Set 21 miles from Seattle, woodsy Cottage Lake offers large lots, top-rated schools and lakeside recreation in Woodinville wine country. “It has a rural feeling, but without feeling secluded,” says Sydney Groen, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty NCW who’s sold homes in the area for nine years. The wineries and tasting rooms in nearby Woodinville attract tourists to the area, but Cottage Lake remains a close community that gathers for concerts by the lake. People always wave when you drive by,” Groen says. “It’s a big mix of retirees, people still working and families with young kids.” Many of its nearly 23,000 residents work tech jobs in Redmond, Bothell and Bellevue.
Cottage Lake locals can enjoy walking around the vineyards at Chateau Ste. Micelle nearby.
A row of lakeside homes at Cottage Lake, in the namesake neighborhood in Woodinville.
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Craftsman-style new traditional homes on spacious lots
Cottage Lake's median home sale price is around $1.5 million, compared to Woodinville's $1.4 million and the nation's roughly $410,000. Homes here sell faster than average, typically lasting only 17 days on the market.
Cottage Lake's winding roads and wooded lots give the homes here a sense of rural seclusion, though some neighborhoods, like English Hill, have a more suburban character. "The neighborhoods have a lot of cul-de-sacs and dead-end roads, so there's not a lot of through traffic or traffic noise," Groen says. Home styles here range widely, but most common are late 20th-century Craftsman-inspired new traditionals and Northwest Contemporary split-levels. "Homes are all on pretty large lots with big backyards and privacy between neighbors," Groen says. Farmhouse-style townhouses are being built in the Tourist District.
Lakeside homes in Cottage Lake, feature large size lots with private lake access.
There are beautiful estate homes in the heart of Cottage Lake.
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Boating and summer camps at Cottage Lake Park
The 63-acre Cottage Lake lends its name to the community and is a big part of residents’ lives. The 22-acre Cottage Lake Park on the northern shore is a central gathering place, hosting YMCA summer camps and the free outdoor Music in the Park concert series. “The summer concerts are really popular,” Groen says. “Everybody plans their schedules around them.” With summer highs in the 70s, locals spend a lot of time boating and fishing on the lake. Swimming is allowed, but toxic algae and high phosphorous levels drive many to swim in Cottage Lake Park’s pool instead. The Friends of Cottage Lake community organization works with King County to research water treatments and improve the state of the lake. Cyclists, hikers and equestrians can explore the 12-mile Tolt Pipeline Trail and the 10-mile Sammamish River Trail, and the Bear Creek Country Club offers members-only golf. During Cottage Lake’s rainy winters, locals can head to the indoor tennis and pickleball courts at Woodinville Sports Club.
Cottage Lake locals enjoying a sunny, autumn day at the shores of Cottage Lake Park.
Cottage Lake locals can enjoy a day hiking at Gold Creek County Park.
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Top-ranked teachers in the Northshore School District
Most local kids are zoned for schools in the Northshore School District, which earns an A-plus from Niche and is ranked No. 1 for having the best teachers in the state. “The Northshore School District is one of the most sought-after in the area,” Groen says. At the A-plus-rated Woodinville High, kids can join the Running Start program, which lets them take free courses at local colleges. The A-plus-rated Overlake School, a nearby private school for Grades 5 through 12, is ranked by Niche as Washington’s No. 1 private school.
Timbercrest Middle School in Cottage Lake is one of the highest rated schools in the state.
Cottage Lake students
attend Woodinville High, a highly rated school in the area.
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Live music and wine tastings in the Tourist District
Nearby, Woodinville is known for its wineries and tasting rooms, and several of the city’s most popular are in and near the Tourist District neighborhood. Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery is a highlight, offering tastings and summer concerts at its French-inspired estate. Woodinville’s town center offers more restaurants and tasting rooms, plus grocery stores and national retailers. For quicker errands, Safeway and Walgreens are on Woodinville Duvall Road.
A couple of tourists snapping photos outside shops in Wine Alley in Cottage Lake.
Cottage Lake families have easy access to grocery shopping throughout the neighborhood.
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A 6-mile drive to Redmond
Avondale Road leads 6 miles to Redmond, 14 miles to Bellevue and 21 miles to Seattle. State Route 522 and Interstate 405 are about 4 miles away. Sound Transit’s bus offers routes to Seattle from the Woodinville Park and Ride. With no bike lanes and sidewalks, residents here rely on their cars to get around. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 30 miles away. For healthcare, EvergreenHealth Medical Center Kirkland is a 7-mile trip.
Decreased crime rates in Woodinville
According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, violent and property crime rates in the Woodinville area, which includes Cottage Lake, decreased between 2022 and 2023. The Woodinville Police Department partners with the King County Sheriff’s Office for additional support.
Additional writing contributed by Micaela Green.
Written By
Annie Franklin
Photography Contributed By
Howard Snyder
Video By
Taylor Gilbert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Russ Oja,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Exceptional custom Woodinville residence in the coveted Hollywood Hill community. This immaculate home has been completely rebuilt from the foundation up in 2025 offering sophisticated fixtures & luxury finishes. Large picture windows provide for a sundrenched interior designed for entertaining. Curated floorplan boasts great room w/dedicated living & dining areas, open concept chef’s kitchen
Stunning Retreat on a Shy Acre Step into elegance with this beautifully updated 4-bedroom home featuring a den and spacious bonus room. A dramatic grand entry with soaring ceilings welcomes you into the formal living and dining areas, perfect for entertaining. The chef’s kit boasts slab granite countertops, stainless appliances, double ovens, rich cabinetry, and gleaming hardwoods, all
Discover the River Run Townhomes at Harvest in Woodinville, where luxury meets tranquility. These stunning 3,000 square-foot homes offer four bedrooms & four bathrooms, with a private elevator for effortless access throughout the entire unit. Enjoy breathtaking views of the lavender fields, Chateau Ste. Michelle, & Mt. Rainier from your spacious deck located off the fourth floor bonus room & wet
Exquisite, Elegant & Stunning Gregerson Built Custom on 10 private acres with classic Cascade & Valley views. Picturesque wooded lane takes you to a Security gate that opens to a dramatic vista of home, setting and view. Classic & Exquisite speaks to the rich decor of this EZ living Rambler with sumptuous primary wing. Main floor built for entertaining with grand dining room, great room with
NEW PRICE + $10K BUYER CREDIT! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to own or invest in this beautifully maintained, original-owner home with no HOA in the Lake Washington School District. This single-level 3-bed/2-bath gem sits on private 1⁄2-acre lot, offering rare space, privacy & convenience minutes from Redmond & Woodinville shopping, dining & commuter routes. Bright open living spaces
A private, park-like sanctuary on 1.68-acre corner lot with RV parking & no HOA. Inside: New plush carpet throughout, 4 bedrooms plus an office. The remodeled chef’s kitchen features cherry cabinetry & granite counters. Retreat to the spa-style primary with soaking tub, dual rainfall shower, & quartz vanity. Finishes include slate floors, solid wood doors, smart-home tech, & full security.
Experience the luxury of Woodin Creek Village Apartment Homes in Woodinville, WA.Choose from well-designed studio, 1, and 2-bedroom pet-friendly apartments. Each home boasts tall ceilings, large windows, granite countertops, and a complete appliance package. Enjoy additional comforts like roomy closets, in-unit laundry, a fireplace, and high-end bathroom features. Youll also have a private patio
Fantastic home in English Hill. Hardwood floors & of natural light welcome you when you enter the Grand foyer. Kitchen w/granite counters & stainless appliances to living room & family both w/cozy wood burning brick fireplaces. Dining room w/ample cabinet space, an office, nice sized pantry in the kitchen & a wet bar in family room. Primary suite w/coffered ceiling, large walk-in closet+bath. 2
Though the eye-catching homes may initially attract people to live in English Hill, the numerous nearby amenities and close-knit community will make them want to stay for a lifetime. Angela Nebeker, Broker with John L. Scott Real Estate, says, “Everybody’s very communal,” adding that community members are a “big mix of different people from different places and different generations, all keeping an eye on each other and taking care of each other.”<br><br>The streetscape of the community adds to the communal feel, with roads that often end in cul-de-sacs, providing the perfect place for neighbors to meet for a quick chat or children to play tag without the fear of through traffic. The vast majority of properties for sale throughout English Hill are single-family homes that are usually priced from $1 million up to $1.9 million. Though most of the houses were built from the 1980s into the 90s, homes are still in turnkey condition, with a broad array of house styles ranging from homes with brick accents, Craftsman-style properties with wide windows that let in plenty of natural sunlight to luxury homes that sit on close to acre of land.<br><br>Children growing up in English Hill will likely undergo their academic journey in public schools in the Northshore School District, home to many highly rated institutions. Students will likely start out as a Sunrise Elementary School Eagle before attending Timbercrest Junior High School afterward, both A rated schools according to Niche. Timbercrest Junior High offers various sports and extracurricular activities for its students, ranging from Co-ed track and field to the National Junior Honor Society. Woodinville High School has a 9/10 rating from GreatSchools, boasting an almost perfect graduation rate in the 2021-2022 school year.<br><br>If you want to get outside for some fresh air, you can take a leisurely walk or morning jog along the English Hill trail that runs through the center of the neighborhood. Residents are also just under 4 miles from the expansive 40-acre Hartman Park and 6 miles from the Redmond Watershed Preserve. If you want to spend your day by the water, Cottage Lake Park is only 5 miles away, offering walking trails for a scenic nature walk, a play area for children, and access to Cottage Lake if you want to go swimming or kayaking.<br><br>Residents in English Hill are close to many of the shops and eateries throughout Woodinville, including the many wineries and markets in the Hollywood District. Downtown Redmond is also just a short ways away, meaning residents are less than 5 miles from getting some retail therapy at the Redmond Town Center or Bear Creek Village shopping center. A quick drive down Northeast 124th Street gives you quick access to more amenities throughout Kirkland.<br><br>With an abundance of homes with great curb appeal in a quiet, residential streetscape, it’s easy to see why residents love to call English Hill home.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Cottage Lake Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
21,162
Median Age
45
Population under 18
23.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$201,649
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$213,628
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
65.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
72°F
Annual Snowfall
12''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
34/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
19/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
