Inside Capitol Hill’s most expensive (probably!) home sale of 2014 (Image via Estately)

And this is the only slightly embellished view from the #1 Capitol Hill condo sale of 2014 (Image via Estately)

Such is the state of the housing market on Capitol Hill that a tired journalist might make an easy joke in his lede about a “bargain” price on a nearly $8 million mansion sale.

It’s true. I am tired. And a 30% price cut is quite a deal!

The most expensive single-family home sale in 2014 on Capitol Hill according to real estate site Estately was the $7.7 million plunked down for Harvard-Belmont Historical District mansion that at one point listed for $11.2 million.

The massive price tag dwarfs the puny $6.2 million plunked down for a Queen Anne mansion that real estate site Curbed Seattle claimed took Seattle’s top spot for biggest sale in 2014. Rather than try to take Curbed down a notch for shoddy reporting, let’s just say real estate information is full of one-offs and holes and weird stuff. It’s not really designed for ease of journalism. For example, even in Estately’s data pull of the top Capitol Hill sales of 2014, we (by pure chance!) found a giant July 2014 sale missing. That sale — we think — ranked #2 on the Hill in 2014. Instead of a “top” list, think of the rankings as more of a “here are some really expensive home sales” roster. And remember, for every seller, there’s a buyer. So be nice to your (relatively wealthy) new neighbors.

Overall, the top 5 home sales in our rankings averaged a price tag of $4.38 million. More on those incredible houses and the top 5 condo sales of 2014, below. You can also check out the 2013 and the 2012 rosters.

2014 HOUSES

1. 

   (Image: Windermere)

   $7.7 million — 1137 Harvard Ave E — October 2014: “Magnificent Georgian-style home with beautiful grounds and sweeping western views. Designed by Carl Gould, completed in 1912, meticulously updated. Gated entry with circular drive and porte cochere. Grand scale rooms with exquisite millwork, walnut floors and high ceilings. Elegant formals; paneled library; kitchen with marble counters and top-notch appliances; cozy den; sunroom; 5 bedrooms; 8½ baths; 7 fireplaces; 2 offices; media room; stone terrace; 2-level lawn; spa; elevator; 2 garages.” Listed at a whopping $11.2 million in September 2011, the long-time home of timber baron Julius Bloedel was acquired by Seattle sports surgeon Merritt Auld in 1987 for $1.2 million, according to King County records. It’s new owner is a mystery. A Delaware-registered corporation is listed on the deed. The last time we saw that on a big home sale on Capitol Hill, Macklemore was moving in. — Info and pictures

2. $4.45 million — 1117 Boylston Ave E — July 2014: “Perched high above the city w/stunning views of Lake Union & Puget Sound, this urban retreat provides a gated entrance for your utmost privacy. Elegant living spaces are flooded w/light from the wall of windows opening to a magnificent deck. The over an acre double lot property offers a picturesque fountain, gazebo & many private niches to enjoy the best of outdoor living. The 9,020 sq ft home boasts 5 bdrms + lovely master, 6.5 bths, nanny quarters & 3 car attached garage. An amazing property!” — Info and pictures (Note: Estately does not show the sale we’ve verified with King County records)
3. $3.85 million — 1658 Federal Ave E — January 2014: “Magnificent Federal style Colonial on coveted double lot. Built in 1919, extensively updated with desired amenities and luxury surfaces. Elegant formals; sunroom with terrace access. Terrific kitchen with marble counters, top-notch appliances and adjoining family room; 5 bedrooms and 5+ baths, including master suite with brand new bath; 2 fireplaces; home theater with wet bar. Lovely grounds with terraces, rose garden, play structure, sports court and storage shed. Detached 2-car garage.” — Info and pictures
4. $3.3 million — 806 14th Ave E — October 2014: “The Bordeaux Mansion, built in 1904, is a Seattle landmark. This historic home rests on 2 lots on Millionaire’s Row, just steps to Volunteer Park in the heart of North Capitol Hill. It boasts 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4 stories of living space, 4 fireplaces and a 2-car carriage house with additional parking on a circular drive. The entire home has been meticulously restored including nearly all mechanicals, electrical, high-efficiency gas boiler and earthquake retrofitting.” — Info and pictures
5. $2.6 million — 923 16th Ave E — April 2014: “This historically significant 1910 home is nestled on a highly sought after tree lined street in the heart of North Capitol Hill. Sited on an oversize lot, yet conveniently located next to downtown, this appealing residence offers tranquility and privacy. A grand entry, formal living and dining rooms, chef’s kitchen with adjoining family room. 6 bedrooms, including master and nanny quarters 4.5 baths. Sports courts, deck & 2 car garage off alley. Close proximity to schools, parks and dining.” — Info and pictures

2014 CONDOS

1. $1.875 million — 915 Harvard Ave E — April 2014:  “A distinguished residence in treasured Merrill Court discreetly nestled in the heart of the landmark Harvard-Belmont Historic District. Merrill Court is an enclave of just ten stately brick homes combining old world elegance and charm with urban convenience. Westerly views. Gated garden courtyard entry. Tall ceilings and gallery walls, exquisite millwork. Generously proportioned formal rooms and a handsome library. Epicurean kitchen has center island, old fashioned window seat, breakfast room.” — Info and pictures
2. $1.7 million — 716 Boylston Ave E — January 2014: “Spectacular SW corner penthouse!. 2270 sq.ft. with walls of windows and glass French doors opening out to the entertaining sized wrap around deck with sweeping views to the Sound, city of Seattle and Olympics. Brazilian cherry wood floors, 9 ft. ceilings, great room with fireplace & custom built-in cabinetry, gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line stainless appliances, media room w/fp and flat screen w/sound. 3 parking spots in gar, plus 250 sq.ft. storage room. Truly stunning!” — Info and pictures
3. $1.285 million — 941 11th Ave E — April 2014:  “Classic 1920’s architecture with grand spaces rarely found in a condominium! This prime 2nd floor unit is unsurpassed in elegance & style. Features-smashing formal living with magnificent fireplace, light-filled dining with views of the Space Needle & Olympics, family room adjacent to the renovated kitchen and a wonderful library which can be converted to a 3rd bedroom. This distinguished building, with a Walk Score of 92, is surrounded by old world mansions & peaceful tree-lined streets.” — Info and pictures
4. $1.03 million — 1420 Terry Ave Unit 2401 — September 2014: “Sleek contemporary 2 bedroom,2.75 bath home has walls of glass to maximize sweeping views of city, lake, sound & mountains. Open floor plan has a splendid cook’s kitchen with SS appliances, granite counters, double oven & 5 burner gas cook top. 2 ensuites. Originally a 3 bedroom unit, a wall was removed to make an enormous master bedroom–it could easily be restored if a 3rd space is needed. Lovely maple floors, 2 view decks & 2 parking spaces. Perfect urban location–walkscore of 98!” — Info and pictures
5. $995,000 — 1420 Terry Ave Unit 2504 — December 2014: “Light and glamour fill this sophisticated SW corner residence at Meridian. Walls of windows & reflective surfaces capture dramatic panoramic views from city to sound. A gracious open floorplan provides the perfect layout for elegant entertaining or a relaxing night in. Enjoy gleaming hardwoods, chef’s kitchen w/gas cooking, chic frpl, private balconies and a spacious master suite. Luxury high-rise living, world-class amenities & a stellar location– just steps to Downtown & Pike/Pine corridor!” — Info and pictures