This 2017 Craftsman is a flawless mix of a vintage craftsman inside and out while providing all the modern amenities of a brand-new home. This home is part of our “The New Old Home” line of homes.

The homeowners of this custom build had initially inquired about a complete gut renovation of their existing Tudor home. They had plans drawn by a local architect; what transpired next was an all too common experience. After we did a full pre-construction budget, the homeowners realized that the budget to renovate their 100-year-old home would be more than they wanted to spend on an existing home that would never be their dream home. However, they wanted to stay in the Grant Park neighborhood that they loved. So they put the renovation on hold. Then, around three months, they learned their next-door neighbor would be parting with their family home of 50 years. They hired us to do our due diligence on this home, and unlike their home, this home was in total disrepair and needed to be demolished. They purchased the home and immediately started interviewing architects that we recommended, and the journey began.

The homeowners were able to procure a loan for new construction, stay in their existing home during the entire build, and then move into their dream home a year after construction began. To learn more about this process, check it out “here” in our learning center.

One of the client’s most essential desires was building a home that looked like it belonged in the neighborhood, both in size and vintage. Like most of Portland’s incredible collection of preserved “older” home neighborhoods, Grant Park is a mix of Craftsman, Tudor, and bungalows. Finally, the clients landed on a custom-designed craftsman with 3500 square feet of living space, perfect for them and their two young sons. Architect Tim Ashmore from FlashBack Design worked with the clients for three months to create the client’s dream home.

The main floor is a spacious open floor plan that boasts wainscoting throughout and consists of a formal living room, dining room, and an open U-shaped kitchen with a sizeable 8-foot island. The living and dining rooms have custom quarter-sewn white oak built-ins that perfectly complement the quarter-sewn oak flooring installed throughout the main and second floors. The U-shaped kitchen features satin off-white shaker-style doors in a European frameless design, with Pental quartz countertops on perimeters. Anchoring the kitchen is a large island in a dark grey finish, which we feel provides the perfect contrast to the off-white perimeter cabinets. Finished off with a light grey 3×6 subway tile giving a fresh take on the classic subway-style backsplash. Jenn-Aire professional grade appliances and matte black hardware from Rejuvenation put the finishing touches on what we feel is the perfect mix of a modern kitchen with a classic feel.

On the Second level, three bedrooms and two full baths with a compact but fully functional Laundry. So no traveling down three stories to do the clothes, which was so predominant in the homes of this vintage. This is just another advantage to building a New Old Home.”. The primary suite is a classic mix of Carrerra floor, wall tile, and Pental Quartz Countertops.

The basement features 9-foot ceilings, just another advantage of building new. It consists of a Media room with a projector in the ceiling, a guest bedroom, and a full bathroom. In addition, there is another flex space with a large counter area and sink, a second laundry unit, and a fridge for beverages for family movie night.

This home is on the typical 5000 square foot lot in Grant Park, so familiar in Portland’s dense neighborhoods. Yet, one of the challenges for this young family was creating enough space for their two young boys and outdoor spaces for two working parents to relax and unwind from their hectic days.

The solution for this is a classic, fully covered front porch and a small covered back porch that we installed an outdoor gas fireplace and a small outdoor kitchen. The backyard, although small, has artificial turf so their young boys and dog can enjoy it all year. There is a detached garage in the back of the property with full storage in the attic. This is a perfect compliment to the early 1900’s craftsmen feel the outside of this home tastefully demonstrates.

Portland is home to some of the finest turn-of-the-century homes in the country. We value this and will always lean towards preservation when it makes sense. But often times it doesn’t make sense. This was one of those times. We are proud of this modern home that fits perfectly into its 100+-year-old neighborhood. But more than anything, we are so pleased that this wonderful young family can come home every day and love living in a home that is custom-made just for them and their family’s lifestyle!