Home of the Snarkmaiden

With rare exceptions, I dislike new construction. I also don't want to live in a monoculture car-commuter suburb ever again if I can possibly help it. And being 1/2 hour outside of Seattle at off-peak times is precisely what I'm complaining about -- we really want to spend less time in our car(s), not more. So I don't think your choices would work for us. In fact, looking at the pictures, I find your old house much more the sort of thing I would look for than the new. Chacun a son gout and all that.