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.
On *faircompanies: faircompanies....

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

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

[@robinprice6879]

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

[@kimberlykay1495]

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

[@AnotherBadyoga]

I saw your comment - - and that it was 11 months old - - hope you have applied to architect school by now.

[@matheusmedina3263]

never too late, go for it!!

[@lisagamble6503]

@kimberlykay1495 talk to architects first, especially the graduates and assistants and find out about their day to day week existence. The creative world can be intensely brutal.

[@TWROC96]

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.

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

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

[@fishermann1102]

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

[@idorski9979]

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

[@pattin4015]

This is another awesome tour! This man is thoroughly in his flow as he explains the material, architecture and processes...all demonstrating his love for creating. Loved that circular window, lighting and materials throughout! So cool.

[@iteerrex8166]

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.

[@michaellukaniuk5074]

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.

[@canyonhaverfield2201]

Michael - for all the un- indoctrinated , the term ' one of your best' certainly falls into a huge film archive. So for the newbe's, understand Fair Company translated = a vast archive containing a winters time worth of equally beautiful build tours🎈

[@rachierich8015]

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!👍🏻

[@genomedia44]

Love Jeffrey's energy, it shines through his work so beautifully too!

[@giseleaubin148]

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!

[@jeroberts7228]

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.

[@maryperrysmith5815]

Wow. He’s created a awesome place I absolutely love it

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

I love the organic nature of this home, that can only happen over time, and if the homeowners are willing to built large parts of it themselves. Then you can find something this unique and beautiful, and no matter how many angles the house has, it feels soft around the edges.🐝🤗❤️

[@janinafisher101]

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... ahhhhh....

[@icytoe]

love the passion in Jeffrey's presentation, his place is lovely

[@erinlea9229]

I absolutely adore this eclectic artwork of a home every detail he created. I would love to spend a weekend reading books eating and walking through all of the greenery.

[@Laura-wn2yy]

Such an enthusiastic host! His house is such a labor of love.

[@emilyeah]

Incredible home. This man reminded me of my father, this warmed my heart ty

[@melmccall4850]

What a joy he projects in his creation xxx

[@carolewarner101]

Wow, what a creative endeavor. Absolutely enchanting!

[@daanh8194]

just... wow!! an architect who designs an organic feeling home, that oozes love and colour and 'chaos' and nature... wild!! love that place!!

[@keithusace4352]

Really enjoyed this as the wife and I have been doing the same thing with a 3 car garage for the last twelve years. When I think I am about done she comes up with more to do

[@lizdg3892]

Really shows what can be done with proper forethought. Nice esthetically pleasing to the eye.

[@onelovemon1784]

A home and gardens that I'd want to work on and maintain and enjoy every day. It'd be a pleasure to come home there. Beautiful. The corner window is fabulous, an incredible design. That concept is brilliant. Jaw dropping room after room.

[@moxielouise]

I want to be snowed in, enjoy a cook out and hang out with this guy and talk arch for hours

[@SuperClare]

That is one very cool dude. The joy he has throughout the beautiful home he built is contiguous! 😍😍😍😍😍

[@marciagrant6687]

Wow! This house has so many intriguing nooks and crannies.

[@wprivera]

"Cinderblocks and phone books"... Love that!

[@tiogoala7654]

Fascinating individual, love the salvaging of materials. Great stuff that has been reused to look amazing. Thanks Kristen.

[@debbieschmidt2264]

You are absolutely brilliant. Such a beautiful and peaceful environment. I wish I had your vision. Absolute paradise.

[@albertptran]

Love the round window and coziness of this place

[@rubberbiscuit99]

The outdoor spaces are so appealing.

[@justmaria5806]

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.

[@richardbunt2278]

I like the lampshades and the wood the house

[@faithwalker5196]

I like how he said, “I don’t need all the space but I like to build it.” That’s sort of like how some people like to cook or sew or do some sort of craft, but they don’t need everything they produce, so they sell it. This guy’s hobby is making living spaces!

[@midoann]

Wow! I’m learning so much from this architect, excellent video 👍🙏🇯🇵

[@mrvisual2482]

You gotta love that guy

[@RazzTheKing]

It's a beautiful house, one to live in.

[@hephzibahbradshaw9509]

Organic and humane. BEAUTIFUL. THANKS FOR SHARING.

[@stayhappylittlemermaid]

Remember that your greatest Talent, is so much more powerful than your biggest Fear.

[@sarahburton3110]

Great quote 🤘🏻

[@lindabaker1265]

This was a wonderful tour, love how they reused items and created their own joy along the way

[@tlockerk]

Great video! I raised my daughter in a house like this...ours had pressed cardboard covered with film SEWER line. Used during WWII because there was a copper/metal shortage. Lots of crazy stuff.

[@caritasetamor]

Thank you for blessing us with your amazing gifts of story-telling and videography. I learn so much from each of your videos.

[@melanierosalez6989]

Thank you for the well made video that gives in depth views of all the spaces of this property. It helps with the craving of seeing such a fascinating place and wishes I could slowly explore it in person.

[@liselottnelson5479]

In my humble opinion this is by far the best house you guys have covered. Good job

[@greeneileen]

I am astonished. This is an emperor-has-no-clothes situation for me. I appreciate the tour but think the site is a nightmare.

[@marissameza1787]

So impressed with every detail!! ❤

[@fimuseum]

I want to move in now. What a fantastic space ! It looks so warm and friendly !

[@josephrileyosullivan]

What a great idea

[@bharatpremi5885]

Awesome! This house must be documented properly and allow the young architects for their research project :)...

[@magX6546]

Of all your wonderful videos, I think this is my all-time favorite. Such an interesting and thoughtful design.

[@kristylynn1329]

Beautiful! Thank you ❤️

[@GunDogSlim]

What an amazing architect

[@mondavou9408]

That space make me happy. Bravo.

[@kennethlodwig4024]

I'm living that life project right now. Worth it in the long run.

[@frankvolz7021]

I love this eclectic mix of repurposed items that gives this unique home a wabi sabi zen feel. Hard to believe this home is in the heart of Seattle ! Fantastic

[@tas655]

This man woke up and choose violence. 😂 it chaotic, not so disabled friendly physically , claustrophobic yet I can’t stop watching my body is itchy yet I can’t stop 😂, it defo reminds me out a compound in Nigeria

[@4himsanctified]

This blows me away

[@debajyotirakshit2174]

This was very "enlightening" in terms of architectural versatility...and organic building...as well as incorporating indoor-outdoor living space...and a lot more ❗ Very very educational videos for the like minded... Thanks to both of you so so much , just keep it up friends...❗👍👍

[@myYouTube1travel]

pretty nice to be able to get city petmits for all your property dreams.

[@australiantruckspotting8883]

That is an incredible place, I particularly like the yard

[@mariamarshall6116]

Thank you for visiting Seattle Kirsten.

[@duviaguilar6473]

I have not stop watching this video I have not put pause on it I watching this handsome man he’s so good looking and he lives close to me ha ha ha

[@juliejenkins2376]

This place is spectacular. I reckon you could've spent another good filming as it feels like even though we saw so much, we also missed so much. You did well to fit in as much as you did with the amount of time you had. Especially given that old mate was all over the place, wanting to show you everything at once! This guy is such an inspiration and as much as I'd enjoy everything he builds, it would come at a cost. Mainly because I think he'd be a nightmare to live with, especially until he got his newest ideas out of his head and into a structure!

[@creolelady182]

Love this design

[@debramcdonald2516]

Wow. What great spaces.

[@leanne7306]

Very nice build

[@sebastienh1100]

👍 nice

[@aniokay]

He reminds me so much of myself. I'm very happy to see that 😁

[@I.can.do.8]

This is beautiful! What a great job!

[@nicolepedley8352]

Buddy...you seem insecure about how much you added to the lot.... You should just be PROUD! Own it man! That is beautiful.... to hell with haters....they are prob just jealous.... rock on man so cool

[@LisaLisathebeast]

LOVE his visions and boldness to build such a unique property. Man can I hire you for mine lol. Not in Washington but Ohio state.

[@oldethymesfarm62]

WOW ...just... WOW!! ❣

[@AnnaBell033]

This building is WILD in the best way possible!

[@juanitaarbelo5409]

What a beautiful home❣

[@buzzkincaid5521]

What a good ,creative,innovative,world this ‘can do’ man did!

[@jadymedeiros1197]

No Brasil isso chama puxadinho! Algum BR aqui acompanhando esse canal? 💚💛

[@rosedasilva3716]

Eu pensei exatamente isto , jeitinho brasileiro sempre da certo . Ha ha

[@carolz5090]

I’m just stunned. I’m not sure I can find the right words. His boundless creativity and taste is just staggering. To say that I would love to live in any of these spaces feels like a massive understatement. To be that hands on with materials and building must really inform/enhance his designs for other structures in his body of work. Kirsten, if he has any other buildings he’s able to share with us I’d love to see it.

[@maurawhelan3530]

Excellent segment. Great house and host

[@kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126]

I absolutely love this home!! To me it is like a Frank Lloyd Right inspired maze home. It is like going on a journey through his architectural mind. Each space is its own thing but they all flow together. Absolutely beautiful home!! Cheers

[@sandraslate7043]

Thanks, Dad!🙂

[@CZSayre]

Beautiful. Love this one.

[@TH-eb5ro]

The round window looks like the table tops I used to find a Pier One.

[@bluenorthnw]

Nice to see him cook with Finex cast iron!

[@MehranGhamaty]

Ultra cool living situation.

[@thims1961]

Love his midcentury modern arm chairs

[@asktheanimals]

Gorgeous! I wonder what neighborhood this is in.

[@RoseBudSavona]

So Inspiring♥️♥️♥️

[@jonj4419]

Reminded me of Eames home. Functional - Beautiful.

[@chabridgettumusiime8994]

Lovely 🌹🌹🌹 congratulations 🎉🥳🎉🥳 on building with your mind , a story about your interests , building skills, energy, designs ...I love the Japanese sliding doors, they are so creative ! The blue color paint in your bedroom is so cool n beautiful 🥰 the way you talk of privacy fencing n separating spaces is lovely 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 use of materials like the marble on the table ! Only the lighting is some areas is darker

[@kazmibajuri]

He loves his house

[@cherylcook1942]

I'm building a " lousy shed" right now. So many ideas, so many screen shots. I've already been to habitat for humanity twice. .. oh budget. Oddly enough we also have a " garage" in the house, and attic ladders, and cement floors that I detest. We'd get wild and crazy, but we're flying under the permits radar. But... 20 acres with no neighbors, I'll be adding onto the tree house next.

[@martymaloney1032]

Love it!

[@stacyhackney6100]

Lovely

[@PlanetEarth3141]

This guy's habitat is a picture of his personality and a wandering experimental soul. As that it's fine and creative for him. But I find it cluttered and confining. He's the guy that has to fill every spot, stuff the box. A cluttered mind. If I owned his property I'd feel strangled. If I did a project it would be more like making a forest into an open natural living area, a spot you live in with few walls and ceilings, airy places where rock cools and caved areas harbor stable temperatures. A fancy camp.

[@erickhian]

Nice

[@DougDennis]

Cool place. i want that tea pot 👀

[@elizabethgarcia-fc1zq]

I so enjoyed this!

[@sho0oka]

Wanted the video to last forever