When 1970’s hitmaker Steve Miller first listed his Washington State retreat in 2014, the property was asking $20 million; fast forwarding to the spring of 2019 finds it sold, but only for $8.5 million. That’s a huge price reduction, even if it did come by degrees over half a decade; the initial ask, then, was as much a fantasy as the estate itself.

The house is framed by a spectacular location, which partially explains the lengthy time on market. It’s set on nearly 40 acres overlooking scenic Friday Harbor; a dream once arrived at by float plane or yacht.

The remote locale is essential to the home’s living style. The mansion-sized, barn-inspired two-story post-and-beam home rambles marvelously, with wide-open, clear fir lined shared living spaces, stone accents (including a splendid fireplace in the main living area), and open-trussed ceilings. One look at the living room will tell you that the acoustics are superb; the jams that went on here must’ve been legendary. The recording studio in the basement was presumably put to good use.

And that communal spirit seems to largely occupy the home. With only three bedrooms in 11,700 square feet (and one of them, presumably, set up as staff quarters), it’s designed for gatherings. The exterior features a large stone terrace, and the home’s barn doors opening broadly, freely offering seamless transition.

The property’s acreage includes hiking trails, a meditation garden, and eight additional buildings, including a caretaker’s cottage.

For those interested, Miller has another semi-wild multi-million-dollar retreat for sale; $13 million will take the musician’s estate in Ketchum, Idaho…and better the delirious pop ‘Joker’ association than the tragic literate ‘Papa’ one.

Steve Miller—and his Band—are currently touring in the Eastern part of the United States.