Marrowstone Island, Estate of the Day

If Howard Hughes had known about this place, without a doubt, the recluse-loving billionaire would have put in a bid.
The property sits on Marrowstone island -- an island located off Seattle that's populated by a chosen few (a mere 837 people according to the 2000 Census). The compound, known as Morning Tide by the Sea, has come on the market for the first time in more than 25 years at a listing price of $7,796,000. The 6,000-square-foot home has 825 feet of beach front on Admiralty Inlet and sits on 112 pristine acres.

This is a second home for its owners, who are a bit on the reclusive side themselves but are said to have been early investors in Starbucks. They certainly made sure all their favorite amenities were included: They installed an 18-hole golf course on 82 acres (it follows the shape of the island and is modeled after famed Scottish courses), a writer's studio, a 2,500 square foot greenhouse in which they produce magnificent flower baskets from Barclay's seeds, and a horse barn with four stalls. There is also a frame guest house with a recording booth. The property is sited on rolling lawns on the bluff side and has sea views to Mt. Rainer.

The four bedroom, four-bath main residence, evocative of East Coast cottages, blends antique tiles, Tiffany glass work, and a master wing with a fire place and glass dome, according to the listing.

The island itself is reachable by ferry and a bridge from Indian Island. There is one market, the Nordland General Store, which if you blink, you may drive right past it. The island was plotted in 1889, and settled by families newly immigrated from Norway who saw its similarities to the Norwegian fjords. Many of the descendants of the original families still live on the island.

Suzanne Charnos of Windermere Realty in Seattle is the listing agent.