Legendary Deer Valley Resort Developer’s Private San Juan Island Estate Heads to Auction

14-Acre Waterfront Estate and Expansive Ocean Views to Sell without Reserve

Creator and former owner of the acclaimed Deer Valley Resort Edgar Stern’s private estate will be offered at auction by Elite Auctions on August 4, selling to the highest bidder without reserve. Located at 723 Carefree Way, the 14-acre west-facing estate is one of the San Juan Islands' most remarkable waterfront properties, with 967 feet of shoreline and unobstructed views over Haro Strait, where orcas and bald eagles are frequent visitors. The property is currently listed at $4,995,000.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250722020792/en/

This meticulously crafted waterfront estate on San Juan Island spans 14 acres with unobstructed water views over Haro Strait, where orcas and bald eagles are frequent visitors. This luxurious estate heads to auction on August 4.

The Sterns spent several years thoughtfully designing and building their final masterpiece. Designed by renowned mountain architect David Finholm, the estate features materials and craftsmanship impossible to replicate today. The home is crafted with a combination of natural wood and stone, designed to seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings and stand the test of time. Hand-selected knot-free Virgin Fir from 80–120-year-old trees, 10-inch Burmese Teak flooring, Western Cedar siding, and thousands of feet of copper railings were all chosen for their ability to endure sea air and salt spray. Replacement costs are estimated at above $15 million.

The 9,978-square-foot main residence offers five bedrooms, seven and a half bathrooms, a guest apartment with its own private entrance, a gourmet kitchen, a five-car garage, and a media room. It is anchored into bedrock by reinforced concrete pilings and appears to float above the natural rock formations. Stone pathways, lush gardens, and ocean-view seating areas surround the home.

Additional property highlights:

• 2,209 sq. ft. two-bedroom, two-bathroom guest house
• 4,589 sq. ft. of additional service buildings
• 3,200 sq. ft. of covered patios and decks
• Whale watching deck with regular orca and eagle sightings
• West-facing orientation for spectacular sunsets
• Cigar gazebo with panoramic water views
• Over 1,400 trees on property

"This property represents the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to creating extraordinary experiences," said Elite Auctions CEO Randy Haddaway. “Stern’s devotion to quality and craftsmanship is on full display in this breathtaking home—where every room captures ocean views and timeless design.”

Prime San Juan Island Location

Just minutes from Friday Harbor’s charming shops, restaurants, and private airport (FRD), the estate offers convenient access by ferry, yacht, or private plane. Roche Harbor is nearby for boat moorage. San Juan Island’s unique microclimate—receiving just half the rainfall of Seattle—makes it a prized Pacific Northwest retreat.

Auction Details

Open houses will take place every Saturday and Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and daily from Sunday July 27 to Sunday, August 3. Public, agents and bidders welcome. The auction will take place at Seattle Tennis Club, 922 McGilvra Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, on Monday, August 4, at 11 a.m. P.T., without reserve. Remote bids will be accepted. Elite Auctions is heading up the auction, with Lisa Turnure and Lisa Brooks of Coldwell Banker Realty holding the listing. To schedule a private preview visit EliteAuctions.com, or call 844.94-ELITE.

About Elite Auctions

Elite Auctions is a premier luxury real estate and yacht auction firm with a proven track record, having marketed over $1.5 billion in high-end assets since 2012. Veteran-owned and trusted by non-distressed sellers, the company offers innovative auction marketing strategies and boasts one of the industry’s highest list-to-sell ratios. Elite works seamlessly with listing agents to accelerate luxury property sales. Backed by a global network of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth buyers, Elite consistently delivers exceptional results. EliteAuctions.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250722020792/en/

"The Stern estate's natural building materials, expansive grounds, ocean views from every room, and ideal location make it a prized Pacific Northwest retreat," said Elite Auctions CEO Randy Haddaway.