The Argay Terrace neighborhood in East Portland is well-known as one of the largest tracts of midcentury development in the city—a playground for midcentury design enthusiasts. Take this daylight ranch on NE Fremont Court. Thanks to key updates that don't mess with its original details, including colorful tile and a mural, it's more spirited than most.

Built in 1964, the home is believed to be one of only two in this particular style, with staggered angled rooflines that deemphasize the garage and draw people into the pocketed entry. (It's possible that the developer, Archie Hodges, liked the style so much that he lived in the second one, just two houses down.) 

Inside, a proper foyer with coat closet cedes to the primary hallway, which forms an axis for the upper-level layout. To the right, there's the open concept living spaces. Here, original details—oak floors, Roman brick fireplace with a copper hood, vaulted wood ceilings with exposed beams—meet era-happy updates. These include the kitchen's delightful pink-and-green tiled floors, pale pink–tiled backsplash, quartz countertops, and chef-y appliances, anchored by wood cabinets.

One of this particular neighborhood's main selling points, besides open houses hosted by a former Mrs. America winner, was to eschew utility poles and bury the power lines instead, to ensure everyone got stunning views. We see that bearing out in the large picture windows on the rear facade, in the dining room, kitchen, and upstairs bedroom, proffering glimpses of Mount St. Helens.

Down the hall sit two bedrooms and a shared bathroom, the latter with its own colorful tile combo, as well as quartz countertops, Delta fixtures, and a new soaking tub. The cheerful hues continue downstairs, with a custom mural alongside the second fireplace to anchor the large family room. There's a third bedroom and another full bathroom down here, as well as sliding glass doors to the backyard. There, find an in-ground pool and enough lawn to lay out some lounge chairs, just about the perfect setup for bringing this home's playful spirit outside.

Listing Fast Facts 

• Address: 13621 NE Fremont Ct, Portland, OR 97230
• Size: 2,398 square feet; 3 bed/2 bath 
• List Date: 11/6/2025  
• List Price: $739,000
• Listing Agent: Christopher Barnes and Andrea Young, Windermere Realty Trust

Melissa Dalton is a freelance writer who has focused on Pacific Northwest design and lifestyle since 2008. 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].