3809 S Trenton StreetSeattle, WA 98118Price: $588,000

Garden. Gather. Belong. Behind the bright blue gate, this South Beacon Hill home opens into a layered garden of mature plantings, winding slate paths, arbors, seating areas and plentiful garden art-colorful, personal and full of character. Inside, the unconventional layout works in two distinct zones: generous living and dining spaces, full kitchen, large bedroom with walk-in closet and a full bath upstairs; a lower living zone with bedroom, 3/4 bath, living/dining space, compact kitchen/laundry and separate exterior access. And the garden doesn't stop at the front gate. Out back, grapevines, established garden beds, trellises and mature plantings surround a covered patio/carport, extending the outdoor experience through the property. Two ductless mini-splits provide heating and A/C, an upstairs pellet stove adds another heat source, and an owned 13-panel solar array is already in place. Parking is unusually generous, with room for up to five cars in front plus secure gated rear access. Substantial semi-finished attic storage adds useful space overhead. Henderson Stairway is one block away, providing a direct pedestrian connection to S Henderson St and putting Rainier Beach Link about a .4-mile walk from home; Benefit Playground and the Chief Sealth Trail are nearby, too. Not a conventional little bungalow-and that's the point. A Beacon Hill burst of joy that knows exactly what it is.