When the lights are on inside a Northwest contemporary dwelling overlooking Oregon's north-central coast, the glass walls illuminate like a transparent jewelry box.
And from the elevated Neskowin property, there's a view of Proposal Rock.
That's all fitting since the house, a careful creation of wood, stone and space perched gracefully on a "romantic knoll, represents a true love story," said Amanda Graves of Kiwanda Coastal Properties, who has listed the property for sale.
Asking price for the residence, built in 1998 on a quarter-acre lot at 4205 Knoll Terrace: $1,990,000.
The rugged shoreline lured landowner and architect Michael McCulloch to the scenic spot and inspired him "to create a home for his future life partner that he had yet to meet," Graves told The Oregonian/OregonLive.
McCulloch relied on the surrounding Sitka spruce trees for privacy and glass-walled architecture and vistas to step away from urban life. "During the final stages of construction, he met his future wife," said Graves.
McCulloch's design, executed by builder Nick Dusic, showcases the elegance of restraint, "allowing nature to take center stage," said Graves.
She spoke of subtle details of where stone meets wood, and the property's coveted views of natural landmarks Cascade Head and Cape Kiwanda headlands, and Haystack Rock and Cape Lookout wading in the Pacific Ocean.
The exterior has durable stone, clear cedar siding and copper. The reddish brown architectural metal is also on display inside the two-story house. The kitchen has a copper backsplash and a marble topped island on a gnarled maple base. And the staircase has solid copper railings resembling a branch with vines crafted by Darryl Nelson.
Two suites are on the lower level, integrated into the sloping lot. There is an additional bedroom among 2,468 square feet of living space.
A basalt fireplace wall rises to the vaulted ceiling in the living room, and the kiln-dried columns are fastened with through bolts.
"A symphony of light plays across the spaces, a carefully curated series of moods that shift with the day's rhythm," according to the real estate description.