Perhaps you’ve been lucky enough to discover this by chance, walking down SE 36^th Avenue, which is really just an alley between Stark and Morrison: a rich blue ADU, the sharp points of its metal roof looking almost like steeples, and the façade painted with large colorful flowers and wispy clouds. Designed by Beebe Skidmore, built by Owen Gabbert, and with a mural by Hayden Senter, the ADU finished in 2023 is a delightful surprise in an otherwise ordinary Portland alley. That’s all part and parcel for this property, which includes a classic 1909 duplex fronting Washington Street that’s been outfitted with high-end finishes and colorful accents of its own.

This starts at the front door, bedecked in a rainbow landscape painted by the street artist behind Wokeface, and continues into the entry foyer. Accessible to both units, including a two-bedroom/one-bath upstairs and a one-bedroom/one-bath on the main, the foyer is wrapped in classic wood wainscot and bright floral wallpaper, and has purple-painted stairs for a cheery welcome.

The entire home has been extensively remodeled, taken down to the studs and updated with new mechanicals, hardwood flooring, and windows. Many of the period finishes, like solid wood doors, trim, and hardware, were reinstated where possible, or given an update. There’s no Ikea to be found here.

For instance, the downstairs kitchen has quartz counters and Schoolhouse hardware, alongside appliances from Bertazzoni and Fisher & Paykel. Upstairs, the custom cabinets are a lovely rose color, with half-moon pulls and oak lowers, and professional-grade appliances. The bathrooms in both units have walk-in showers, large vanities, and new tile. Nothing about these makes for typical rental accommodations.

Of course, that also goes for the ADU out back, accessible via an interim courtyard with a covered patio, dedicated bike storage, and a third mural on the fence by Dan Ray Everett. The interior, complete with concrete floors, vaulted ceilings, one bedroom and bath, and an additional loft, is as playful as the exterior promises. There's the yellow loft ladder, doors covered in a cloud print, and the kitchen’s custom storage bench and cabinetry in a medley of colors. There, even the cabinets open to reveal a contrasting sky-blue shade, so the delight just keeps coming.

Listing Fast Facts 

• Address: 3603 SE Washington St, Unit A,B,C, Portland, OR 97214
• Size: 3,144 square feet, including a 903-square-foot unit on the main, a 750-square-foot unit on the second floor, and a 593-square-foot detached ADU 
• List Date: 1/6/2024
• List Price: $1,075,000
• Listing Agents: Eric Hagstette and Brittany Bragg, Inhabit Real Estate

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. 

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). Got a home you think would work for this column? Get in touch at [email protected].