Most parents will acknowledge that when a family grows, so do the demands not only on their time and energy, but also on their domicile. Suddenly, or perhaps over time, sentiments change from “we can do this” to “we need a bigger place!”
Such was the case with Mo Manuchehri, who recognized that with three teenage daughters vying for shower time, something had to give. Add to this the fact that he and his wife have extended family that like to visit from far afield, and the need for change became even more compelling. So, several years ago, he had an idea: If he were to build a home on some land he had acquired years earlier, these issues could be addressed. It was time to get to work.
City Proud
Mo Manuchehri is a longtime resident of Kirkland, having lived in town since 1986. He retired in 2018 after a 32-year career as a senior engineer at Boeing. In addition to the land for his current home, which he had purchased in 1998, he owns other residences in the city, one of which will serve as his and his wife’s home after this house is sold.
Firdaus (Arabic for "paradise") House, as the residence has been dubbed, took a year and a half to build with the help of architect Mo Pazshk. Mo Manuchehri wanted a home that would make the most of the terrain and also accommodate the needs of his brood. To that end, it became a five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath home, with en-suite bedrooms for each of his daughters and plenty of closet space.
“It worked out beautifully,” he says.
The home also has separate quarters with a kitchen on the ground floor that could be used as a mother-in-law or nanny apartment. All of the rooms have lake or territorial views.
A Park-Like Setting
Many people long for a “country in the city” feel for a home location. In other words, they want accessibility to work and amenities but also privacy and the feeling of being away from the crowd. Mo Manuchehri says this is one of his favorite things about the house. There is a creek that runs year-round on one side of the property.
“When I have people over for parties, they often say, ‘It’s like you have your own natural park,’” he says.
The sound of the water, the trees and an abundance of birds (red robins, finches, jays) make it feel that way, he says. The master bedroom faces southeast, so the sunrises are also beautiful.
Accessibility
There is one smaller area along the roofline that Mo Manuchehri has turned into an office, and it has views and access to a rooftop deck. This was a favorite spot for his daughters, as they could sunbathe there in privacy during the summer. It also provides a quiet space for work or simply contemplation. When he was working in Everett, another aspect he liked was the ready access to the highway and a reasonable commute. If one prefers to travel on foot, it’s a five-minute walk to Juanita Beach and a 30-minute walk to downtown Kirkland, Mo Manuchehri says.
Living Color
The architect referred Mo Manuchehri to an interior designer, who came up with several color schemes to consider. The home is very light and private and has many windows that frame the natural scenery outside, which changes not only with the seasons but also throughout the day. The interior color scheme complements the natural landscape features and mutes brightness that might otherwise be overwhelming during the long, sunny days of summer.
A Stand Apart
When asked what sets the home apart from others in its category, Mo Manuchehri took a moment to consider.
“More than anything, it is the craftsmanship,” he says. “The millwork, the finishes, the hardwood floors.”
Everything selected during the 2012–2013 build was high-end, from the California Closets with their lifetime warranty to the stainless appliances. And, of course, it is the unique lot that makes it special.
Empty Nest
As Mo Manuchehri moves into his retirement, he looks forward to downsizing and continuing to spend time with his family and friends. All of his daughters have graduated from college now and are married, and he has one grandchild. What he hopes for whoever lives in this house next is that they will enjoy it as much as he has. It sounds as if he will miss this place, but fortunately, he has another home ready and waiting, just up the road.
To learn more about Firdaus House, visit FirdausHouse.com.
