Place, Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, National Nordic Museum
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Ballard Locks Fish Ladder
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.)
    ‪37 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.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to 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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Property Registration Number STR-OPLI-19-000119

About the area

Seattle

Located near the beach, this holiday home is in Ballard, a neighbourhood 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 travelling with kids. Kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and rock climbing nearby.
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Map
Seattle, WA

What's nearby

  • Hiram M. Chittenden Locks - 7 min walk - 0.7 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
  • Discovery Park - 16 min walk - 1.4 km

Getting around

  • U District Station - 12 min drive
  • Edmonds Station - 26 min drive
  • Seattle, WA (BFI-Boeing Field) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cardoon - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Ocho - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Ballard Beer Box - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Cloudburst on Shilshole - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Pico Café - ‬8 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Goldfinch House - Scandinavian Modern Near Beaches pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Goldfinch House - Scandinavian Modern Near Beaches?

As of 20 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Goldfinch House - Scandinavian Modern Near Beaches on 8 July 2026 start from AU$1,069, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Goldfinch House - Scandinavian Modern Near Beaches?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Goldfinch House - Scandinavian Modern Near Beaches?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Goldfinch House - Scandinavian Modern Near Beaches?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Goldfinch House - Scandinavian Modern Near Beaches located?

This family-friendly Seattle holiday home is located by the sea, within a 15-minute walk of National Nordic Museum and Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Discovery Park and Shilshole Bay Marina are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara and Jim K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place - perhaps the best VRBO we’ve rented.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samantha S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic and Relaxing

I stayed with my family for just under a week and could not be happier with the property, location, and communication with the owner. Leslie has a wealth of knowledge about the area and genuinely enjoys helping guests have a great time. We all fully enjoyed every second of our stay and will absolutely stay here again if the opportunity arises.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May 2025
Thanks for your lovely review, Samantha! I really enjoyed meeting you and your family, and I'm so glad you had a great time on your visit! I would love to host you again the next time you're in the area. I hope you enjoy the rest of springtime! Best, Leslie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carl D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a beautiful, very well maintained house. The grounds, especially the backyard patio and landscaping are so relaxing. The kitchen was a chef's dream and well supplied. Leslie was very communicative and easily reached. Check-in was simple as was check out. The house is in the outskirts of the city and in a quiet neighborhood. I will continue to rent here as long as our son lives in Seattle. Highly recommended!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2025
We're so happy to hear you thoroughly enjoyed your stay at our Ballard home! It's our dream home that we look forward to returning to at some point, and so we filled it with everything we love, ourselves. And it's so meaningful when our guests feel the same sense of peacefulness and relaxation in our garden. Your review made my week! Of course you are very welcome to return at any time. :-)
Verified

8/10 Good

Steve B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

The house is very comfortable and well equipped. And it is in a convenient location in a nice neighborhood in a fun part of the city. The only drawback is that for late sleepers the two bedrooms on the main level do not have adequate shades to keep the morning light out.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 June 2024
Hi Steve, We're happy you enjoyed your stay at our Ballard home! I'm surprised to see your comment about blackout curtains, since you didn't mention this when booking, when you arrived or at any time during your stay. We would have happily worked to create a temporary fix for this if we had known it was important for you. You are the first guest we've heard from about this--the bedrooms are quite dark, since they're on the north side. You are welcome back at any time, and we'll of course make sure to remedy this for you prior to your visit. We hope you have a wonderful summer!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randy E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Fantastic!

Unsurpassed attention to every detail! Quality, quality, quality! We cannot wait until we return to this fabulous property with fabulous Hosts!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jan 2024
Wow, thanks for your amazing review, Randy! I think what makes a difference is that this is our actual home part of the year, and we like nice things. :-) I'm so glad you enjoyed yourselves! We'd love to have you back whenever your plans bring you to Seattle--and hopefully we'll have a chance to meet, next time. Take care and enjoy the winter!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing clean home, great location !

Leslie, the homeowner, provided excellent pre-arrival communication and greeted us upon arrival to acquaint us to the house and surrounding area. The home is extremely clean, well stocked with every amenity needed, and well appointed. The beds and couches were all very comfortable. The backyard is a wonderful private oasis. The property is located conveniently to everything in Ballard. There is parking in the driveway and on the street. Leslie is very knowledge of the area and was helpful in restaurant recommendations. We had a wonderful visit and look forward to returning.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023
Thanks for your lovely review, Linda! I really enjoyed meeting you and your family, and I'm so glad you had a wonderful time at our home. I'd love to host you again at any time in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laurie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Top Notch!!! New and super modern, clean, comfortable!

Absolutely one of the BEST VRBO rentals we have stayed in!!! Leslie, the host, has ensured all the comforts of home plus many more. The home and furnishings are brand new! The heated bathroom floors were a treat and the beds were super comfortable! The kitchen is overstocked with everything you could ever need/want to prepare a simple or gourmet meal. We made a large Thanksgiving dinner and had every dish, pan, mixer, serving platter, etc that we needed and some (there was even a gravy server). We would definitely stay here again and again! Thank you, Leslie!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
Oh my gosh, thanks for your lovely review, Laurie! It was really fun having you and your family, and such a joy to see how excited your boys were as they explored the house and talked about all the fun things to do here. You guys were great in every way! Next time you visit Brian and I would love to show you around or join you for a meal at one of our favorite seafood restaurants!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Our stay at Goldfinch House was absolutely fantastic and we will definitely book here again! The host was excellent at communicating and was super accommodating! Right after booking we received a welcome email with a pdf file that outlined everything we need to know about the house and included so many wonderful recommendations for restaurants and attractions in the area. The host even produced extra recommendations for questions that I had. The home is so beautiful and clean. The garden was also very beautiful. We came with 2 small children who loved having the outdoor space. The kitchen is well stocked and the bathrooms had a lot of great supplies, like black face towels and shampoo, conditioner, body soap and extra towels. 10/10 would recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

May Seattle Visit

We enjoyed the accommodations at Goldfinch House very much! We had 3 generations staying and all felt comfortable. Master bedroom is fabulous. The heated floors in the bathroom were especially nice. Showers were clean and there were plenty of plush towels. We cooked there a couple of nights including use of the gas grill. The kitchen is well stocked and spacious for cooking meals. The appliances are top quality and easy to use. The upstairs sitting area has multiple seating options including a comfy sectional.The house is located in a terrific location in Ballard in a quiet residential neighborhood. However, it is a close drive to groceries, Norway Museum, Golden Gardens, Ballard Locks and restaurants. The only thing to be aware of if you stay here is that the guests sleeping down in the basement will hear lots of the noises above as it has an open stairwell and no bedroom door to close down there at night. It worked out fine with all adults staying there, but we did have to be very quiet upstairs while college students were sleeping in the basement. In addition, the 2nd bathroom that is shared by Bedroom #2 and #3 is a bit tight. We had 4 adults using it and there wasn't much counter space for supplies. However, the shower and heated floors in there are wonderful! Plus, it has a huge skylight for natural lighting during the day. We would definitely stay at Goldfinch House again sometime. The owners were very easy to communicate with and worked hard to make our stay terrific!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 May 2025
Thanks for your lovely review, Sara! We would love to have you back at any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

STOP LOOKING, THIS IS THE HOUSE!

First and foremost, this is the cleanest home we have ever stayed in!! The small cobblestone patio out front is perfect for morning coffee and taking in the cool morning air. The back patio is a private oasis with seating for your entire family. Absolutely beautiful and so relaxing. The downstairs media room was perfect for our teenagers to escape and have their own space. The entire home is furnished with top of the line linens and furnishings. If you like to cook, this is your kitchen! Our family came to town for the Taylor Swift concert and to explore different areas of Seattle. We didn’t want to stay in the heart of the city with the thousands of other visitors. This home is located in a quiet, safe and charming neighborhood. There are a number of restaurants and outdoor activities within walking distance. Leslie was like having a private travel guide. She asked our interests and created a list of everything in the area that would meet those needs. It was unlike anything we have ever seen when booking with VRBO. She was genuinely happy to provide us with her wealth of knowledge. It was such a pleasure working with her and made our stay that much more enjoyable. We will absolutely come back to Brian and Leslie’s home for our next trip to Seattle!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Wow...Thanks so much for your amazing review, Tiffany!! I'm just so happy you enjoyed yourselves so much! Our home was a brick bungalow identical to its neighbors until Brian turned it into a contemporary home, and we filled it with our own art and everything we most enjoy. It's my happy place! And as for helping with your planning, it's so rewarding to me to be able to help our visitors find the activities they most enjoy. As a native and a travel writer, it comes naturally! I hope you enjoy these last days of summer, and would love to meet you on your next trip!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephen R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

House was beautiful and located in a great neighborhood. Gorgeous back yard is a great addition. The kitchen was incredibly stocked......anything you could possibly want! Highly recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
Thanks for your kind words, Steve! We're so glad you and your family had a great time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joel H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place

Had a great dinner in the backyard. Bed was too soft for mom and dad, but it's probably a top-notch bed just like everything else in the house.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
I'm glad you enjoyed our beautiful backyard! There are lots more exciting surprises to come with it next season. I'm sorry to hear that the bed did not suit your parents' tastes. As you surmised, the mattresses are brand-new and top-of-the-line. So far all our guests have loved them, and our last guests asked what they were, so they could purchase the same mattress when they got home. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your Seattle visit, and would love to have you return!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wondeful home away from home!

We've had good and bad experiences with renting at other places, but this home was wonderful and relaxing from beginning to end. The home is perfect, from the gourmet kitchen and amazing media room, to the backyard oasis, a great neighborhood for walking, and beautuful home design inside and out. Our hostess was great, and we can't wait to go back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
Thank you for your thoughtful review, Mary! I really enjoyed meeting you two, and would love to introduce you to Brian the next time you're back in town. You left our place absolutely immaculate, and I love the flowers you left--they're some of my favorites. We look forward to hosting you again! Next time maybe you can schedule to be here on a Sunday, when our farmers market is going on--it's absolutely fabulous!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melinda P.

First-time Renters

It was a wonderfully relaxing experience. We were spoiled with the little luxuries in every room. We immediately felt at home in a lovely neighborhood within walking distance to lots of attractions, shopping and restaurants!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
We enjoyed having you and your family, Melinda! This is my dream home, and we designed it with high quality and luxury in mind, so it's wonderful to hear you found and enjoyed all the little extras. And yes, we are so lucky to be situated where we are, so close to everything. We'd love to have you back the next time you're in town!

About the host

Hosted by Leslie Forsberg

Host profile image
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.

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.

Languages:

English, Spanish, Swedish

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