The A-frame has called to our collective imagination since its debut decades ago. While architect Rudolph Schindler is credited with designing the first A-frame in the United States in Lake Arrowhead, California, in 1936, it was a 1950 cabin by John Campbell, dubbed the "Leisure House," that was widely published and kicked off the A-frame's post–World War II building craze. From those early days in the 1960s, A-frames gained popularity via hundreds of construction plan books, advertisements, and magazine articles. These days, they're still just as likely to appear in the press—hello!—as well as YouTube tours and Instagram, where #aframe is 539,000 posts strong.

If you're A-frame hunting in Oregon, start the search at the coast, where it's possible to find gems like this flat-top model in Rockaway Beach. True, it lacks the traditional A-shape roof. It was built in 1978, when the original style was waning, and modifications had since emerged. It's called a "flat-top A-frame" for how the point of the A is snipped off and replaced with a flat roof, albeit with the sidewalls still extending fashionably to the ground. 

Oftentimes, these houses run small, with an open sleeping loft upstairs, but this version veers bigger. With 1,024 square feet over two floors, two bathrooms, and two bedrooms, this layout allows for more privacy (read: doors on the upstairs bedrooms), and one is actually an en-suite. Plus, there's more storage than just the built-in shelves on the angled walls—although we love the inherent charm in that—including closets with skylights.

On the main floor, find a remodeled galley kitchen, complete with fresh appliances and lighting; the second bathroom, newly retiled and with a smart sliding door to save space; and a small auxiliary room that could work for an owner's closet (if renting) or an office (there are two windows). We like the living room best, though, with its tongue-and-groove paneling running the whole length, wood-burning fireplace in the corner, and not one but two sliding doors to the exterior decks.

Outside, it's a short walk to the beach, but you'll also find two outbuildings for staying close to home, including a glass-enclosed structure and a studio, as well as a hot tub nested in the forested setting. It's no surprise these homes remain so popular—priced at $379,000, this one went pending in five days, before we could go to press.

Listing Fast Facts 

• Address: 9335 NE 21st Ave, Rockaway Beach, OR 97136
• Size: 1,024 square feet, 2 bed/2 bath 
• List Date: 1/1/2026 
• List Price: $379,000
• Listing Agent: Jacquelyn Powell, Pete Anderson Realty

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].