Last updated: June 5, 2024
Place
C.H. Black Estate
Olmsted Archives
Quick Facts
Location:
Seattle, WA
Significance:
Olmsted Designed Estate
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
MANAGED BY:
Privately Owned
C.H. Black’s Seattle estate covers a full city block at the summit of Queen Anne Hill, providing commanding views of the downtown area, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains. Black’s home was already completed in 1907 when John Charles Olmsted was asked to design the landscape, handling a loop drive, walls around the perimeter, grading, garage and stable placement, as well as plantings.
Black valued the views from his estate, and so did John Charles, writing that “the close proximity of your site to the Sound gives you an unobstructed view of this picturesque sheet of water, enlivened as it is by many steam and sailing crafts.”. John Charles also noted that Black “does not want to be secluded by hedges or plantations or walls or parapets and wants everyone to enjoy views over the place”, so he recommended street trees that wouldn’t grow too tall.
John Charles faced very little challenges while working on the estate, because he and Black had similar ideas in keeping the landscape open but informal. While plantings have changed over the century since John Charles’ involvement, defining landscape features like the graceful driveway, hidden garage, retaining walls, open lawn and unobstructed views still remain.
Source: "C.H. Black," Olmsted Online
For more information and primary resources, please visit:
Olmsted Research Guide Online
Olmsted Archives on Flickr
Black valued the views from his estate, and so did John Charles, writing that “the close proximity of your site to the Sound gives you an unobstructed view of this picturesque sheet of water, enlivened as it is by many steam and sailing crafts.”. John Charles also noted that Black “does not want to be secluded by hedges or plantations or walls or parapets and wants everyone to enjoy views over the place”, so he recommended street trees that wouldn’t grow too tall.
John Charles faced very little challenges while working on the estate, because he and Black had similar ideas in keeping the landscape open but informal. While plantings have changed over the century since John Charles’ involvement, defining landscape features like the graceful driveway, hidden garage, retaining walls, open lawn and unobstructed views still remain.
Source: "C.H. Black," Olmsted Online
For more information and primary resources, please visit:
Olmsted Research Guide Online
Olmsted Archives on Flickr