🏡 What Makes a True Farmhouse (And Why Seattle Buyers Still Love Them)
(Hint: It’s About Function, Not Just Style)
By Brian Huie — written in response to the questions I hear from my Seattle-area clients who love farmhouse homes and want to live the lifestyle, not just the look.
In the Seattle area, the word “farmhouse” gets tossed around a lot—usually to describe white walls, black fixtures, and a vaguely rustic vibe. But if we’re being honest, that’s farmhouse aesthetic, not farmhouse function. A true farmhouse—the kind that stood on real working land—wasn’t about Pinterest boards. It was about durability, utility, and living in rhythm with the land.
👉 Fun fact: I live in a farmhouse myself—both in finish and function. My home sits on an acre of urban land where I tend to an automated but still fulfilling full-scale garden, and I can tell you firsthand—these traditional farmhouse features still make sense today.
Whether you're deep in soil or just crave a home that feels grounded and lived-in, here’s what makes a farmhouse truly farmhouse-y.
🪟 1. Oversized Windows for Watching the Land
Old farmhouses had large windows placed strategically to give sweeping views of the land. These weren’t built for “natural light” in the modern sense—they were observation tools. Farmers used them to keep an eye on livestock, weather, and crops without stepping outside.
In today’s Seattle-area homes, these windows give us that same connection—to backyard gardens in Green Lake, sunset views in Monroe, or even urban chicken coops in Beacon Hill. That’s why you’ve all heard me say in my preview videos where I’d enlarge a window or add “full lite doors”…in almost every home!
🪑 2. Covered Porches That Work Hard
That dreamy wraparound porch? It had a purpose. Farmhouse porches weren’t just for show—they were workspaces, transition zones, and weather buffers. People used them to take off muddy boots, rest after chores, or shell peas in the shade.
In our Pacific Northwest climate—rainy, moody, magical—porches remain essential. They protect your home, create functional outdoor living, and give you a dry spot to decompress after a day in the garden or a walk with your dog.
🥕 3. Root Cellars and Cold Storage Rooms
Before Sub-Zero fridges and Amazon Fresh, there were root cellars. These cool, dark, underground rooms were where people stored potatoes, onions, apples, and preserves through the winter.
Today, you might find the modern version in a cold-storage garage nook, walk-in pantry, or even a basement corner lined with shelves. For Seattle homeowners who grow food, bake bread, or preserve harvests from a local CSA or farmers market—this kind of storage still matters.
🧼 4. Mudrooms (AKA: The Unsung Heroes)
Mudrooms are one of the most practical farmhouse features ever created. They’re not just cute—they’re functional entry points for dirty boots, wet coats, soggy dogs, and whatever else rural life (or a wet Seattle hike) throws at you.
Even in high-end homes in Issaquah or Redmond, buyers appreciate having a mudroom. It’s a simple way to keep the main house cleaner and better organized—especially in households that live with intention.
🌳 5. One Big Shade Tree: Nature’s Break Room
Farmland was often wide open, and that meant shade was rare. Having a large tree—usually positioned near the home or work zone—was crucial. It gave farmers a place to cool off, take lunch breaks, or just rest in the heat of the day.
In the Seattle area, this tradition lives on. A thoughtfully placed maple, cedar, or old oak tree near the garden or patio becomes a natural gathering place—a shady retreat that’s both beautiful and deeply practical. I recommend a deciduous tree that gives us shade in the hot A/C-less summers yet lose their leaves in winter to provide maximum light in our “rainy season”.
🪴 6. Gardens, Potting Sheds, and Growing Spaces
A real farmhouse wasn’t complete without a garden plot, tool shed, or greenhouse. These weren’t cute hobbies—they were vital food sources. Today, Seattle homeowners from Ballard to Bothell are reviving this lifestyle with raised beds, compost systems, and even DIY greenhouse setups.
Whether you’re planting vegetables or just want room for native plants and pollinators, having garden-ready space is still a huge win—for your mental health and your resale value. When/if not in use, cover the garden spaces with landscape fabric so you don’t have to weed!
🔚 Final Thoughts: True Farmhouses Are Built to Do
A true farmhouse isn’t just something to look at—it’s something to live in. It’s a place designed to support a working lifestyle, whether you’re growing food, raising kids, or just wanting more connection to the land.
In neighborhoods across Seattle—from spacious lots in Woodinville to tight-but-mighty backyards in West Seattle—farmhouse design is making a comeback. Not because it’s trendy, but because it works.
Thinking About Buying or Selling a Farmhouse in the Seattle Area?
I specialize in helping Seattle-area buyers and sellers find homes that blend style, function, and a little bit of dirt under the fingernails. Whether you’re looking for acreage, charm, or just a better way to live—let’s talk.
📝 Written by Brian Huie, Seattle real estate agent and longtime farmhouse resident, in response to the great questions I get from clients about what truly makes a farmhouse home. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers in the Seattle area find homes that aren’t just stylish—but deeply livable.