This house came with midcentury pedigree—it was originally designed in 1966 by architect Walter Gordon, who was once the dean of University of Oregon’s School of Architecture and Allied Arts—and then received a seamless modern update courtesy of Emerick Architects, from the cedar-encased kitchen, to the primary suite’s in-house sauna. No wonder it was only on the market for three days.

Status: listed for $2,850,000 on 2/3/23, and Sold for asking price on 2/24/23

When it comes to Storybook-style homes like this Grant Park abode, it’s all about that gorgeous undulating, rolled-edge roof-line, a whimsical reference to the thatched roofs of medieval English cottages. Built in 1925 and designed by Carl Linde (he's a Property Watch regular), this house combines that historic whimsey with a luxe modern remodel by Finley Grace Design Studio. The 7,247-square-foot interior is complete with steel-and-glass windows and doors, and a steam shower in the primary suite that pipes essential oils.

Status: Active; listed for $4,000,000 on 5/15/23

We called this 1998 home designed by architect Stan Boles at Bora Architects “an ode to everything great about both Neskowin and Northwest regional modernism,” and still stand by that assessment. Located on a treed lot, this house has an interior with an abundance of natural and local materials, unfussy adornment, and lots of floor-to-ceiling glass for unobstructed ocean views.

Status: listed for $1,775,000 on 8/9/22, and Sold for $1,937,000 on 9/14/22

A once basic unit in the Chown Pella Lofts building was de-lofted in the hands of renowned Portland firm Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. The 887-square-foot plan was outfitted with a separate bedroom, a bevy of storage, and statement touches like a kitchen stove hood covered in textured white brick tile and a built-in sectional that seats 12.

Status: LISTED for $535,000 on 2/21/22, AND LATER taken off the market

There’s a lot to this Lake O compound—including its envious lot with 213 feet of lake frontage, and all the privacy that affords—but the house is no slouch. Built in 1965 and recently remodeled by Emerick Architects, it merges midcentury swagger with a modern sensibility. The original swag lights, cork accent walls, and studded wood doors commingle comfortably with a new kitchen and bathrooms, and top-notch finishes throughout. There’s even a downstairs “party room” right out of Mad Men.

Status: Active, listed for $7,200,000 on 6/7/23

Designed by female-owned firm Works Progress Architecture, with interiors from Weedman Design Partners, this modern townhouse is rife with custom details that make its 1,091 square feet feel bigger. This includes vaulted ceilings, large windows in most rooms, and a plan that fits in an extra half-bathroom for guests.

Status: listed for $500,000 on 2/16/23, and Sold for $505,000 on 3/31/23

A 2017 remodel by Risa Boyer Architecture cemented this Tabor midcentury as one of the coolest around, trading dropped ceilings and dated finishes for a soaring wall of glass on the front façade and gorgeous walnut built-ins. Plus, a stacking glass door that opens to an entertainer’s patio. Fitting, as this is the best spot in the neighborhood to take in the sunset.

Status: Active, listed for $2,800,000 on 8/2/23

This 1954 charmer in a secret pocket of pristine midcentury builds in the Concordia neighborhood also received a deft remodel from Risa Boyer Architecture. The kitchen and dining area were relocated to behind the living room’s Roman brick fireplace wall, which now conceals a built-in television that rises and pivots to be viewed across rooms.

Status: listed for $1,175,000 on 4/19/23, and Sold for $1,155,000 on 5/26/23

This is the first home in an exclusive collection of five, called Oshatz Wood, a new construction development in the Forest Park neighborhood designed by iconic local architect Robert Harvey Oshatz. Everything about the interior will be as singular as the exterior, because buyers can work with the architect to customize.

Status: Active, listed for $2,695,000 on 8/16/23

This 2014 home in Surf Pines designed by architect Paul McKean has everything one needs for the beach, like a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows soaking in the ocean views, and nothing one doesn't need, like nautical kitsch. Two protected porches and a sunken firepit abut the gorgeous setting.

Status: SALE PENDING, LISTED ON 8/3/23