A Forward-Thining Project in the Center of Seattle
Opening Harry’s Guest House in Seattle’s exciting Capitol Hill area earlier this year was the fulfillment of a lifetime ambition for Jake Santelli and Julian Hagood. This extraordinary property, their debut in the hospitality sector, showcases an ideal fusion of contemporary style and timeless sophistication. This two-suite boutique hotel is the brainchild of Santelli, who has a wealth of experience in aesthetics from his time as Apple’s head of creative and Soho House’s creative director. The result is an environment where modern design meets classic charm.
The Meeting Point of Hospitality and Design
After years of guiding creative teams at some of the most recognizable businesses in the world, Santelli’s impeccable taste and meticulous attention to detail are on full display in the hotel’s style. Featuring Stella McCartney’s psychedelic wallpaper and an incredible collection of old furniture, the interiors showcase a controlled blend of modern and historic features. A reflection of Santelli’s one-of-a-kind talent for artfully fusing the contemporary with the more old-fashioned, the suites give off an air of refined playfulness.
Elevated Cuisine Right in Your Home
The couple’s restaurant, Harry’s Fine Foods, is right next door to Harry’s Guest House so that guests can enjoy delicious room service. Everyone in the neighbourhood loves this restaurant because of its tasty food and friendly service. Because of its proximity, visitors don’t even have to leave their suites to savour the delectable dishes prepared by Chef Hagood, a distinguished alumnus of the Culinary Institute of America.
A Community-Based Passion Project
Passion, tenacity, and a strong bond to the neighbourhood are the threads that run through Harry’s Guest House. Santelli and Hagood were neighbours in 2022 when Winnie, who wanted to be closer to her family, offered to sell them her Dutch Colonial house—but only if they would keep it in its original state. The pair took on the role of general contractors and renovated the old house for a year, turning it into a boutique hotel, all because of this arrangement.
While adding their style to the space, the pair painstakingly maintained the property’s intrinsic allure throughout the makeover. For example, the ground-floor apartment has Winnie’s original writing desk, which is now displayed in a windowed corner where guests are invited to relax and enjoy the space’s rich history. Everything in the hotel, from the furnishings to the preservation of the building’s historic elements, reflects the couple’s dedication to preserving the neighbourhood.
Harmony between Timeless and Modern Styles
With a medley of traditional and modern styles, Harry’s Guest House is an aesthetic delight inside. The Winnie Suite, located on the second floor, is a stunning illustration of this combination of styles. A stunning Heath Ceramics checkerboard shower tile in cocoa and cream adorn the suite, which Hagood aptly calls “Ralph Lauren on acid.” To top off the already sumptuous decor, the room features unique furniture pieces upholstered in textiles created by the New York-based design studio Zak+Fox.
An Expanded Perspective on Hospitality
The Seattle hospitality project that Santelli and Hagood are negotiating for is bigger than Harry’s Guest House. The duo is clearly expanding their vision because of their enthusiasm for delivering excellent guest experiences, but details are still being kept under wraps. Hagood makes the amusing observation that their present property is designed with the needs of those who are “tired of pulling their blinds up with their hands” in mind as their target audience.
An Ideal Home Base for Seattle Adventures
With its convenient Capitol Hill location, Harry’s Guest House is the perfect home base for discovering all that Seattle has to offer in terms of its varied neighbourhoods. The hotel is like staying with friends—cozy, welcoming, and full of character—but with the bonus of a beautifully designed room and an impressive wine collection.
The hotel is conveniently located near several of Seattle’s best restaurants, including the white-tablecloth Canlis, which has been serving guests since the 1950s. If you’re looking for a more daring dining experience, we suggest Surrell in Madison Valley. This omakase restaurant serves a seasonal 10-course meal that pays homage to the flavours of the Pacific Northwest.
Professionally curated retail and cultural events
One must visit the Susan Wheeler Home in Georgetown if they are influenced by the design aspects of Harry’s Guest House. Many of the hotel’s one-of-a-kind furniture came from this store, which has an assortment of antiques and vintage items that any design lover would adore. Glasswing, a Capitol Hill boutique stocking rare Japanese labels and other trendy goods, is another option for guests.
Institutions such as the Henry Art Gallery and the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) contribute to Seattle’s thriving cultural environment by showcasing a diverse array of shows. Local patrons Jon and Kim Shirley contributed sculptures to the Alexander Calder exhibition Calder: In Motion, which is now taking place at SAM. As a unique window into Calder’s partnership with Martha Graham, this exhibition is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
In summary,
Jake Santelli and Julian Hagood’s enthusiasm and imagination shine through at Harry’s Guest House, which goes beyond just a simple motel. The hotel has gone to great lengths to ensure that every one of its guests has an unforgettable experience, from the innovative architecture to the delicious cuisine. Experience the perfect combination of comfort, style, and friendliness at Harry’s Guest House, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or this is your first visit to Seattle.
