This 2017 Bungalow Craftsman is a truly custom design inside and out. The homeowners had bought an older one that they had used as a rental for years. When they retired, they moved to Portland to be closer to their children. Plus, being avid cyclists, the lure of Portland’s bicycle-friendly city and excellent walking and hiking trails made the decision easy.

The Problem: The home they had been renting out didn’t serve their needs, and restoring it didn’t make sense. It was architecturally insignificant, and sinking a ton of money into a house that would only partially suit their needs could have been more appealing.

The Solution: They worked with Architect/Designer Aram Irwin and created another perfect “New Old House”! What transpired was what we think is an instant “classic.” A Portland Bungalow that we would challenge even the most seasoned old home traditionalist to determine if it was old…or new. This home is unique and part of our “The New Old Home” line of houses. To learn more about this process, check it out “here” in our learning center.

Although this house is authentic on the exterior, the interior tells a different story. One of the unique aspects of this house is the non-traditional layout of a typical craftsman bungalow. As you enter the home from their huge covered porch, you’ll be immediately greeted by a staircase with a modern metal railing. To the right, there is the primary suite. To the left is a second bedroom/office space. Both have unique arched entries to keep a vintage feel. Walking towards the back of the home, you are greeted by an expansive kitchen/great room/dining area not seen in the typical old compartmentalized homes of 100 years ago. There is a gas fireplace with modern large format tiles and built-in storage to display the homeowner’s prized blown glass and other cherished trinkets.

The kitchen is an open concept with a large island in a rich dark grey color. It is complimented with a “butler’s pantry” with glass shelving and a beautiful modern glass backsplash. The space all comes together perfectly and provides an intimate and private area for the homeowners to enjoy day and night.

On the Second level, two more bedrooms and 1 full bath provide plenty of space for guests to enjoy.

The vast basement features 8.5-foot ceilings, just another advantage of building new. It is a highly functional area with the main house laundry and access to the tuck-under garage. The basement also features a fully functional ADU with a vast bedroom and living space.

This home lives on a 5000-square-foot lot, which is typical in Portland’s dense neighborhoods. Still, again the outdoor space has been maximized with a covered back porch with a permanent gas line for the barbecue (no propane tanks needed). We also installed dog-friendly artificial turf and a new privacy fence. The classic covered front porch features an impressive sand finish concrete stair system so prevalent at the turn of the 19th century.

Upon special request, Aram Irwin also designed and we built a custom doggie gait on their substantial front porch, so the homeowners can enjoy the outdoors with their two dogs without running off. And finally, one of the coolest features of this project is the hidden outdoor bike garage. Another modern amenity and advantage of building a New Old Home.

We are very proud of this custom build and feel it perfectly fits this classic neighborhood for another 100+ years. It provides the perfect balance of old Portland styling and the convenience of modern finishes.