3041 NE 16th Avenue English Cottage Nestled in an Oregon Forest

The owners of this beautiful 1922 English cottage style home did not have to move far to get it.  In fact, they moved from another house less than 2 blocks away... not an unusual story for Irvington residents, who often  move to a coveted house within the neighborhood. The owners, a landscape architect and a designer, were attracted to the large lot and how well sited the home was on the grounds.  Sustainability was a big goal in the design of various garden rooms, and to that end, the driveway and patios are made with sand set pavers (to reduce runoff), lawn was reduced, and all materials removed were recycled, either into new projects on the property, or through the Rebuilding Center.

While several homes on this year's tour appear unassuming from the street, but amaze with the space they contain, this one pulls off quite the opposite trick.  What looks like a large and rambling home from the street, once inside, turns out to be a surprisingly cozy and compact home with a simple layout, albeit wrapped around a  stately central stair with soaring Belgian stained glass windows. The open flow makes for a wonderful entertaining house, and indeed, three Oregon governors: Ted Kulongoski, Barbara Roberts, and John Kitzhaber, have all given speeches and raised money here over the years.