California-Style Mid Century

Set behind a wall of trees, this delightful Mid-Century home has an amazing quality of light, flow and gracious living from times past. Nearly 5000 sq ft, all on one level with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, with a superlative layout and sited on 1.6 acres. The double gated approach from either the front of the property or side is discreet and tucks into the landscape, while the back of the home opens to an inner courtyard reminiscent of early California ranches and perfect for entertaining. There are three separate living areas including a great room off the kitchen with vaulted ceiling, a formal living room, also vaulted, then a media room at the opposite end of the property.  A lovely den, with vintage copper-hooded fireplace creates a cozy workspace.  The hardwoods, kitchen and baths have been updated. The exterior grounds include a sport court and covered, heated pool. There is a two car attached garage as well as one detached. Listed at $1,775,000

The home has mid-century architectural significance with many intact period details.

But enough talk. The virtual tour is pretty amazing. Peek here.

Irvington Lovely

You know how neighborhoods work. Even the most premium neighborhoods have their good and "bad" streets once you get to know them. Irvington is no different. This home is sited on a premium street just north of Thompson. Not as large as some of it's neighbors, the home has more to offer than those with less wisely used space. Three bedrooms upstairs with a master bath is what most families are looking for and all generously sized. Thanks to two master closets, the master bath was easily added fairly recently enabling two baths on the upstairs level. Need a guest room/den? A full, legal egress bedroom is downstairs. Family/media room? Check. Yard? Yes, and not the postage stamped size one often finds. To my vintage-loving eye, the best parts of the home were the original box beamed ceilings and wainscoting in the dining room and living room, the gorgeous staircase and Craftsman tiled fireplace. Sadly, so many of these homes have ripped them out over time, and many in the 1970's (of all eras to decide to remodel). Multiple offers within a few days. Listed at $725,000. More photos here.

Alberta Arts Mid-Century

The quality of craftsmanship and details in some vintage homes never ceases to amaze me. This home has the original marmoleum. Sixty years old and in perfect condition. It was coved up the walls and cut to lay perfectly around the kitchen cabinets. A large swath of glass block by the entry way allows both light and privacy. A simple yet cunning closet opens both on the main hallway and inside the main hall bathroom. Besides being built like a ship, with nary a sway in the main floor hardwoods, the layout both up and down are extremely liveable. And, lucky for this house, a New Seasons decided to build less than two blocks away.  No wonder this home had multiple over-asking offers within days.

Raleigh Park MidCentury

This new listing couldn't get much better in terms of floor plan- a rare find, this 3100 square feet one level holds a great room and kitchen which looks out to the large private backyard on a completely flat almost half-acre lot, with deck and sport court. The  four bedrooms are on a totally separate wing of the home, so you can entertain friends on one end, and simultaneously  find peace and quiet in the other. There is also another family area with built in desks that would make a great study area or media room. While a few of the baths could use some updating, the home is truly move-in ready. $700,000

Hyland Hills Home

This Hyland Hills home in close-in Beaverton is completely move-in ready. The love that has gone into the remodel is apparent from the Brazilian hardwood floors to the kitchen with all the cabinets, slab granite counters and SS appliances. Looking more closely, you will notice all the windows have been upgraded, along with the 97.5 high efficiency furnace. No real urban home can be complete without the raised bed gardens and the optional chicken coop which you may consider taking on for your own fresh eggs. You won't find better for $235,500. More photos here.

Raleigh Hills

This gorgeous ranch sits beautifully on .38 landscaped acres, evoking a private country getaway. The home is one of the few in the neighborhood with all the square footage on one level, yet allowing multiple areas of the home to spread out into. The dining and living room are quite spacious at 18 and 24' respectively. A more intimate family area off the dining room allows access through a slider to a lovely patio taking advantage of lovely views. A den/media room depending on the household needs provides another cozy space. Bridlemile/Lincoln schools, Washington Cty taxes. $475,000

Portland Heights

On one of the best, most private streets at the top of Portland Heights sits this traditional home. The many paned windows bring in ample lighting and the home feels comfortable and approachable. As an example of how a traditional home doesn't have to be all "Martha Stewart", the owner has her contemporary art work displayed throughout. The kitchen has a small sitting area with a fireplace and armchairs and beckons guests or friends to gather before a meal. Small balconies can be accessed from the main floor and a larger deck from the surprisingly light daylight basement. Bedrooms are on the smaller side, but perfectly adequate and charming. This home has a great feeling throughout. Just listed and may be a bit high at $849,000 but worth exploring.

Nob Hill Brownstone

Built in the east coast brownstone style, this home gives the benefits of low-maintenance living without the potential apartment-like feeling of a condominium building. You can access your two car garage from Savier, crossing through the enclosed patio to your home or enter from the street on Thurman. A hop skip and a jump to a plethora of dining and shopping choices, yet with a homey, quiet interior. The main level is an open kitchen and dining area, with the upstairs holding two bedrooms, each with a private bath. $599,000

Ellis Lawrence: Willamette Heights

Ellis Lawrence set this home beautifully on a one third acre of property with views of NW Portland down towards the Willamette river. The kitchen is beautifully updated, as well as the baths, but more importantly the updates are done with respect to the period while still keeping a classic tone that will suit most. With over 6,000 square feet, one can have four bedrooms together on the second floor while still keeping generous proportions. The top level has one of the 3.2 baths and can easily be an entire guest suite or would be perfectly suited to a play/family room. Gardens areas are accessible from the main floor.  A lovely property, with the only challenge being the steps either up to or down to the home. $1,625,000

Raleigh Hills Mid Century

This small area of Raleigh Hills is defined by less than ten blocks north to south and is known as Broadmoor. The homes here were primarily built by Baumann and the land was once part of the Mac Club's golf course. The homes are much sought after for their solid construction as well as their location.

This home is very well priced for the area, an accurate reflection of a few areas of the home that some buyers would prefer to remodel, such as the kitchen and vintage baths. The layout, with the family room off the kitchen and the lovely lot will suit most families. The southern facing dining room gets great light and will host a large dinner party. A good opportunity. $639,900

Kings Heights Classic

Art Deco influences abound in this graceful 1932 home overlooking downtown Portland. Light fixtures, stained glass, even the detail in the moldings around doorways belie the grace of this era. The subtlety of the touches would allow contemporary to traditional furnishings.

This unique home has several outdoor patios and terraces with either views of the city or surrounded by the meticulously sculpted hedges and topiary. While the upstairs baths are quite updated, the kitchen could use a sophisticated touch to bring it in line with the standards of this fine and lovely home. Just reduced by $400,000 to the current list price of $1495,000

Multnomah Village

Having recently listed a turn of the century farmhouse in this neighborhood, I can attest that many people are drawn to the beauty of the era, but are afraid of the vintage plumbing, baths and quirky layouts that come with a vintage home. This newer craftsman fits nicely into the neighborhood, yet offers the great room off the kitchen, the ample baths, and the four upstairs bedrooms that are so popular with todays buyer.

The home sits on a slight crest offering territorial views, while still allowing level yard space directly off of the kitchen/great room. I believe this home will sell pretty quickly. $399,900 (Nearly pending)

Raleigh Hills Midcentury

This home is listed as a tri-level, but it actually has four different levels. While that may sound daunting, this layout is actually very livable, with only a few steps into between levels the many living spaces this accords makes it easy for everyone to find their own place to work out, hang out, etc.

The location makes it easy to be downtown or at Nike, or high tech for a quite reasonable commute, yet with lower Washington County taxes.

I find it somewhat overpriced as the finishes could use some updating, but a good solid family home. $535,000

The

Eastmoreland

Have you ever stepped into a home and know the house just has a good feeling. This is such a home. The living room with its beautiful floors and fireplace looks onto a graceful expanse of garden through the french doors. The kitchen also looks onto the garden, and it's adjoining family area is sure to be a family gathering spot. Through the kitchen door one reaches the heated interior lap pool area, complete with hot tub. The upstairs master suite is quite spacious and feels even more so with the southern facing french doors opening to a balcony set over the gardens. What an amazing spot for morning coffee. This home evokes a genteel east coast home. Set on a quiet street in Eastmoreland. I would love to visit this home with you for your own private showing. $925,000

Irvington

Continuing with the tour, I visited this Irvington home that was featured in the 2007 Irvington Home Tour. The kitchen currently holds a large farm style dining table, and though some would replace this with a kitchen island, it seems a very welcoming spot for gatherings. A lovely landscaped backyard brings to mind summer picnics on the grass. Though some of the finishes in the baths are not as up to date as one might wish, the master suite might override such details. Did I mention the wine cellar? $799,900

Irvington

Extremely livable 1913 Irvington home with a lovely street appeal has a remodeled kitchen and four floors to spread out over. A graceful main floor opens to a garden area off  the kitchen, and the second floor contains the four bedrooms. The third floor could make a good family area or guest suite and has its own bath. The basement is finished. No garage, but ample off street parking and well priced at $649,000. Listing courtesy of Lenore LaTour, Windermere CCRG.

Sabin Modern

This home is not quite on the market, but one of my recent favorites. The owner/architect turned a rather unattractive 70's home into this modern home reminiscent of the Doug Fir Lounge. Not a flip, the interior finishes are thoughtful and high quality. I ran into a neighborhood couple ooohing and aaahing, wishing they could just move in.  All on one level with plenty of light on the lot for raised bed gardens. The one car garage can be heated if one cared for a studio or additional living space more than parking. Call for details, price not yet determined.

Urban Sabin

This new listing is NE Portland through and through. Just blocks from the Whole Foods on Freemont, this vintage home is a cross between traditional and urban contemporary, refined in areas and unpolished in others. A good floor plan with a bath up and down and three bedrooms upstairs. Nice light comes in through the southern exposed windows. A small fenced back yard takes you to- of course, the charming backyard studio where one can right that best selling novel. $379,000

Burlingame

The Burlingame neighborhood allows a downtown commuter easy highway access with a suburban feel and lifestyle. This home lives very well, and has some nice mid-century features such the roman brick exterior and the nice solid feel one gets in a 1950's structure. A very livable and somewhat open floor plan with the dining room sharing the  large living room area which enjoys expansive picture windows. The home has many upgrades including new windows, a kitchen remodel and refinished hardwoods. Three bedrooms are upstairs with a fourth (non-conforming) bedroom off the family room downstairs which would make an excellent guest-room/office space. The backyard is split into a large patio with a terraced lawn above and includes a childrens playhouse on the lawn area. $439,000

Vermont Hills

This modest home in the Gabriel Park-Vermont Hills area has a lot to offer in a starter home. Hardwoods throughout, except in the kitchen and baths where marmoleum are used.  Some green elements are present including Richlite countertops in the kitchen and the organically maintained gardens. Though the house is just under 1200 square feet, there is both a master and hall bath and a darling living room with a fireplace. $319,000