625 Catherine St, Walla Walla WA 9936

6 bedrooms  | 4 bathrooms    |    5401 sf  |    .56 acres    | Built 1935 

A true gem of home in a highly-desirable Walla Walla neighborhood marries the very best elements of vintage character with up-to-date amenities. This home style is a fine example of Tudor Composite architecture that was fashionable during this period.

Tasteful remodeled in 1959 (expanded the master bedroom, master bath, kitchen, changed back roof line and dormer, added pool and pool house), it was then remodeled again by the present owners in 2004. 

The 2004 remodel further ramped up the modern features when the present owners tapped PNW architect Jon Sayler AIA, PS to design the changes. Sayler was faithful to the original Tudor elements while enhancing the livability for today’s owners. Those additions included the kitchen remodel, added the portico entryway in the front and added the 1196 sf 4-car (2-door extra deep garage) with 900 sf loft that could be additional living space, workout room or a full office. 

As you enter through the front portico, you come into a large gallery living room (used by the owners as a dining room) with seating area in front of the limestone gas fireplace. However, like most homes, the chef’s kitchen is the heart of this home with an ample eat-in area leading out through sliding doors to the patio. Adjacent is a cozy sitting area (or formal dining room) with bay window and sliding doors that also lead out to the covered patio for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining. 

The large covered patio is the place to gather on summer afternoons with both a seating area and room for a large table. This is the best spot to watch the fun around the pool. 

Main floor also features two bedrooms with build-in bookshelves and cabinets, which could function as home offices. A full bathroom completes the first floor. 

Upstairs features a large guest bedroom with sitting area. Down the hallway is a full bathroom, and stacked laundry. The master suite features fully-updated bath with soaking tub, walk in shower, dual closets - one with custom shelving and a large sitting area for evenings watching TV. 

The lower floor is 100% finished. Two additional bedrooms (one without egress) share a 3/4 bath - renovated in 2017. A large laundry was designed with plenty of built-in cabinets for storage. The media room with stone fireplace offers a place for game playing, homework or TV viewing. 

A special feature of this home is the 5000 bottle wine cellar with custom mahogany racking. This cellar has a dedicated 1-ton air handler to maintain temps 54-57 degrees in a vibrant-free environment. In addition to the air handler, 6” of blown-in foam and an insulated door create the perfect climate for storing wine properly.

The back entry/mudroom is large with plenty of cabinets and hooks to handle the coming and goings of a busy household and all the related outdoor gear.

The 2-door garage, with its striking roof line that complements the home’s, includes an extra deep garage (up to four cars), with build-ins and additional storage area. The owners have an electric car so there is a 220-voltage plug in. 

Upstairs is a 900 sf space with laminate flooring, wall heaters and electrical that could be used for a variety of uses including large office, workout or loft apartment. 

The 10kW solar system was added in 2013 and has reduced the carbon foot print and lowers the electrical bills while paying back with electrical credits. The system has two solar inverters that handle the exchange from DC to AC current and manage the panel output.

Not to be outdone, the landscaped backyard is truly resort-like with a 14’X34’ pool with pool deck, pool house with bathroom, shower and two changing rooms. Professional-landscaping and Bryant Creek runs at the back of this exceptional estate. 

What the seller loves about this home

The house is located in a highly-desirable area of town within easy walking distance to downtown wineries, shops and restaurants. This is a a highly-functional home with plenty of space to gather, both inside and out, as well as personal space areas. 

“We have loved being and existing in this space. We maximized the window space so we can view the expansive yard and surroundings from every room.  Both Tim and I have on more than one occasion walked to work.”

Linda G, owner

Main Floor 

Kitchen: 

• Updated kitchen with granite counter tops

• Dacor 6-burner gas range top

• Dacor double ovens

• Kitchenaid refrigerator

• Bosch dishwasher

• Travertine Floor

• Pella Double Hung Windows.

• Anderson Slider, French Door style

• Alder wood cabinets offer ample storage

• Under-counter wine fridge

• Eat-in area in kitchen

• Sliding doors to the patio

Living Room: 

• Limestone fireplace surround and mantel

• 2 chandeliers and matching sconces

• Seating area in front of gas fireplace

• Original oak wood flooring

Sitting Room: 

• Framed by a bay window and sliding doors that look out to yard and covered patio

• Roman blinds and drapes stay

• Original oak wood flooring

Bedrooms:

• Two main floor bedrooms with coved ceilings, built-in bookshelves and cabinets

• Roman blinds
  

Main Floor Bathroom:

• Full bathroom with original tile, newer tile floor.

• Thibaut wall paper with coordinating roman blinds and shower curtain

Back entry way/Mud Room:

• Large mud room w/build-in cabinets

• Digital lock entry

Second Floor

• Guest bedroom with sitting area

• 3/4 bathroom done in gray and burgundy tile

Master Suite:

• Large master with sitting area

• Dual closets - one with custom closet system

• 2011 renovated master bathroom with soaking tub, walk-in shower.

• Porcelain tile

• Stacked W/D hall closet

Lower Level:

• Large office or bedroom

• Extra bedroom (no egress)

• 3/4 bathroom added in 2017

• Large media/game room with gas fireplace and river stone surround

• Large laundry room with ample storage, built-in cabinets

Wine Cellar:

• 1-ton Carrier furnace with air handler for wine cellar (2010)

• 5000 bottle, mahogany racking system.

• Exterior insulated door (locked for showings) blown in 6” insulation

Large Covered Patio:

• Ceramic tile flooring

Garage and Loft:

• 1196 sf 2-door garage with room for four cars

• Additional locked storage

• Build-in cabinets

• 900 sf loft with laminate flooring, lighting and heaters

Timeline of Major Structural Improvements:

2020: 

• New Roof

• Exterior painted

2017:

• HVAC updated $30K - 2 units: one upstairs/ one downstairs

• New automatic pool cover

• New gas pool heater

2014: 

• Solar panels installed 10kw

• No power bills - generate 4 months more than owners use

• 50 kw a day/ $2k annual reduction in power bills

• Two solar inverters installed in garage

“Value of the solar panel system = 15 X 20 annual savings”

2004: 

• Pella wood frame double pane windows main floor

• Anderson sliding patio doors

• Milgard vinyl double pane windows second floor

• 1196 sf 4 car garage 2004, 900 sf room over garage with laminate flooring

• Garage: R-10 walls, R-20 attic, R-15 ceiling btw garage and loft

• Pool resurfaced

• Patio (roofline) extended, added ceramic tile flooring

1959: Previous owners 

• Gunite 14’ X 34’ pool installed

• Pool house: 2 changing rooms, toilet and shower (cold only), concrete pad

• Expanded the second floor master bed and bath and stairway