Editor’s Note: Portland Monthly’s “Property Watch” column takes a weekly look at an interesting home in Portland’s super-competitive real estate market (with periodic ventures to the burbs and points beyond, for good measure). This week: a porch-forward home near Grant Park with built-ins to spare. Got a home you think would work for this column? Get in touch at [email protected].

Apparently, the American front porch had its heyday between the 1880s and 1920s, but this entirely rebuilt house on Northeast 37th Avenue in the Grant Park neighborhood makes a case for bringing it back. It is extra-nice as far as porches go, being plenty deep, shady, a nice height up from the street, and wrapped in wood, but it isn’t the only special feature of the façade here. The steep, alternating gables of the roof are also quite distinctive, all the better to create such tall ceilings on the interior. 

Through the front Dutch door, the conviviality introduced by the porch continues, with a cozy living room to the left and a kitchen to the right. Built-in couches, looking fluffy enough to flop down for an afternoon, flank a Stuv woodstove.

Across the way, the streamlined kitchen boasts custom cabinetry painted a lovely deep green, with granite counters and high-end appliances. Moving into that room brings you the first of many “wow moments”: the kitchen flows easily into an equally pretty dining area with a leather-accented bench, which in turn leads to a sunny family room with soaring ceilings and windows overlooking the backyard.   

Other than the shared living spaces, the main floor also has the primary suite. It has the same light-washed hardwood floors found throughout, as well as built-in closets, room enough for a king-size bed, and a serene attached bathroom. The latter is outfitted with terrazzo tile floors warmed by radiant heat, Tadelakt concrete plaster walls, and a walk-in shower. A custom walnut vanity and wall-hung Toto toilet are luxe additions here.  

Down the custom steel and white oak staircase, find another bedroom suite, this time with designer tile covering the bathroom walls, as well as a media room with white oak built-in couches and custom storage. Upstairs, there’s a perfect kids' lair, with an open lofted living space, a full bathroom with a double vanity and more designer tile, and a bedroom with a dedicated sleeping nook lined in vibrant wallpaper. 

The backyard is for the adults, as there’s not one but two outbuildings there, nicely sited to block views from the neighbors, as well as a built-in hot tub. First up, there’s a detached office/living space for getting some work done. And for after that, the second outbuilding has a sauna and spa, complete with soaking tub.   

Listing Fast Facts  

Address:  2324 NE 37th Ave, Portland

Size:  3,534 square feet/4 bedroom/4.5 bath  

List Date:  6/2/2022  
List Price:  $1,699,000  
Listing Agent:  Leanne Ishibashi, Windermere Realty Trust 

Melissa Dalton is a freelance writer who has focused on Pacific Northwest design and lifestyle since 2008. She is based in Portland, Oregon. Contact Dalton here.