Editor’s Note: Portland Monthly’s “Property Watch” column takes a weekly look at an interesting home in Portland’s real estate market (with periodic ventures to the burbs and points beyond, for good measure). This week: an updated Tudor in Piedmont close to Peninsula Park. Got a home you think would work for this column? Get in touch at [email protected].

For having such a traditional look on the exterior, this Peninsula Park–area home sure has a lot of unexpected surprises inside. The front retains much of its 1930 detailing, with the exposed timber framework up top now painted an aqua green and looking delicious against the red brick below it. Three sets of windows decorate the facade, one arched and one in a bay, all still with their pretty leaded glass.

Inside, the look gets decidedly more modern, while keeping its Tudor-style provenance intact. The wood floors, coved ceilings, and thick plaster walls are all here, albeit with a crisper color palette, thanks to dark stain on the floors and white on everything else. We especially love how all the glam light fixtures pop against that background, like the sculptural brass dining room chandelier.

The charming galley kitchen has the original cabinets, now painted two-tones to go with the rest of the house, and with a black quartzite counter, marble backsplash tile, and new brass hardware. A sunny octagon-shaped breakfast nook off of there has its original built-ins banked in the corners.

There’s more built-in storage in the hall, as well as two nice-size bedrooms. An updated bathroom takes the glam up a notch—find traditional subway and penny tile layered with Gucci tiger wallpaper, a black lacquered ceiling and built-in storage, a modern walnut double vanity, and brass and glass sconces.

Upstairs, the third-floor bedroom is all about potential, as a wood-paneled storage space tucked under the eaves could possibly be converted to an en-suite bathroom in the future.

Downstairs, it’s a true trip to the past, as there’s a full speakeasy, accessed by the side door off the driveway. All of the 1950s-era finishes are delightfully intact, from the checkered linoleum and faux stone wallpaper, to the pristine black vinyl booths and padded bar and wood paneled walls. Everything down there, from the piano and pool table, to the vintage travel posters and atomic lighting, is included in the sale, so any new owners can keep the party going.

Listing Fast Facts

• Address: 6213 N Michigan Ave, Portland, OR 97217
• Size: 3,128 square feet/3 bedroom/2 bath
• List Date:  3/9/2023  
• List Price: $735,000  
• Listing Agent: Ana de la Rua Domenech, Living Room Realty

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.