This Week on Mercer Island: Waterfront, Views, Updates + One Enatai Standout

This week was a little different because new inventory on Mercer Island was fairly limited. I toured two of the newest listings, revisited one that just had a meaningful price adjustment, and then added a standout Real Residential home in Enatai that brings a completely different style of property into the mix.

What I liked about this group is how different each one is. One is newer construction with a much more customized, design-forward feel, one is really about the waterfront setting, another is a clean and functional South End home, and the fourth is driven by views and mid-century character.

A Custom-Feeling Enatai New Build With Real Design Personality

2131 104th Place SE · View listing

Featured Real Residential Listing

$5,698,000 · 5 Beds, 4.25 Baths, 5,850 SQFT, Built in 2024

This is newer construction in Enatai, but it does not feel like a typical formulaic spec home. Built in 2024 by MN Custom Homes, the property began as a presale and was extensively customized, with interior design work by Brian Paquette. You notice the difference immediately in the level of detail throughout the house, from the wall treatments and wallpaper to the trim, cabinetry, lighting and room-by-room finishes. The main living area has soaring ceilings and a great-room layout that connects the kitchen, living space and backyard extremely well.

Things to note: The flat, private backyard is very usable, and the covered outdoor area with fireplace, TV and hot tub makes the indoor-outdoor connection especially strong. There is also a separate butler’s pantry or secondary kitchen that is ideal for entertaining. The primary suite sits in its own wing and includes a fireplace, separate vanity areas, soaking tub, large walk-in shower and an oversized closet with a center island. Heated floors, motorized window treatments, a very functional laundry room, separate den, gym and rec spaces all reinforce the feeling that this home was customized well beyond the standard new-build package. This is a good example of newer construction where the design choices give the home real personality rather than making every room feel the same.

Exceptional South End Waterfront With a Resort-Like Setting

8493 W Mercer Way · View listing

$10,680,000 · 5 Beds, 4.75 Baths, 5,370 SQFT, Built in 1990

This one is really about the land and waterfront. The property sits at the end of the road on more than half an acre with 155 feet of low- and no-bank waterfront, southern exposure, a large lawn, firepit area, dock, covered moorage, and a really peaceful approach to the water. There are two landscaped pathways down toward the dock, and the whole waterfront experience feels private and almost resort-like. The home itself has a dramatic main living area with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, a large kitchen and island, and floor-to-ceiling windows that take full advantage of the setting.

Things to note: The house was originally built in 1990 and has an effective year built of 2009, which makes sense once you walk through it. It has been substantially updated and is very well maintained, while still keeping some of the architectural character of its original design. The layout is extremely flexible, with a large main-floor bedroom suite that could function as a primary and several lower-level bedrooms with ensuite baths and direct access toward the lawn and waterfront. The real standout here is the combination of exceptional frontage, privacy, southern exposure and a waterfront setting that would be very difficult to replicate.

Freshly Updated South End Living With a Main-Floor Primary

8539 SE 79th Place · View listing

$2,385,000 · 4 Beds, 2.75 Baths, 2,909 SQFT, Built in 1978

This is a quiet South End home tucked at the end of a cul-de-sac in an established neighborhood. The exterior is fairly understated, but once you get inside the recent updates make the house feel clean, bright and move-in ready. There are new hardwoods, carpet and paint, an updated kitchen with new cabinetry and appliances, and refreshed bathrooms. The main-floor primary is a real strength, and the upstairs bedrooms are surprisingly large.

Things to note: The updates are concentrated in the areas that matter most for everyday living, and the result is a home that feels clean, current and easy to move into. The backyard has a more natural, wooded feel and provides a good amount of privacy, with mature landscaping surrounding the property. Between the main-floor primary, generous secondary bedrooms and quiet South End setting, this is a very functional home for someone looking for space, privacy and convenience without needing a much larger property.

Mid-Century Character, Big Views and a New Price

6924 96th Avenue SE · View listing

$2,698,000 · 5 Beds, 3.5 Baths, 3,900 SQFT, Built in 1963

This is an interesting South End view home with a strong mid-century feel. It sits above the water with easterly and southeasterly Lake Washington views toward the Seahawks practice facility, along with some broader southern and Mount Rainier views from parts of the house. The main level has vaulted ceilings, clerestory windows, hardwood floors and a large stone fireplace, while the updated kitchen has a substantial island, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, and connects really well to the family room and wraparound deck. The home was recently reduced from $2.85 million to $2.698 million.

Things to note: The kitchen, family room and outdoor connection are probably the strongest parts of the house. The lower level also works very well, with a large rec room, additional bedrooms and another outdoor patio. The home has several different living areas, which gives it a lot of flexibility for families, guests or working from home. The compact garage provides useful storage, while the decks and multiple outdoor spaces make the most of the views and setting. The recent price adjustment also makes this one worth another look for buyers who appreciate architectural character, views and multiple living spaces.

What stood out to me this week is how much the value proposition changes from one property to the next.

At 2131 104th Place SE, the appeal is newer construction that feels much more customized and design-driven than a typical spec home. At 8493 W Mercer Way, the story is the waterfront itself: exceptional frontage, privacy and a setting that is very difficult to replicate. At 8539 SE 79th Place, it is a clean, functional South End home with a main-floor primary and thoughtful updates. And at 6924 96th Ave SE, you are getting views, architectural character and multiple living spaces at a newly adjusted price.

If one of these catches your eye, let me know. I’m always happy to talk through what stood out in person, the differences between them, and how they compare with the rest of the market.