I'm sure we've all been in homes that have felt much bigger- or much smaller than the actual square footage. Of course, it's all about how the space is used, and this house is a prime example of a great use of space. Arlington Heights is the neighborhood that shares Hoyt Arboretum, and many homes here lack even a modicum of yard space. Here we have a yard. The living room overlooks the yard, a quite ample dining room that opens to a very nicely remodeled kitchen. There are three nice sized bedrooms on the second floor that share a bath, but there's a powder room on the main and another full bath off the family room in the finished basement. All that, and a tip top curb appeal on a very quiet street in the Ainsworth, Lincoln High School hub. $650,000
Raleigh Hills Mid Century 2
This home is owned by designers and it really knocks your socks off when you get inside. Two decks off the super hip and vaulted main living space overlook the pool. Travertine marble, dark wood floors, and speakers and sound built in on the main floor make this the place to gather. With over 4,000 square feet, there's a huge family room downstairs that opens by sliders to the pool area. One can imagine older kids hanging out down here in the summer, or a great media room for all ages. A few rooms are still left to be done, but the seller's have conveniently gathered reasonable bids for the kitchen and master bath. $620,000
Raleigh Hills Mid Century
I walked through a 7,000,000 home today, and this home still comes out as one of my favorites of the newer listings in the Portland real estate market. Why? It has so many great elements of an original condition ranch, in a great neighborhood and entry level price. Be prepared when you look at the pictures though- they are some of the most unfortunate photos I have ever seen. Behind the horrific photos- see the original fireplaces, the super hip room divider, original light fixtures and a great entertaining living room as well as a small family area off the kitchen and a small but very nice back yard. I didn't pull up carpet, but I would hope to find hardwoods underneath. This home has all the makings of an Atomic Ranch. Let me show it to you, so you can see in person. $375,000
Raleigh Park
Buy this mid century home and almost assure yourself a spot in Atomic Ranch magazine. Architect designed, it is sited perfectly on almost an acre lot of beautiful grounds, very naturally landscaped with a lovely creek bubbling through the lower part of the property. The home itself is almost 100% intact from it's 1957 birthday, and has a northwest regional, and seems to be an homage to architect John Yeon. The home oozes with potential, and one would hope the new owner will be respectful to the homes heritage while making it more livable. I envision vaulting the ceiling and allowing much more light in, and updating the radiant oil heating system for a start. A very special home that I would love to show to you. $675,000
Super Contemporary
This home is one of the most unusual homes I have ever seenin Portland. Built by local architect Richard Appleman in 1972, this Arlington Heights home has a decidedly Asian influence. While over 4,600 square feet, all the living spaces are highly compartmentalized. The entry area which is typically a small foyer, in this case runs along the length of the front of the home with a wide marble floor. It seems well suited for hanging large art pieces. The kitchen is one of the more open spaces and employs high contrast between white and black surfaces, opening out to an entertaining deck with built in barbeque area. The home divides itself between three levels, with the downstairs holding a large room that would work well as a media area. All walls are painted in high gloss enamel. I imagine the new owners to be entertainers with guests dressed in slinky outfits holding martinis. $950,000
Arlington Heights
With Hoyt Arboretum right in the neighborhood, and just a short ride into the city one can hike up hills in the morning and dine well downtown in the evening. This home feels and looks like a solid as a rock Bauman built home, and offers that great suburban ranch feel, yet with mountain views. It sits on a dead end street and offers one level living with 3 bedrooms and two baths. For the square footage, at just under 2200, the price seems a bit steep. $775,000
Buckman
Just steps from the heart of "restaurant row" at 28th and E. Burnside, this new project on Pine Street won a Merit Award from AIA in 2009. Designed by Works Partnership, which brought us the bSide6 buidling on east Burnside, the building stands in stark contrast to some of it's early 20th century neighbors. The "Tandem" houses are two units, mirror images of each other, built using sustainable wood products, concrete and Earth Advantage appliances. Each has three levels, with a surprising open feeling between the first floor and the second through the use of the open metal staircase and vertical open birch planks. The bathrooms are somewhat whimsical in their use of materials and colors. The home's biggest advantage is the location, steps away from shopping, restaurants and the hub of city living. $729,000
Alameda
If you want to live a modern lifestyle in a vintage neighborhood, this could be the home for you. Thoroughly updated with modern finishes, one would never guess from the curb what lies within: dark stained floors contrast with crisp white walls, light cabinetry and imaginative lighting fixtures. Although there is yard space both front and back, that is a blank slate at this time and the home could benefit immensely from a gardeners touch. With this square footage of 2616 and the three bedrooms split between the upstairs and main, it seems highly unlikely to be sold at the current asking price of $769,000
Irvington Classic
This home has a lot going for it in terms of pure liveability- there is actually a family room on the main floor, many times lacking in this era of home, as part of the back yard was sacrificed to obtain this addition which is partly open to the kitchen. Many rooms are generously sized including the living room and master bedroom. There are two full baths upstairs including a spa like master bathroom. Four bedrooms are all on the second floor. The basement has finished areas, including a surprisingly sunny room currently being used as an office. Part of the old garage has been converted to an outdoor covered dining and barbeque area. Great living indoors and out on a nice street in Irvington. $799,950
Council Crest Sundeleaf
Nestled at the end of a cul de sac in the neighborhood of Council Crest lies one of the few residences designed by architect Richard Sundeleaf. While later in his career Sundeleaf was part of the Modernist movement, this home, built in 1940 has very much an English lodge influence. Typical of this era, the exterior is a mix of brick and wood shake and takes advantage of city and mountain views. 8286 square feet with four bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Listed at $3,195,000
Eliot Tower
OK, so you want to live in the city, but you also want over 4,000 square feet and plenty of parking, a real dining room, family room and three bedrooms- each with it's own bath. Perfect, this condo in the Eliot lives like a traditional home, has four parking spaces, and killer north and northeast views of Mt. St Helens through its floor to ceiling windows. Try getting that in Raleigh Hills. The Eliot Tower is one of the most attractive condos in downtown and is situated right across from the Portland Art Museum. $2,700,000
Lair Hill
This small complex of 13 condo units was built by Don Tankersley who works with "some of the most persnickety architects and designers in Portland." This diminutive unit of under 500 square feet lives much bigger than it's space and has the highest end finishes I've ever seen in one of this size. With a walkscore of 91, and on the edge of downtown, it's a perfect fit for a student or professor at PSU or for someone that would like to live downtown AND have a parking space. The HOA's are also under $100. $160,000
Overlook
Neat as a pin and cute as a button and located in the heart of the hip neighborhood of Overlook, this home is move in ready. Every inch of the home's space has been utilized from the two bedrooms upstairs to the family room in the lower level. Updates are period sensitive, such as the baths with the hex tile, and the kitchen with it's subway, albeit with a decorator spin. Built-ins and refinished hardwood floors give this home real polish. Easy access to Overlook Park and the MAX. $438,000
Blueberry Hill
Blueberry Hill is a true estate home and is currently owned by one of the Schnitzers, the prominent Portland family known for Schnitzer Steel and their local philanthropic work. Sitting on six acres, the home is over 10,000 square feet, has six full baths and three half baths, has a pool, tennis court and separate guest house (no room in the house?) All joking aside, the home was a pleasure to tour- the owners have imparted their taste on the decor which imparting a sense of home and whimsy, no matter the grand size of the home. Many interior windows feature views of strategically placed sculptures about the grounds. The entry way a stunning, round, with a gorgeous staircase circling upwards. All the doorways surrounding the entry are large and curved. Another staircase leads from the kitchen to a level that probably held the servants quarters. One really wishes it could be purchased with the extensive art collection which includes a Chihuly chandelier over the dining room table. A gorgeous study, which is also outfitted as a media room has a graceful mezzanine with more built ins for your library above. Another charming feature is a large powder room near the front door- it features a long built in table with a mirror- perfect for nose powdering, and a small alcove with a door that holds a telephone for those private calls. A rare opportunity to own one of the finer homes of Portland in the Greenhills neighborhood. $7,850,000
Summit Drive
Continuing the tour of the west hills, this Roscoe Hemenway colonial has many of the features one expects from this fine architect: a stately feel, a great floor plan with an understanding of how people use their homes, and an openness to the outdoors- this one through multiple decks to the rear of the home. There are many places to spread out- the great room on the kitchen has a warming fireplace. A small paneled study has a cozy fireplace as well and feels like the perfect reading spot. The living room is a wonderful size for entertaining, and the finished downstairs holds a bright family room as well as the sweetest little studio spot- the current owner is a quilter and the space holds the most gorgeous fabric swatches. While there is ample decking off the back of the home, there is no lawn- but hey, my kids rarely used the lawn I bought my first house for. Seems a tad high at $895,000 Link to photos.
Portland Heights Short Sale
This home sits right across from Ainsworth Elementary which is a plus or minus, depending on whether a chorus of children's voices at recess is music to your ears. The entry space is a bit awkward, and the home has quite a rustic feel in it's finishes- the interior perhaps reflects the falling into hard times of the seller, but I see a lot of possibility for bringing out the charm with some TLC this fine 1906 home deserves. It has a rare four bedrooms upstairs, all respectably sized, but no master bath. Perhaps a master suite can be contrived with three bedrooms? Another rare feature an actual back yard. Sadly, it is a short sale, but this could be an opportunity if one has the time and guts for the process. $700,000
Portland Heights MCM
This mid century modern opportunity in Portland Heights has about the best views possible of the city. While the pictures online do not do this 1956 home justice, it has mercifully been spared any 1970's and 80's remodeling with much of the flat paneled surfaces and 1950's glazing left intact and the exterior featuring an asian design influence.. The kitchen and baths have been updated, but tastefully and in keeping with the period for the most part. The floor plan is not for everyone, probably better suited to older children as the master is on the main and two other bedrooms are on the lower level. Call me if you'd like to see it- I would love to take another look myself. $650,000
Multnomah Village Farmhouse
It seems like most buyers I take out now are looking for a community to live in and a town center to be able to walk to- and a move-in ready home- and something they can fall in love with. This listing of mine hits the trifecta with the easy walk to Multnomah Village, a home that's been remodeled yet with all it's vintage charm intact. And did I mention it's on an almost quarter acre lot? Plenty of rooms to hang out in, with a sunporch, den and an upstairs play/media area with the always appreciated three bedrooms together upstairs. The dining room and living room share one great space together reflecting in the glow of the CVF (clear vertical fir) original floors. Imagine having a fire here in the winters while enjoying your dinner. The home has a garage that has been converted on one side to a shop and a studio on the other. There is off street parking, but if you must, go ahead and convert back to a garage. The level yard is used for play, gardening and a sport court. $399,950 View more pictures.
Hawthorne
It's so nice to see prices become more affordable, and though not cheap, this home has much to offer. The downstairs floor plan is open from the front to the back windows, so the home glows with natural light. Floors are lovely, and the kitchen is updated, but just as importantly, insulation, new windows and a newer furnace with A/C make the home comfortable. A small room downstairs could serve as a study or bedroom, with three more up. The main floor has a full bath so the one bath upstairs that is so typical doesn't have to take on all the morning rush. No garage, but plenty of off street parking, a partially finished basement and cute backyard. I'd love to help you make an offer on this home and understand the owners are ready to move on. $459,000
Alberta Arts
A wonderful balance has been struck between modern and historic in this turn of the century Craftsman. Gorgeous box beam ceilings in the dining room meld beautifully with the tastefully executed modern touches in the kitchen. Speaking of which, this will no doubt be the gathering point for the household- that and the lovely backyard with it's paved and grassy areas. Three bedrooms upstairs make it a nice family layout, and there looks to be room to expand the square footage both in the attic and the basement, which is good because the living room is pretty tiny and one has to hide that big screen TV someplace. The exterior has a lovely paint palette and the siding is in beautiful condition on both the home and that two car garage. Ornamental barge rafters are a pleasure to see intact after 100 years. Just a block north of all the action on Alberta. $499,000