September is a magical month, as a few warm days let us grab hold of that summer feeling for the last time and as the first few trees start to change their hue. While some might believe the turn of seasons means we bid adieu to hosting friends and loved ones in our backyards or on our decks and patios, then it’s time to think outside the box. This month, Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty featured these extraordinary homes that elevate the idea of outdoor entertaining. While some activities are perfect for summer, we invite the next stewards of these homes to think beyond the seasons. Whether it’s adding some layers to play on the sports court or practice your short game on the green, or you’re setting up a fire on the waterfront and turning on your heater at your covered patio as you fire up the grill. Explore these homes here and be sure to follow our spotlight series each month in the Puget Sound Business Journal and GeekWire.

Ski View Estate

8505 Ski View Lane SW, Olympia | Represented by Scott Richards

Welcome home to Ski View Estate, A stunning residence on the shores of Thurston County’s premier tournament-grade water ski lake and private gated 120-acre community. A 5,222-square-foot custom Jack Arnold designed natural stone and brick residence with cedar beam, lintel, copper gutters and shake accents featuring authentic materials imported from France including early 1900’s brick flooring. Perfectly set upon a large, 33,429-square-foot level lot with mature landscaping and bordered by 131 lineal feet of sandy beach, no bank waterfront. Featuring four bedrooms and six bathrooms including the main floor master suite boasting vaulted ceilings, ample closet, five-piece bath with claw foot soaking tub, and sunroom with western lake views opening bluestone courtyard. More on skiviewestate.com →

A Masterpiece of Northwest Modernism

11435 206th Place SE, Issaquah | Represented by Jay Kipp

11435 206th Pl SE is a profound example of the results that are possible when clients, architect and builder work hand-in-hand to create a timeless masterpiece that pays tribute to a spectacular location. Carefully sited on 10 acres at the top of Cougar Mountain, this stunning Ralph Anderson-designed estate offers over 11,000 square feet of meticulously crafted and sumptuously detailed interior space that frames one-of-a-kind, 270-degree views that sweep from Mt. Rainier over Puget Sound, Seattle, Lake Washington and Bellevue, all the way to the Olympic Mountains and North Cascades beyond. Eagles soar above and local wildlife enjoys its native habitat while airplanes and weather fronts pass in the distance far below.

This is an expansive, confident residence, created by a symbiotic collaboration between passionate, uncompromising homeowners who knew what they wanted and entrusted a legendary architect to interpret their vision, and a team of craftspeople who spent over two years bringing it to fruition. With long, low-slung lines and an expressive palette of native materials, the house complements and blends into its unique topography, allowing top-of-the-world views and the surrounding nature to take pride of place. Floor-to-ceiling windows work with carefully placed building apertures to create view corridors throughout the home that emphasize its relationship to one-of-a-kind outlooks, while the metered attenuation of ceiling heights and lighting creates equal measures of drama and intimacy that are reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. View more here →

Primo Vista Kirkland Waterfront

10907 80th Pl NE, Kirkland | Represented by Robert Pong

Thought-provoking, tranquil, luxurious: Words can’t begin to describe this phenomenal Kirkland waterfront property. It commands magnificent south-facing views down Lake Washington from sunrise to sunset! Mount Rainer’s majestic presence is always in view from the romantic balconies of this grand palace. Eight thousand-plus square feet of total living space sprawling over three gorgeous levels. The main living spaces are masterpieces that the original owners have meticulously created with custom touches from top to bottom. The master bedroom suite, owner’s library, plus one other en suite bedroom all enjoy unobstructed views from their private balconies. This home boasts a total of three bedrooms plus a separate mother-in-law suite (complete with a mini kitchen), which resides atop the north wing of the house over the giant three-car garage. This home is an entertainer’s paradise! Especially the lower level, where multiple activity corners are just waiting to be enjoyed by family and friends. A billiards table, wine cellar, home theater, and home gym complete this fun space. Walk right outside from the ground level and relax in the spa or do a few laps in the pristine pool. Unwind at the end of the day and enjoy the outdoor wood-burning fireplace poolside and forget about the world outside. You’ve worked hard for this, you deserve this, you own this. Welcome home to Primo Kirkland! View more here →

Modern Mercer Island Masterpiece

8720 SE 52nd Place, Mercer Island | Represented by Rachel Schindler and Robyn Hsu

This rare, modern masterpiece offers an opportunity to experience true Northwest living and be one with nature. This begins with the home’s orientation, situated on a huge, flat yard that offers both sunshine and privacy. Encapsulating the best of warm design, relax and let a sense of calmness surround you as you’re enveloped by the peace of nature from each of the interior spaces. An expansive great room concept was designed to put your needs at the forefront, with a multitude of options to accommodate any lifestyle. A covered deck with views of the yard and trees is the perfect year-round entertaining spot. The main level also features a stunning guest suite for overnight stays and an office that is perfect for catching up on emails or completing at-home studies.

Moving upstairs you’ll encounter a stunning primary suite with a spa-inspired bathroom and oversized closet. There is another bedroom with its own ensuite bath as well as 2 additional bedrooms that share a bathroom. A perfectly modern masterpiece! View more here →

A Sprawling Estate With Custom Log Cabin

1225 118th St NE, Marysville | Represented by Brian Hawkins & Cyrus O'Bryant

Custom log construction estate on almost 2.5 acres of peaceful land. Barn incl. stables, feed and water system, and flex rooms on the upper level. The oversized three-car detached carport matches the construction of the main house. Follow the slate walkway to entry and notice the soaring ceilings and stunning details. Natural light beams in through the several triple-pane windows. A cozy stove heats up the main living spaces and rises to the loft/bonus area upstairs. Great kitchen with JennAir stove and ample storage. Radiant heat on main floor and Master. The main level has a dining room, two bedrooms, and a mudroom. Upstairs you’ll find the bonus room/loft and master suite. Enjoy your massive covered deck to enjoy year-round with fruit trees and plenty of room to roam in the yard. View more here →

Modern Industrial-Style Home | Pending

Pending | 5486 Taylor Ave NE, Bainbridge Island | Represented by Mark Middleton

Very cool modern industrial-style home features a dramatic open floor plan with soaring ceilings and walls of glass set on a private, serene, shy acre lot with gorgeous evergreens, established gardens, and peace and quiet! Recently renovated by one of the island’s top custom builders, this remarkable and captivating home will take your breath away! Too many amazing features to list including a chef’s kitchen with a huge granite island, touch faucet, and smart stainless steel appliances, a stunning great room with French door access to the park-like grounds, sublime primary bedroom suite with a fireplace, luxurious bath, and a spectacular rooftop deck! Detached two-car garage with a 572-square-foot partially finished space above, perfect for a potential ADU, office, or studio. All of this is just a walk to Prichard Park! View more here →

This blog originally appeared on RSIR.com