Turned lousy shed into 3 dream homes around zen garden & spa

25 years ago, Jeffrey Frechette bought “the last $100,000 house in Seattle," a tiny 1940s-era war bungalow that he describes as “a shack, literally built on cinder blocks and phone books."

As a recent architecture school grad, he immediately began designing an addition, leaving the original structure in place for him and his wife to live in. After building more space for his growing family, he continued to build and was soon renting out an upstairs apartment. He didn’t stop designing and building; soon, he had a Scandinavian-inspired backyard home a wood-burning sauna for rent.

Today, he can legally rent the two units, one as an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) and the other as an “extra room.” The entire compound is inspired by Japanese courtyard design with plants for natural privacy screening and planned views. Frechette feels fortunate that his passion has translated into passive income for the family, but he admits that “it’s a lot of house I’ve managed to piece together over 25 years”. He has a friend who jokes that he goes to Remodelers Anonymous. “He’s like, ‘you just can't stop,’ but I mean, I just love doing it. It is my favorite thing to do.”

Frechette does all of the work himself “the plumbing, electrical, hydronic heat system and a lot of furniture.” Much of his work is inspired by the materials he finds at salvage yards, like the huge round window that dominates the ADU living room or the shoji screens which cover the cheap, vinyl sliding door in the bedroom.

The backyard unit sleeps 8 in just 800 square feet, and Frechette took advantage of ideas like suspended sleeping lofts for space efficiency. The A-frame bedroom in the loft was inspired by his love for sailing.

[justmaria]

Kirsten, this channel truly feeds mind, body and spirit. The two of you make an incredible team. Thank you for bringing the world and such talented people to our screens.

[AndrewHelgeCox]

These are the kinds of videos that bring us joy: somebody expressing their passion for a project that they implemented themselves.

[goudagirl]

Geez, this house is so quirky and BRILLIANT! I love how he just put things together as he went and used all the pieces so well. Kristen, your videos put many, if not most, home and architecture magazines to shame!!!

[kimberlykay]

I wish I had gone to architect school now. I guess it’s not too late at 37 is it? I was a nurse for 12 years but that’s extremely challenging work and also very rewarding but you get to a point where it’s time to change direction and that’s where I’m at. I am fascinated with design and spaces alternative style living. And this property is incredible oh my gosh I’m in love

[janinafisher]

What an extraordinary space! I love homes that feel organic and have various levels and are SO far removed from subdivision-style, soul-sucking boxes that so many people live in. This fed my soul! Those garden areas...

[mthemole]

The homeowner and designer of this property is quite a fascinating individual. His personality and vision are deeply inspiring, as you can almost sense the flow of ideas and creativity in both his conversations and the projects he brings to life through his construction work

[robinprice]

I have loved every structure you’ve showcased but this one has to be my favorite. And I only live 45 minutes north of Seattle so maybe I can stay there sometime. This guys fetishes are the very best kind to have because it’s moved him to create such beauty that will remain long after he’s gone. What a legacy

[maganalia]

One of my top 3 homes so far. It's beautiful. He's a true artist.

[giseleaubin]

I feel he is so happy at home. He loves where he lives. He comes off as a very happy man. Fun living! Sociable! Again Fun!

[TWROC]

This man reminds me of my grandfather in that he loved to build with different materials too including materials not meant to be seen but used as only structural. My granddad found beauty in both the material and simplicity of the design. He also built his own furniture. Cheers to Jeffrey. He has created something beautiful and functional.

[russbasbas]

Such a genius builder! He puts passion to every detail and that every feature of his house has a story. Thanks for sharing.

[GlorifiedGremlin]

It's weird how his house can feel so cluttered yet so organized and comfy at the same time. Usually lots of things in a space makes me sorta anxious, but his house just looks cozy and inviting

[iTeerRex]

If anyone is building a none conventional house, it would be a great idea to visit for a weekend, and learn from the buildings and he himself. There’re so many themes and ideas implemented in one location. Almost like a “research building”. The buildings you find Kirsten.

[jeroberts]

That was truly interesting! I loved hearing him talk, as he went along and explained different construction elements and processes, and his feelings about so many of the elements. What a fascinating place he's constructed, inside and outside both! This video really captivated me; I was even sorry to see it end.

[SequoiaElisabeth]

I love how organic the space is and how it evolved over time thru necessity.

[michaellukaniuk]

What a fantastic tour guide. Such a soothing voice. I kept wondering where his partner was. Apparently, she is kept in the tower.🤣😂😁 A wonderful lady as well. This is one of your best episodes yet.

[fishermann]

what a talented man Jeffrey is. I am so impressed by his passion and visions. Thank you for another beautiful video.

[idorski]

Love his enthusiasm and how the structures grew in an organic way... very dreamy indeed.

[rachierich]

Wow….just like a treasure maze with endless sites to discover!!!
Marvelous ideas and handcraft!
I can almost feel the owner’s mind is constantly flooding with crazy ideas, full of adventures n experimenting projects in every corner! Marvelous!
Thanks Kristen for sharing!👍🏻

[efortunywhitton]

What beautiful and creative work! I love it! I especially love the sentiments toward the garden and mimicking natural trails and nature… sublime. I wish I had even a 1/4 of his abilities!