The Real Seattle Behind Holly & Oak

Seattle is more than just a backdrop for Holly & Oak, it’s almost a character in itself. The city’s shifting light, historic neighbourhoods, and lush surroundings shaped not only the atmosphere of the story, but the choices my characters made within it.

When I was building the world of Holly & Oak, I drew inspiration from real places; some I’ve walked through, others I’ve spent hours poring over in maps and photos. These places gave the fictional world weight and mood. So if you've ever found yourself wondering, Could this place actually exist? — here are some of the real-world inspirations behind the settings.

Kate’s Apartment – Capitol Hill

In Season One, Kate moves into the apartment where her twin sister, Rowan, lived before her death. It’s a two-storey Greek Revival Colonial-style house that had been converted into four condominiums several years earlier.

Perfectly situated in Capitol Hill on a quiet, tree-lined street, it sits between several other beautiful homes. The apartment features a classic open floorplan with oak hardwood floors, high ceilings, large picture windows, and original pocket doors.

Inspiration: Capitol Hill is a neighbourhood known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets. It is the kind of place where old ghosts could still linger.

Broadway Coffee House – Pike/Pine Corridor

A bright, airy, well-lit bookstore cafe nestled in the Pike/Pine corridor. On one side of the front half ran a long service counter, while wooden tables filled the other. A built-in bench ran along the glass storefront, perfect for people-watching. Several bookshelves filled the back of the store, with even more in the loft above the café.

Inspiration: A blend of beloved Seattle haunts like Elliott Bay Book Company and Ada’s Technical Books — places where caffeine and conversation are both in rich supply.

Ainsley and Agatha’s Apartment – Eastlake

This Eastlake apartment sits right on the Lake Union waterfront, with large windows offering a northwesterly view over the lake and Gas Works Park. The marina is just visible from their unit, which is a practical bonus for Ainsley, who has a boat slip nearby.

Inspiration: The Lake Union area has this perfect blend of city access and peaceful views, with just enough nautical charm to feel like a secret pocket of the city.

Jade & Lace Bar

Bright and airy with a high ceiling, Jade & Lace is all about contrast. Chocolate-brown wooden chairs and bar counters meet white walls and marble tabletops. A striking black-and-white motif, which is reminiscent of Washington D.C.’s Union Station, is softened by splashes of greenery throughout the space. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger, whether you’re out for cocktails or curled up with a book.

Inspiration: Part swanky cocktail lounge, part cozy retreat; just think Capitol Hill meets Art Deco revival.

Eddie’s Apartment – Lower Queen Anne

Eddie’s place is a studio apartment in Lower Queen Anne, with twelve-foot ceilings, exposed historic brick, and oak hardwood floors. Large west-facing windows fill the space with afternoon light and hint at the city just beyond.

Inspiration: Many of the older apartment buildings in Queen Anne have these kinds of quiet, timeless interiors. It is full of texture and hidden stories.

Angharad’s Estate – Issaquah Foothills

On the expansive back deck of the estate, you can hear the creek that winds its way through the manicured acreage. The 1943 Georgian manor house sits tucked between the Squak and Tiger Mountains, bordering Squak Mountain State Park.

Inspiration: This setting was drawn from the real Issaquah Alps, which is where mist lingers in the trees, and everything feels just a little enchanted.

Kate and Erin’s House – Queen Anne Hill

After the end of Book Two, Kate moves in with Erin and Van into a house perched on Queen Anne Hill. While the exterior holds all the charm of a classic 1908 home, its interiors are sharp, clean, and modern. It is a perfect balance between tradition and change.

Inspiration: The Queen Anne neighbourhood is a beautiful mix of old-world elegance and sleek renovation, just like this stage of Kate’s journey.

Cornelius’ Compound – Cedar Park

Cornelius’ four-level home in Cedar Park is expansive, private, and surrounded by natural beauty, but still equipped with all the space and amenities needed to operate behind the scenes. The property includes five bedrooms and various secure spaces across multiple levels.

Inspiration: Cedar Park, nestled in North Seattle, offers that rare combination of wooded seclusion and urban proximity. It is ideal for secrets and strategy.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’ve walked the streets of Seattle or only imagined them through the pages, I hope these places feel as real and textured to you as they do to me. Writing Holly & Oak has deepened my love for this city, both the real and the reimagined. If you’re ever in Seattle, who knows? You might just find yourself turning a corner and stepping straight into the world of Kate, Ainsley, and the rest of the cast.