Gretchen spotted this glorious 1948 time capsule home, which was recently for sale (now sold) in Portland, Oregon. The house was listed by agent Kathryn Madison, these amazing photos — which Kathryn took — were originally featured on her blog Go Beyond the Ordinary. This house is particularly interesting in how it seems to bridge the Streamline Moderne and mid-century ranch eras. On the outside, it’s pretty ranch-looking, although you can see some hints of international streamline style. Inside, it’s a Streamline Moderne wonderland — starting with this incredible kitchen. .
The Frelinghuysen-Morris house, which Matt and I visited this past summer, is classic, pre-war international moderne style. Whoever designed this Portland house — especially the interior — was following that style. What is “Streamline Moderne”? Think: Luxury vintage railcar, with sleek, smooth, rounded edges. Hey — vintage Airstream trailers were Streamline Modern. “Mid-century Modern” as we know it today, on the other hand, has a different look. See the Wikipedia page on Streamline Moderne. Note, it says that Streamline Modern houses were less common that Streamline Moderne commercial buildings…. The real estate listing says the house got some updating 1980, so I’m wondering if the clapboard siding was added then, and covered something more atypically Streamline Moderne – stucco exterior? In any case, the interior is PHENOMENAL!
Living room fireplace: Moderne. Like the prewar Heywood-Wakefield lines. Photo above courtesy Kathryn Madison.
Note the wrap-around windows… Photo above courtesy Kathryn Madison.
Simple birch sheet (I presume it’s birch, I could well be wrong) was used throughout the entire room, as you can see in this bedroom. Photo above courtesy Kathryn Madison.
Pick your jaw up off the ground. Like I said: This is like the inside of a private rail car. Notice the masonite (or glass?) panels on the ceiling. The floor has been redone — but impeccably. Notice also, the tile countertops, with contrast bullnose tile edging. I’m thinking all that tile work has been redone… Photo above courtesy Kathryn Madison.
The craftsmanship to accomplish this, back in the day, was amazing. Photo above courtesy Kathryn Madison.
The pantry doors… Photo above courtesy Kathryn Madison.I’m suspecting that those are 12″ square Carrera glass or Pittsburg Glass tiles on the wall. That was haute design for prewar bathrooms. Doesn’t this house just glow! Photo above courtesy Kathryn Madison.
And in this bedroom, notice that little window. Again… almost like whoever designed this, designed luxury steamships before. It’s akin to a porthole window, another signal of Streamline Moderne… Photo above courtesy Kathryn Madison.
Where else on the internet do they get so excited about steel casement windows with fluted glass? Photo above courtesy Kathryn Madison.
Or the inside of old front doors? Photo above courtesy Kathryn Madison.
A welcoming front door in a red-orange….Hey, I’ll call it orange — the Retro Renovation Color of the Year 2011. Photo above courtesy Kathryn Madison.
Photo above courtesy Kathryn Madison. Vintage Nutone door bell with…
… integral clock. Sigh. Such simple, perfect beauty. I read an interview with Marilyn vos Savant — you know, the smartest person in the world, or at least thought to be at one point — a few years ago. In Parade Magazine. Something she said really stuck with me. It was in answer to a question along the line, “What is it that you think about?” She said: “Wisdom, and beauty.” I think that is right, I really do: Wisdom, and beauty. Photo above courtesy Kathryn Madison.
The listing said the house has had only two owners, and that they were each very cognizant of how special it is. Indeed. Photo above courtesy Kathryn Madison.
I only found out about this house late last night, and rushed to get these photos up. In the next few days, as I have more time, I will add more information about the house, for posterity. SPECIAL THANKS to listing agent Kathryn Madison for giving me permission to feature these gorgeous photos — which she took, she’s a pro! — and this gorgeous house on the blog… and to keep it here for posterity. It is so very special. Kathryn’s blog: Go Beyond the Ordinary
Meanwhile, here is a link to the real estate listing, where you can see the photos even larger, and read a bit more information about the feature: Tour of Portland Streamline Moderne home / Windermere Real Estate Company.
Todd Allen says
Absolutely love it. Great ideas for future projects!
Lynn-O-Matic says
OK, Pam, you have now featured my DREAM home. Of all time. This is just glorious. Wow. Streamline has always been my favorite style–partly because it bridges the gap between art deco and mid century, my other favorites. I would have to work from home if I lived in this house because I couldn’t stand to leave.Except I would never get anything done because I would just wander around gazing adoringly at everything.
Please don’t tell me if anyone finds out the new owners are gutting the place. I don’t think I could stand the pain.
Hmmm, how can I move to Portland quickly and offer the new owners more to let me have this house instead? Ha ha!
Megan says
This is one of those homes I wish I could wiggle my nose and move to Ohio! What a beautiful home, a real piece of history. Let’s hope the new owner doesn’t take the realtor’s advice on changes and leaves every wonderful little detail of the home intact!
75Heather says
:SWOON: Oh, good gawd, that is GORGEOUS!!
kate mckinnon says
I can never really want to stand on those streaky lino floors.
How do you ever really feel a floor like that is CLEAN?
Lynn-O-Matic says
We have streaky marmoleum floors and as long as you maintain the topcoat they definitely look and feel clean. Cleaner than vinyl or tile, in fact, which is no doubt why real linoleum is used in hospitals, grocery stores, etc. Nothing feels as warm and cozy as real linoleum, either. Well, maybe cork, but I’ve never had it.
MulchMaid /Jane says
We have both cork and Marmoleum: They’re each comfortable and warm to stand on. I wouldn’t say the cork is warmer, but we do have a few coats of water-base urethane on it for protection.
CindyD says
I agree! I find our new marmoleum extremely easy to clean. I’m so glad we chose it.
ForTheBettys says
Ohhhhh my gosh!!!! This house just screams fab and everything is ohh sooo perfect. Where might I get the floor plans for this house? lol. I am going to show this to hubby as soon as he gets home from work. I want him to see all of this and keep it in his head for the next ten years. That way when we go to do our house this is what he will think of. (ya right, a girl can only hope)
Charming!
~ForTheBettys~
Heather F says
TDF beautiful!!!! Love it…and gives me some ideas. I love the paneling in the bedroom….that it is continuous and not the usual “tongue and groove” look…
Sara D says
i think i just died a little bit.
Rebecca Prichard says
Exactly.
pam kueber says
Oopsy. Problem publishing this morning and I had to republish. Here are all the comments so far, which I will re-insert later, after I drink more coffee. Argh.
nfsvintage.blogspot.com/
What an incredible home! The fireplace is amazing as is the kitchen (especially when you look at the pictures sans stainless appliances). The curving lines are just plain beautiful. Thanks for posting this.
What an incredible home! The fireplace is amazing as is the kitchen (especially when you look at the pictures sans stainless appliances). The curving lines are just plain beautiful. Thanks for posting this. nfsvintageApproveUnapprove | Reply | Quick Edit | Edit | History | Spam | Trash
Annie B.
Just breathtaking. It almost looks too beautiful to be real.
Just breathtaking. It almost looks too beautiful to be real. ApproveUnapprove | Reply | Quick Edit | Edit | History | Spam | Trash
dcgrl
If you look at the realtor’s web site, it shows what some of the rooms COULD look like with a few modifications–in the kitchen they remove that fantastic fridge and range and replace them with stainless! Aaargh!
If you look at the realtor’s web site, it shows what some of the rooms COULD look like with a few modifications–in the kitchen they remove that fantastic fridge and range and replace them with stainless! Aaargh! rebecca.ApproveUnapprove | Reply | Quick Edit | Edit | History | Spam | Trash
dcgrl
I could stare at that fireplace all day. if there were justice in the world, that house would be mine! oh well–love the house you’re in, right?
I could stare at that fireplace all day. if there were justice in the world, that house would be mine! oh well–love the house you’re in, right? ApproveUnapprove | Reply | Quick Edit | Edit | History | Spam | Trash
Jenny
Wow, oh wow, oh wow!!!!
marybeth
Wow, oh wow, oh wow!!!! jennyApproveUnapprove | Reply | Quick Edit | Edit | History | Spam | Trash
MbS
| In reply to MbS.
Wendy…..sorry, I blame the snow morning and need for more coffee…off to the day.
Wendy…..sorry, I blame the snow morning and need for more coffee…off to the day. ApproveUnapprove | Reply | Quick Edit | Edit | History | Spam | Trash
MbS
marybeth.Hi Windy, your comment was not there when I posted….weird. Marmoleum is re-invented lino…. nice re-install…..
Hi Windy, your comment was not there when I posted….weird. Marmoleum is re-invented lino…. nice re-install….. marybeth.ApproveUnapprove | Reply | Quick Edit | Edit | History | Spam | Trash
MbS
marybeth.Thanks, P. Great way to start the snowy day. Do you think the floor in the kitchen/dining room are re-installed linoleum sheets? Or some nicely done sheet vinyl with the thin border? And, up-coved finish?
Thanks, P. Great way to start the snowy day. Do you think the floor in the kitchen/dining room are re-installed linoleum sheets? Or some nicely done sheet vinyl with the thin border? And, up-coved finish? marybeth.ApproveUnapprove | Reply | Quick Edit | Edit | History | Spam | Trash
John
Hi Pam,
This is just wonderful. Especially since it’s pre 1950. So sleek it certainly does remind me of being on an Oceanliner back in the day. What impresses me the most is the huge walls of glass and the use of smooth plywood panels. THe fireplaces are wonderful as well. Thanks for a great post on this SNOWY Florence,MA morning!!!
In Retro Heaven,John
Hi Pam,
This is just wonderful. Especially since it’s pre 1950. So sleek it certainly does remind me of being on an Oceanliner back in the day. What impresses me the most is the huge walls of glass and the use of smooth plywood panels. THe fireplaces are wonderful as well. Thanks for a great post on this SNOWY Florence,MA morning!!!
In Retro Heaven,John ApproveUnapprove | Reply | Quick Edit | Edit | History | Spam | Trash
wendy
Absolutely stunning! It’s so wonderful that everything has been taken care of – I hope the new owners continue the caretaking.
If you go to the real estate link, the commentary above each picture expands. You have to click on the word above the thumbnail, ie: “Kitchen”, to show the comments. You might have to click it 2 – 3 times to expand the comment box. Sometimes you can just click on the large photo several times and see the comments.
They say the kitchen floor is the original marmoleum, and the ceiling is masonite.
Sigh, sigh, sigh. Just spectacular.
Jeanne says
Gorgeous home. Those “virtually staged” photos are interesting – how they remove existing items and replace with what they think buyers would want.