Just behind Jesuit lies a lovely neighborhood with many fine mid-century homes ranging in value from entry level to well over a million dollars. This home fits into the former category, all one level with three bedrooms- one with a master and a great room economically placed within 1600 sq ft. The great room with it's updated kitchen enjoys a view of a small private backyard. $349,000
Bridlemile
In a cul-de-sac of newer homes off a Dosch road, lies this large 1980's home on over a third of an acre. Though often I'm not a fan of this era, this home was made by an exceptional builder and the feeling of quality is noticeable throughout it's 3,400 sq ft. There are three family areas- a formal living room, a great room off the kitchen and another large family/media room upstairs. The ceilings are high enough to feel substantial, but without the huge vaulted areas that often seem like a waste of space. The kitchen is truly set up for cooking with a great range and double ovens. Best of all, it looks onto the substantial back yard with it's large slate patio, a fire pit complete with glass embers and a barbeque area. In the summer, this could easily be the fourth family room. $670,000
Alphabet District
This is an unusual work/live space that actually works- there are more than a few live/work spaces that unfortunately have the home's kitchen in the work space. This town home on NW Thurman, has two entrances- one for the business at over 900 sq ft, and another for the residence. The business has an ADA compliant bathroom. With three floors, one can work on the lower level and take your personal elevator up to the upper level kitchen in seconds. From the kitchen, one can view the spacious great room and it's hard to imagine you are just a block or two from St. Honore Bakery- it feels like you could be in any newer suburban home. The town homes have CC&R's but there is no HOA fee- you own the real estate the home sits on. A two car garage can be entered from a private alley on the backside of the lot. $1,100,000
Hillsdale
This is the builders own architect designed home, and definitely my favorite of the tour this week. I am quite particular about newer homes, but this architect designed home exceeded my expectations. The main living level is actually on the upper floor, and once you are there you will see why. Commanding westerly valley views run the length of the upstairs and can also be viewed from the balcony. The great room floor plan was large and graceful and the kitchen finishes were lovely with maple cabinetry. There is 2100 sq ft just on this floor. The master also lives on this level with radiant heated floors in the bath. Downstairs holds two more bedrooms and a family room/media room. Ceilings are high on both floors, and the lower floors have distinctive large wood windows. While some people may opt for another bedroom, or perhaps more yard, this house has a great feeling and is a home one can be proud of. Motivated sellers at $949,000
Kings Heights
Kings Heights lies on the hill overlooking the Alphabet District, and holds a wide range of styles. This traditional home has an updated kitchen and an inviting sunroom with views on the main and three bedrooms up, including a master bath. The downstairs holds a spacious family room and office. There is actually some fairly level yard space, quite the valuable real estate in this neighborhood. It may be a little high at $1,075,000
Affordable Pearl
This is the perfect little pad in the pearl for a student, first time home buyer or someone that wants a little pied-a-terre in Portland. In the Riverstone Condominiums, this 617 square foot condo looks onto a lovely treed courtyard from it's own balcony. It's perfectly appointed with a gas range, washer/dryer, deeded parking space and secure entry. The well lit living room also has a cozy fireplace. Just across the street from Jamieson Park, it's a good value at $259,000
Restaurant Row
The Sunrose Condominiums are a late arrival to the condo scene, but they couldn't have picked a hipper neighborhood on the east side. Continuing the recent tradition in contemporary architecture, there are 32 flats and most come with a much needed parking space and storage. A very few have access to their own private 500 square foot patios. Finishes are modest but nice, with upgrades available for Caesarstone kitchen counters and islands, and a washer/dryer in every unit. Best of all, you will not go hungry with access to some great east side restaurants including Navarre and Ken's Artisan Pizza. If you must cook, there's a Whole Foods across the street. $250,000-$510,000
Portland Heights
You couldn't find a prettier street in Portland Heights where this home lives, or better curbside appeal than this elegant Tudor style home. The living room with it's open beamed vaulted ceiling is quite inviting, as well as the updated kitchen and baths. A charming brick patio and garden would be a favorite summer dinner spot. The floor plan won't suit everyone with just two bedrooms up, but aren't we supposed to be downsizing? $675,000
Raleigh Park
This home is begging for someone to do something great with it. Built in the 1940's, it has great space with over 1500 sq ft on the main with those sought after three bedrooms together and a total of three full baths. The downstairs has a wonderful family room and bonus with some good light in this daylight ranch. The rooms are rather cut up, the hardwoods are thrashed, and the home needs updating- but it's also on over half an acre on a sunny lot. Any gardeners out there? Also, it's on one of the quieter streets in the Raleigh Park neighborhood and close to the park- not that you need one with this yard. Listed somewhat high. Shall we negotiate a better price? $459,000
Multnomah Village
The location is the driving force for this home, where you can walk into Multnomah Village and all it's interesting shops including the wonderful Annie Blooms bookstore. Perfect for a starter home with pergo floors, three bedrooms and two full baths. A little road noise, but a lot of space for the money. $299,000
Dunthorpe Estate
This 1920's estate on one of Dunthorpe's best streets feels as much like a castle as a home. With four fireplaces and 8,000 plus square feet the only thing that feels more expansive is the lot- which is four acres. Truly unique, and set in the exclusive Dunthorpe neighborhood, this home is currently one of the premier listings in Portland. $8,750,000
Greenhills
Every now and then I see a home that really feels like an estate. This home fits that bill. In an exclusive area known as Greenhills, between Portland Heights and Sylvan Heights, sits this lovely traditional on almost three acres. It's still amazing to me that one can own three acres of land and be in downtown Portland in 10-15 minutes. Though the facade is traditional, the current owners have put in extremely tasteful yet updated finishes in the kitchen, and bathrooms creating a gentle meld between old and new. One particular area that will appeal to many is the kitchen which mixes stainless and marble countertops, and opens to a great room which currently holds a media center and pool table. Through virtually every door and window one appreciates the private views of lawn and graceful trees. With over 5,000 sq. ft. the home itself feels substantial without being overwhelming or in poor taste. Perhaps a bit overpriced $2,975,000
Cedar Hills
This is a good opportunity in Cedar Hills, a neighborhood with proximity to downtown, high-tech and Nike. This home is definitely a cosmetic fixer with it's worn hardwoods and not the best vintage kitchen and baths. Apparently the owner put their money in the non-sexy items- new roof, copper plumbing and furnace with A/C. It does has many of the things I look for in a home: a) location:quiet street with sidewalks, good curbside appeal, and close to a park, b) floor plan: the sought after three bedrooms upstairs, with a master bathroom- plus a great room with the kitchen open to the living room c) family room: (downstairs) d. yard and deck: offering access to the outdoors on two levels. Just reduced to $324,900 and even better if they would entertain a lower offer...
Mt. Vernon Village
Just listed in my office, this condo is livable yet affordable. I can really see some young designers for Nike easily living here until their family gets too big. Feeling more like a home than a condo, and over 1000 sq ft, this one level unit can definitely use those same designers eye for updating, but it would be easy to take advantage of the current light filled footprint and the HOA's are affordable at $245 a month. Well priced at $150,000
Colonial Heights
Just south of Hawthorne, this home is a great entry into the neighborhood. Though it's scale is small, it has about everything a smaller family could need- including off street parking and a garage that's been converted to a studio. The basement could give some more living space if properly finished but the second bath is already there. A lovely little garden awaits out back and Grand Central bread is a minute away. $391,000
Inner Beauty
This Buckman home sits well behaved like it's other neighbors on the street, but I chose to see it based on the interior photographs. It really opens up what one can do, decor wise, in a vintage home. Nothing has been altered so much to keep it from going traditional, it has most of the original fir floors- but the main feels loft like and the owner has apparently done some amazing travels, amassing collectibles from the middle east and beyond. It's been featured in Oregon Home Magazine. Take a look by clicking on the photo. Priced high at $765,000
Classic Portland in Irvington
This home has what most Portlanders look for in a vintage home- an open feel. We just can't help it- people want a great room feeling today no matter what the era of the home (though I will not give up my separate dining room). Filled with light, this home could go fast- three bedrooms together on the second floor- and a rare master bath as well as a hall bath. The attic actually has great headroom and is staged with a cute twin bed on either side- just the right amount of distance for quarelling children. Though NE 21st is a somewhat busy street, it is lined with other even more stately homes. $679,000
Garden Bliss
This Irvington area home has been on several garden tours and must be difficult for the sellers to leave. Who will keep the slugs off the hostas? Who will properly divide the bulbs? The curbside appeal just couldn't be cuter and the house, though small has three bedrooms and is sunny with a remodeled kitchen and the basement acting as a family room. Someone will fall in love with this garden- and house. $499,000
Mid-Century in Raleigh Park
I listed this home less than a week ago, and I'm really excited about it. The home was built in 1947 and has both traditional and mid-century qualities, so one can take the decor and remodeling of this home in either direction. One mid-century piece is the generous eaves that give a lovely line to the home but also have protected the wide lap siding these many years from the wet and provide shade during the summers. The architect designed home sits back snugly on the lot and belies the 3400 sq ft that lie within, another hallmark on mid-century design, as well as it's many windows and doors to allow the outside in. The lot is over 11,000 sq ft and gives the rear of the home a great deal of privacy, but also room for raised beds, a sport court, deck and play structure.
The interior layout allows for privacy between family members with bedrooms both up and down, three full baths, and both living room and family room.
The kitchen is light and bright with large windows and skylight illuminating the gleaming granite counters. A kitchen nook with a built in bench is perfect for casual dining and a formal dining room is just beyond the kitchen for more intimate gatherings.
This prized, close in neighborhood is close to New Seasons (a must), a neighborhood park, library, elementary school, post office- and in 20 minutes you can be sitting at the bar at Clyde Commons with a cocktail in your hand if the parking gods are with you. $559,950
SW Portland: Great Starter Home
Just listed yesterday, this is a great opportunity to purchase a starter home in very close in SW. Just a hop to Hillsdale, downtown Portland and Multnomah Village, this "Grandma's house" was built in the 1940's and sits on a quiet street off Dosch Road. Though only listed as a three bedroom, there is another room downstairs that is non-conforming (needs the window to be lowered for emergency access). Hardwoods are under the shocking green carpet and other vintage features abound, but it does have a newer furnace, roof and air conditioning and has also been pre-inspected- a sweet little back yard seals the deal. Over 40 brokers came to the open house today, so I don't think this home will last long. $314,900