Hunts Point

On a slender peninsula, embraced by the tranquil waters of Lake Washington, lies the exclusive enclave of Hunts Point. This isn’t just another neighborhood. It’s a place where history whispers through the rustling leaves of ancient trees and the gentle lapping of waves against private docks. Hunts Point started as a quiet retreat for Seattle’s elite in the early 1900s. Imagine arriving by steamer, the only way to reach this secluded haven before the bridges. Residents would rush to their docks, eager to flag down the passing vessel. By 1934, the rhythmic chug of the steamer Ariel became a familiar sound, connecting Hunts Point to the bustling city across the water. Hunts Point wasn’t always easily accessible by land. Hunts Point Road, the community’s lifeline, began as a humble gravel path in 1905. It was initially called F. F. French Road after a local property owner. Paving arrived in 1920, a 16-foot ribbon of concrete symbolizing progress. But the road’s extension in 1937-38 wasn’t without its challenges. Residents at the point endured weeks of muddy isolation, their supplies hauled in by foot and ladder. The opening of the Lake Washington Floating Bridge in 1940 changed everything. Suburbia began its inexorable march eastward. Hunts Point residents, protective of their tranquil lifestyle and spacious lots, grew concerned. The smaller lots of the Hunts Point Park addition in 1951 served as a stark warning of what could happen. Fearing annexation by the newly incorporated Bellevue and seeking more control over their destiny, Hunts Point residents voted to incorporate in 1955. The vote was 78 to 49, a clear mandate for self-determination. One of the first tasks of the newly formed town government was establishing development codes. These aimed to preserve the character of Hunts Point, setting minimum lot sizes and regulating subdivisions. Interestingly, the initial codes were drafted by John Ehrlichman, a resident and attorney who later became embroiled in the Watergate scandal. Today, Hunts Point retains its air of exclusivity. The median home price is in the millions, reflecting the town’s affluence and the desirability of its waterfront properties. The population, a mere 394 in the 2010 census, enjoys a close-knit community, evident in traditions like the annual Clean Up Day, a continuation of a practice started in 1920. This gathering of neighbors, clearing brush and sharing camaraderie, embodies the spirit of Hunts Point. From its humble beginnings as a summer getaway to its current status as a haven of privilege, Hunts Point has a unique story to tell. It’s a story of community, resilience, and the enduring allure of a tranquil life by the water.