Camano aerie

Darlene and Ivan Miller’s contemporary home on a cliff above Port Susan captures the essence of Northwest living, down to the eagle that likes to perch on a nearby tree.

Inside, the Camano Island home is open and airy and light. An earth-tone palette and natural materials, including ash floors and a custom steel fireplace, evoke nature. Outside, the overhang above the porch slants upward, shedding the rain and maximizing the view.

The home was designed for energy efficiency inside and out, including a special heating system that draws from the air. The Millers fought to keep every tree possible on the property, and they’ve landscaped with native plants.

Their home includes small touches that make it more livable, including a two-level master bathroom countertop that accommodates Ivan Miller’s 6-foot-4 frame, a raised platform for the washer and dryer that makes it easier to load, and a bench and hooks in the laundry room where Ivan Miller can peel off his shoes and dirty clothes after a run.

The kitchen is open and includes deep drawers, a space-saving solution because the window-lined room doesn’t offer much space for overhead cabinets.

Dan Nelson of Designs Northwest designed the home, and James Hall and Associates built it. The decor is a reflection of the owners.

These world travelers set foot in 57 countries and their home holds artwork, rugs from the Middle East and baskets. They’ve named their home Taksang, meaning Tiger’s nest, after a mountain monastery they visited in Bhutan.

Married 41 years, the Millers plan to stay, sold on the island’s beauty. They’ve seen their share of beautiful places. Ivan Miller worked for the National Park Service, and through the course of his career, the couple has lived in many of America’s national parks, including Denali and Yosemite. The family also lived in Saudi Arabia while Miller helped the country develop its first national park.

Reporter Debra Smith: 425-339-3197 or dsmith@heraldnet.com.