November 2016 - Luxury Real Estate Brand | Cascade Sothebys International Realty

The Communities of Southwest Washington

Posted on November 30, 2016 at 8:34 am.

Washington State is a land rich in early American history, bringing up images of pioneers, sea captains, and adventurous explorers. This inspiring history is especially evident in the Southwest corner, where rivers meet the ocean. The communities of Southwest Washington have kept their connection to the past by preserving landmarks and local parks, while still creating space for progress and modern life. The area has won many hearts, and it could easily become the home you’re looking for. In particular, here are several communities you should check out.
Featured Image – Vancouver, Washington

Battle Ground

With a population just under 20,000, Battle Ground, Washington is brimming with small town charm. While its name might sound fierce, Battle Ground has a peaceful atmosphere and idyllic scenery, cozied between the coastal and cascade ranges. It has numerous parks and easy access to the nearby Gifford Pinchot National Forest, so you can get fresh air and see wildlife without traveling far. If you love wine, you can also stop at one of the three wineries on your way home. Battle Ground is at the center of the county’s growing wine industry, so you’ll be able to try some of the region’s best wine.
Although relatively small, Battle Ground is far from boring. It has an active community with fun events, like the annual Harvest Days. During this celebration, you can watch a festive parade, sample amazing local wine and beer, and admire over 400 classic and custom cars in a Car Cruise. There’s a geocaching challenge, too, along with a talent show, a scooter competition, and a kickball tournament, giving your whole family something to enjoy. Community events like these help you to connect with people in the area, so you can quickly build a social circle even as a newcomer.
View of Columbia River from a Vancouver, Washington Condo

Vancouver

Of course, no tour of Southwest Washington would be complete without Vancouver. Located in the southern curve of the Columbia River across from Portland, the city was originally a fur trading outpost named “Fort Vancouver,” after the sea captain George Vancouver. As a fort, Vancouver was a military stronghold and an important meeting point for trade. Ships came from London to trade supplies like blankets and tobacco for furs, which they then took to China and England. Later in the 19th century, as the area developed, the outpost also offered lumber, salmon and agricultural produce for trade.
Fur is no longer the foundation of Vancouver’s economy, but the shipyards have remained a vital part of the city’s life and history. In WWII, they produced ships 24/7 and brought the city around 36,000 new jobs, causing a huge population boom. The city has since overtaken surrounding towns and communities, turning them into vibrant urban neighborhoods with great restaurants, parks and local art.
Vancouver has become a city that’s full of possibility for anyone, not just soldiers and traders. It has interesting art galleries and historic landmarks like Pearson Field and Marshall House, as well as beautiful walking paths like the Waterfront Renaissance Trail. There’s enough to keep you busy in Vancouver, but you can also explore key treasures in the area, such as the Columbia River Gorge, the nearby Willamette Valley, and the mountains of the Coastal and Cascade ranges. Portland, Oregon is also right across the river, so you can take advantage of the tax-free shopping and cultural events there. Once just a trading post, Vancouver is now an ideal location to own a home.
Historical Camas, Washington Home

Camas

Just east of Vancouver, Camas is close enough to the city to enjoy urban amenities, but far enough to form an independent, close-knit community. Camas started as a paper mill town, producing paper for the newspapers of Portland, but it now has a diverse economy with thriving businesses and technology companies. Downtown Camas has maintained its historical feel, though, with beautiful tree-lined streets and unique stores. With excellent schools, about 60 miles of trails, and a variety of recreational activities, it’s an especially great town to raise a family. You have the safety and friendliness of a smaller town, without missing out on the advantages of a city.
To read more about other areas around Southwest Washington and find some great homes for sale, check out our communities page.

Upcoming December 2016 Art Walks

Posted on November 28, 2016 at 5:22 pm.

First Thursday in Portland’s Pearl District with Artist Molly Reeves

Molly Reeves received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from Portland State University, before her career path took a turn and she decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University. A decade later, she returned to her artistic roots and continues to paint landscapes and birds in oils. Her work is evocative of plein air studies with energetic brushwork and impressionistic feel, yet her style has evolved consciously over many years in the studio and represents a nuanced use of color, light and composition.
Please join us Thursday, December 1st at our Pearl District Office (1321 NW Hoyt Street, Portland, OR) from 5 – 8 PM, to enjoy Molly’s art, as well as wine and appetizers.

First Friday in Bend with Artist Megan Myers

Megan Myers is a Bend based artist and illustrator. Producing artwork by hand, Megan primarily creates acrylic on canvas paintings. She works in pen & ink, as well, but her true passion is painting murals that explore intimate landscapes inspired by our region’s mountains, forests, deserts and beaches. The animals and children in Megan’s work exude innocence and a sense of wonder, as they journey through the outdoors exploring themes of companionship, protection, wilderness and the greatest adventure of all: love.
In early 2016, Myers moved her studio (from Portland) to Bend, OR where she paints, illustrates and sells original artwork, fine art prints and greeting cards, spending a lot of time on commission projects.
Please join us Friday, December 2nd at our Downtown Bend Office (821 NW Wall Street, Bend, OR) from 5 – 8 PM, to enjoy Megan Myers’ artwork, as well as complimentary wine and appetizers.

First Friday in Vancouver with Artist Reid Trevarthen

A life-long resident of the Pacific Northwest, Reid Trevarthen uses the medium of collage to visualize the interconnected and complex relationships between people, the planet and the universe as a whole. His self-taught technique draws inspiration from the work of Chuck Close, Jasper Johns and Dali, among others. A graduate of The Evergreen State College, Trevarthen is a member of North Bank Artists Community Project in Vancouver, WA.
Please join us Friday, December 2nd at our Downtown Vancouver Office (402 W 8th St. Vancouver, WA) from 5-8 PM, to enjoy Reid’s artwork, as well as complimentary wine and apps.

Third Thursday in Lake Oswego with Artist Jan Youngman

Jan Youngman’s art experience began as a child; as an adult, she took a couple of classes at the Seaman’s Institute in New York City. Then, after relocating to Portland in the 70s, Jan took classes at PCC and joined the Oregon Society of Artists, Painters Showcase and Lake Area Artists. She also began participating in group shows, workshops and paint outs, both local and out of state.

It’s a wonderful journey that takes you into so many unexpected and surprising places. There’s something magical about turning a blank canvas into something you’ve created from nothing. It’s the process and great friends that keep me motivated to continue this wonderful journey for the rest of my life. And, of course, I just love to paint.

Please join us Thursday, December 15th at our Lake Oswego Office (310 N State Street, Suite 102, Lake Oswego, OR) from 4-7 PM, to enjoy Jan’s artwork, as well as complimentary wine and appetizers.

Best Places to Eat Brunch on the Oregon Coast

Posted on November 28, 2016 at 11:47 am.

Hunting for a home takes a lot of energy and thoughtfulness. One way to make the experience more fun and less stressful is start out the day with a delicious breakfast or brunch. You can meet with your real estate agent over a cup of coffee and plate of pancakes, then head out refreshed and ready to see some of the best houses in the area.
Stopping for brunch is also a great idea when you have to decide between several towns to live in. For example, the Oregon Coast has so many great places to own a home, it can be difficult to decide which place fits your lifestyle. When you pause for a good breakfast, you can soak in the town’s atmosphere while also satisfying your appetite.
Here are a number of excellent restaurants, cafes and bakeries that are worth visiting on the Oregon Coast. You can hit them all on a long road trip down the Oregon Coast, starting in Astoria and ending in Newport. Or, you can focus on a particular area and savor each morning with a hearty brunch.
Featured Image – View from an Oregon Coast Community

Astoria

Bridgewater Bistro typically serves only lunch and dinner, but they open their doors early every Sunday for brunch as well. Enjoy Irish porridge or shrimp grits with a beautiful view of the Astroria-Megler bridge and Columbia River shipping channel. As an added bonus, their menu is 90% gluten-free.

Street 14 Cafe cares about quality, community, and locally-sourced food. They serve handcrafted pastries and fresh, seasonal dishes made with ingredients from local farmers and foragers. Their coffee is pretty awesome, too.
Astoria Coffeehouse & Bistro is a “European-style” cafe with a comfortable atmosphere. Get a hearty egg breakfast along with a warm cup of Caffé Vita coffee.

Seaside

On your way to Cannon Beach, spend a morning at Pig ‘N Pancake in Seaside. Established in 1961, the restaurant has since become a local landmark. With “35 varieties of breakfast (including pancakes),” it’s a great place to store up energy for a day of surfing at the cove.

Cannon Beach

Wayfarer Restaurant overlooks Haystack Rock, one of Cannon Beach’s main attractions. This restaurant serves a classic American breakfast with local berry jams and fresh, house-made breads. You can sit outside on a nice day and watch the waves with a breakfast cocktail in hand.

The Lazy Susan Cafe is charming, friendly and family-centered. Their amazing omelets and waffles draw a crowd of locals every morning, but the line is worth waiting in. Try out their creative seasonal waffles—especially the gingerbread waffle with poached pears and lemon sauce. It’s a local legend.
The menu at Crêpe Neptune is simple but delicious. You can order a variety of sweet and savory crepes, each named after a town or location on the Oregon Coast. For example, the Cannon Beach crepe has prosciutto, chevre goat cheese, fig, and honey. It’s a necessary stop for anyone traveling the coast.

Nehalem Bay

Located in the quirky little town of Manzanita, Wanda’s Cafe matches the area’s offbeat vibe. It has eclectic décor and a cozy atmosphere, as well as fresh baked goods and locally-roasted coffee.

Big Wave Cafe specializes in seafood, though they have great stuffed French toast, too. You can order breaded Razor Clams with potatoes and eggs, or an omelet with Dungeness crab and bay shrimp—or just stick with the French toast for a hearty breakfast.
If all you want is an incredible cinnamon roll, go to Bread and Ocean Bakery in Manzanita. In addition to amazing cinnamon rolls, they bake fresh cardamom rolls, orange walnut rolls, and almond poppy seed rolls every day.

Newport

The cute, little Cafe Stephanie is well-loved for its quaint and friendly atmosphere. Try their quiche or Marionberry crepes while chatting with locals on the sidewalk or in the adorable cafe.

Georgie’s Beachside Grill has a beautiful panoramic view of the ocean and plenty of windows, so getting a table overlooking the sea isn’t difficult. Their menu features Northwest favorites and comforting, all-American breakfast food.
Nye Beach Cafe feels like a neighborhood coffee shop, only with excellent food and locally-source ingredients. Their breakfast burrito and heuvos rancheros are especially popular, made with fresh farm eggs and polenta.

Lincoln City

Lincoln City has over a dozen coffee shops, and Pacific Grind Cafe is one of the best. Their baristas can create something for every type of coffee drinker using beans from Cape Foulweather Coffee, a local roaster. Relax with laid-back music and the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee while sitting in their spacious cafe for breakfast.
Wild Flower Grill is in a delightful little house with a pleasant garden and small pond. You can enjoy a scrumptious egg breakfast while sitting on their porch, watching the ducks and geese. If you’re lucky, you might even see deer or elk wandering by their little wetland.
Go to Fathoms Restaurant just for the view. Although the food is also very good, it’s secondary to the gorgeous view you’ll see of the beach and ocean. Gazing at the morning light playing on the water might be the best way to start a busy day.
Check out all of our Oregon Coast communities to learn more about why it’s a great place to own a home.

Winter Farmers' Markets in Portland, Oregon

Posted on November 23, 2016 at 10:46 am.

Farmers’ markets are typically associated with summer, when local fruit like plums and peaches are fresh off the tree. However, a few markets do stay open through the winter. The dedicated farmers, bakers and cheesemakers who continue selling their goods on bitterly cold and dark winter days are a godsend to locavores, who eat only locally-grown food throughout the year.
Featured image – The White Stag sign in Downtown Portland
You don’t need to be a locavore to love year-round farmers’ markets, though. Winter markets have a cozy atmosphere and a sense of community that’s sometimes lost in the crowded summer markets. You can really get to know the families who make a living off of their small farms. Off-season markets give these families a financial boost during the hardest months of the year. Instead of enduring several low-income months, they can balance their annual income and invest more in their business. By shopping at a winter market, you’re not only enriching your diet—you’re supporting the local food economy and community.
If you want to get a taste of what farmers’ markets are like in winter, visit Portland, Oregon. The city has a handful of winter markets spread out over the week. In other words, you don’t have to reserve a particular day for shopping at the farmers’ market. You can keep a flexible schedule without missing out on a week of local groceries.
Here are five winter markets you should check out this winter in Portland. Each one is located in a great neighborhood, too, so if you’re hunting for a house, make sure to stroll around the area before you’ve loaded your arms with groceries.

Portland State University

Saturday, 9am – 2pm (November – February)
The farmers’ market at PSU was one of the first to appear in Portland. It was originally established in 1992 along the Willamette River, but it soon moved to the university campus, so students could access it more easily. Now, more than 20 years later, the PSU market is a huge success. Around 20,000 shoppers visit the market every Saturday in the summer, even when the school year is over. Along with the usual set of fruit and vegetable stalls, there are chef demonstrations, street musicians, and cooking classes for children. It’s become such a landmark that they’ve decided to keep it open year-round.
The winter market is a block smaller than the summer market, but it’s still packed with vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, cheeses, and artisan breads. You can buy a week’s worth of winter veggies like carrots, beets and squash, then enjoy hot food and coffee in the covered seating area. With the PSU campus in the background, it’s a picturesque place to do your winter grocery shopping.

Hillsdale

Twice monthly on Sundays, 10am – 2pm (December – April)
Located on the edge of the city near Southwest Portland, this market< is a great place to bring your family. An elementary school and a high school are on either side of the market, so there's a large parking lot and plenty of space for children to run around. Your kids can have fun on the playground, soccer field and basketball court while you relax at the market, browsing and talking to vendors. You could even go to the Hillsdale Shopping Center afterwards to buy holiday gifts or shop for clothes.

Lloyd

Tuesday, 10 – 2pm
While many farmers’ markets are situated in peaceful, residential neighborhoods, this one is right in the middle of the busy Lloyd District. Its location and time on Tuesdays is perfect for employees, who can head to the market during their lunch break, but it’s a convenient place for tourists and shopping families, too. After a morning at the Lloyd Center Mall, you can get some fresh air and hot food at the market, while also picking up some meat and veggies for dinner.

Hollywood

1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9am – 1pm (December – March)
Back in 1997, a group of volunteers started the Hollywood Farmers’ Market to give their community a place to shop for local goods. The market is still run by volunteers, giving the market a strong community atmosphere. It’s a vibrant gathering place, even in winter. There’s live music and a wide variety of vendors, from honey and flowers to poultry and mushrooms.

People’s Farmers’ Market

Wednesdays, 2 – 7pm
Although this outdoor market is hosted by the People’s Food Co-Op, you don’t need to be a co-op member to shop there. The market is simply a reflection of the co-op’s values, fostering relationships between food producers and the community. You can browse handmade wares and stock up on high-quality organic produce, straight from local farmers and artisans.
Check out our Portland community page to find more great information about this wonderful city and where to live.

Reasons to Buy a Home in Sunriver, Oregon

Posted on November 21, 2016 at 10:50 am.

Sunriver is 3,300 acres of beauty and adventure. It’s known as a vacation spot, but there’s a tight-knit residential community there, too. It’s no surprise that neighborhoods have cropped up in Sunriver, since the place has something for everyone. As the Chicago Tribune put it, “Sunriver is like a mix of an outdoorsy Disney World, a national park and summer camp.” If you’re looking for a house in Central Oregon, here are a few reasons why you should consider settling down in Sunriver.
Featured image – Deschutes River frontage property in Sunriver, Oregon

Outdoor Beauty

Some of the most beautiful scenery in Oregon is around Sunriver. You can hike past waterfalls and glacial rivers in the Three Sisters Wilderness, go rafting and paddleboarding on the Deschutes River, and drive along a handful of lakes on the famous Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. No matter which direction you go, there are stunning mountain views and areas of wilderness to explore. You don’t have to worry about getting rained out, either. Sunriver is on a high desert plateau, so it gets plenty of sunshine year-round.
An abundance of wildlife

Family-Friendly

Finding a place to live with a family can be challenging, since you have a wide range of interests to think about. What you love may not be what your teenager or toddler loves, and vice versa. That’s why a lot of families are drawn to Sunriver, where there are a variety of activities for every age. For example, you can take your kids to the Oregon Observatory to gaze at stars and planets through a telescope, or go to the Lava Lands Visitors Center to experience what a volcano looks and sounds like.
These attractions aren’t just for tourists, either. Your kids can get involved in long-term activities like the Junior Naturalist Program at the Sunriver Nature Center, where they can conduct a biological field project and create a scientific poster with their findings. For something more artistic, you can paint pottery, make a stuffed bear or learn how to fuse glass at The Outpost Art Studio. Even the Sunriver Library has a busy calendar of events, from an interactive storytime for toddlers to a LEGO block party for all ages. With so much to do, it’s hard for families to get bored in Sunriver.

Winter Magic

Despite being a sunny desert, Sunriver gets a thick layer of snow in winter. This combination of sun and snow means the town turns into a winter wonderland every year. You can go sledding at Wanoga Sno-Park, snow-shoe with Wanderlust Tours to a glowing bonfire in the evening, or snuggle up with hot cocoa and blankets in a horse-drawn sleigh. One of the largest ski areas in the US is a short drive away, or you can just stay in town and build a snowman or go ice skating.
There’s an explosion of activities during the holidays, too, when a celebration called Traditions is underway. You can visit a holiday market, attend a grand lighting ceremony, have brunch with Santa, and watch holiday movies on a big screen. Sunriver definitely knows how to take away the winter blues with holiday merriment and snowy adventures.
Custom Built Home in Sunriver, Oregon

Summer Fun

Although winter is awesome in Sunriver, the town is still fun when the snow melts. You can celebrate the coming of summer by going golfing at Crosswater Club, a beautiful course with 63 holes of world-class golf. Or you can go to the SHARC water park and sunbathe while your kids play around in their recreation pools and water slides. Other options include horseback riding at Sunriver Stables, biking on 35 miles of paved trails, and cooling off with locally-made ice cream at the Village.
Quiet, close to nature living

Finding a Home in Sunriver

Vacationing in Sunriver is nice, but why not live there instead? Then, you can take advantage of everything the area has to offer throughout the year. Instead of getting only a couple days to enjoy the Deschutes River, you can buy a home next to it and go canoeing or paddle boarding whenever you want. You could enjoy the energy and activities in Sunriver, then come home to a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by nature.
Take a look at our Sunriver community page to find homes for sale, and you’ll find a lot of beauty right out your front door.
Deschutes River in Sunriver, Oregon

Best Orchards to Grow in Oregon

Posted on November 16, 2016 at 10:43 am.

Planting an orchard doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. You can start small with a couple trees in your backyard, then expand from there when you’re ready. Even a few trees can produce a large harvest, giving you enough fruit/nuts to enjoy throughout the year. You can make jam, pies, and juice to give to friends, or sell part of the harvest at farmer’s markets. However you choose to use the produce, the trees will increase the value of your home and add beauty to your property.
To grow a thriving orchard, you need to choose the right trees for your climate and soil. Fortunately, Oregon has great conditions for growing a variety of fruit and nut trees. That’s why there are areas like the Hood River County Fruit Loop, which have fruit stands and U-Pick farms scattered everywhere. Here are 3 excellent choices if you want to plant your own orchard in Oregon.
Featured image – Oregon Orchard Property

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts, also called filberts, are one of the top agricultural products in Oregon. In 2015, around 30,000 tons of hazelnuts were harvested in Oregon for commercial sale, worth nearly $87 million total. Part of that yield was sold as raw hazelnuts (chopped or whole), while another portion was used in processed goods. These numbers leave out all the hazelnuts consumed by the farmers themselves. From homemade granola to nutty trail mix, hazelnuts are especially great for outdoor adventures and cozy mornings inside.
Besides being a good investment, hazelnut orchards require less attention compared to other popular crops, like grapes, peaches and apples. You don’t need to prune the trees as often or spray them as much for bud mites or blights. In addition, you don’t have to wait until the trees are full-grown before enjoying a hazelnut harvest. Even a bush can produce a small crop.

Pears

Pears are Oregon’s official state fruit, and rightly so. Pear orchards brought the state more than $150 million in 2015, second only to Washington. The two states dominate pear production in the US due to their ideal climate and soil. Warm days, cool nights, plenty of water and rich, volcanic soil provide exactly what pears need. That’s why 84% of the pears grown in the US come from the Northwest.

In total, Oregon has about 19,000 acres of land for pear orchards. Most of these acres are in the Rogue River Valley (southeastern Oregon) and Hood River Valley (north central Oregon) along the much-loved Fruit Loop. The majority of the pear orchards in this region are relatively small and run by families, yet they produce an amazing harvest. The Hood River County alone is the world’s #1 producer of Anjou pears.
However, pears grow well in many other Oregon counties, too, so your pear orchard doesn’t necessarily need to be in the Hood River Valley to yield a significant harvest. By the end of August, your pears will be large, juicy and ready to be picked.

Apples

The history of apple orchards in Oregon goes back in 1847, when a pioneer named Henderson Luelling traveled from Iowa to Oregon with more than 700 young fruit trees. He, his wife and their 8 children used these trees to start a nursery near Portland, Oregon, which eventually became the source for many fruit orchards in Oregon. Apples made up a large part of those 700 trees. Fortunately for Luelling, apple trees thrived in Oregon’s wet, mild climate. The state now produces around 125 million pounds of apples per year, worth over $44 million.
Harrisburg, Oregon

Of the 21 apple varieties grown in Oregon, Fuji and Gala are the most popular—although Honeycrisp apples are quickly catching up. All three varieties are delicious eaten fresh, but you can also make apple juice or pies from them. With an apple orchard in your backyard, you can savor the atmosphere of autumn. All you need is a bonfire and a mug of warm apple cider, and you have the perfect set-up for an October get-together or romantic evening.

Homes on the Oregon Coast with Beautiful Views

Posted on November 14, 2016 at 11:19 am.

Oregon has 363 miles of gorgeous coastline. That’s why Highway 101, the Oregon coastal highway, is such a popular scenic drive. It leads you to one amazing view after another. The beauty is enough to make you want to move to the area.
However, although there are countless stunning viewpoints along Highway 101, some of the most beautiful views are actually in homes and living rooms, away from the road. If you own one of these homes, you can wake up every morning to a breathtaking view over the ocean. You wouldn’t need to drive anywhere; you could just sit in your favorite chair with a cup of coffee and enjoy the view.
Here are seven homes with awesome views that are currently for sale. They’re located in some of the best areas on the Oregon Coast, a short drive away from interesting towns, recreational areas, and other incredible viewpoints. Then again, if you already have one of the best views from your living room, you might be happy just to stay at home.

Chapman Point

Located on one of the best lots at Chapman Point, this 4-bedroom home has panoramic views from Haystack Rock to Ecola State Park. In this home, you wouldn’t just see a gorgeous oceanfront view from one or two rooms. The ocean can be seen from almost every room, from the downstairs library and bar to the comfortable crow’s nest office. Some people visit Cannon Beach just to see Haystack Rock; in this house, you’d see it straight from your office, kitchen and media room.
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Neahkanie Mountain

One of the best views on the Oregon Coast is on Neahkanie Mountain. On a clear day, you can see about 40 miles to the south. This elevated family beach home is right there, just one block away from the beach and overlooking the ocean.
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Arch Cape

This tiny beach community is often overlooked on lists of Oregon Coast viewpoints, mainly because those lists focus on bigger, more touristy locations. Arch Cape is certainly small—it’s made up of a few homes, a couple businesses, and one lovely beach. Access to this beach is hidden among neighborhood streets, so you rarely see tourists walking along it. And it’s a secret worth keeping. This 3-bedroom cottage has a spectacular view over this beach. Live here, and you’d be one of the few to enjoy this secluded stretch of sand and boulders.
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Rockaway Beach

From the two decks of this home, you can see the white-tipped waves of Rockaway Beach, one of the best places on the Oregon Coast to raise a family. You can watch the boats sailing across the water, and then go out yourself to enjoy fishing, clamming and surfing at Barview Jetty Park, right in your backyard.
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Nedonna Beach

This 4-bedroom home has wall-to-wall windows in the open family/kitchen/dining area, letting in the light and showing off the incredible ocean view. There’s also a deck off the kitchen with another view of the beach, perfect for barbequing and evening drinks in the summer. It’s a great home for entertaining and hanging out with the family, soaking in the beauty of the beach.
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Depoe Bay

Here’s another example of a “Wall of Windows,” only with a cathedral vaulted ceiling, so you can see more of the sky. Such a spectacular view will make you feel like the ocean is right into your living room. You’ll see awesome sunsets and even spot whales lounging in the surf. After all, Depoe Bay is the Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast—the perfect location and home for anyone who’s passionate about ocean life.
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Port Orford

While the southern Oregon coastline has many doesn’t get as many tourists as the northern coastline, it still has amazing views and landscapes that are worth seeing. It’s a more mountainous area with lush forests, including the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Instead of tourists, you get private sanctuaries like this one.With 86 acres and sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, rock islands and beautiful meadows, you’ll quickly feel at peace living here.

Homes from the Roaring Twenties for Sale in Portland, Oregon

Posted on November 9, 2016 at 10:19 am.

The 1920s are known for their decadence and originality. The economy was booming, society was breaking with traditions, and technology was rapidly advancing. Although the spirit of the roaring twenties was most evident in big cities like New York and Paris, smaller cities like Portland, Oregon had cultural revolutions as well, complete with flapper dresses and innovative architecture.
For example, entertainment in Portland became more varied throughout the 20s, reflecting the prosperity of the decade. Several new theaters opened, starting with the Blue Mouse Theatre in 1921. These theaters showed vaudeville acts, then later introduced movies to an enthusiastic public—causing even more theaters to open.
Motion pictures weren’t the only technology to sweep society. Automobiles, telephones, electricity, and radio were all becoming widespread, and architects took these advances into account as they planned new houses. As a result, homes built during the twenties often seem more modern than homes built during earlier decades. You may not even realize that your home has historical value if it was built in the 1920s.
However, there are still a few characteristic details that set houses from the 1920s apart. For instance, the California Bungalow style of architecture was very popular during the twenties. Bungalow houses usually feel cozier than Victorian homes, a style popular during the 19th century and into the turn of the century. Bungalows reflect a simple American lifestyle. They typically don’t have servants quarters or fancy parlors and sitting rooms. Instead, a comfortable living room is often the first room you see when entering the house. The centerpiece of the living room might be a snug fireplace, perfect for rainy evenings in Portland.
Another feature of 1920s residential architecture is the breakfast nook. A cozy corner for a small table in the kitchen may not seem revolutionary nowadays, but back in the 1920s, it was a significant change. Before then, breakfast was more fast-paced. The dining room table had to be formally set, which meant several trips from the kitchen. This extra step added to the morning rush and made breakfast feel hurried. With a breakfast nook, everything was close at hand and more informal, so everyone could relax.
To get a better idea of what typical homes in the 1920s looked like, here are a few houses built in Portland, Oregon during the twenties.

Classic Bungalow

Built in 1926, this sweet 3-bedroom bungalow is a great example of the architecture so popular in the 1920s. It has a warm wood-burning fireplace and an eating nook next to the kitchen that’s perfect for laid-back breakfasts. The home bursts with sunlight, character and charm.
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Elegant Bungalow

Not all 1920s bungalows followed the same architectural pattern. For instance, this bungalow from 1927 is simple and cozy, yet still has some of the elegance of previous centuries. The fireplace, natural light and comfortable living room are there, but the home has a gorgeous dining room instead of a breakfast nook. It’s a nice choice for anyone looking for a middle ground between elegance and modernity.
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English Tudor Cottage

Even a 1920s house that isn’t technically a bungalow may still have some of the same architectural details, since they were so popular. This storybook cottage was built in 1927 and looks different from the bungalows at first. However, it still has the fireplace, the prominent living room, and the breakfast nook so well-loved in the twenties. Although the home has many other unique touches, these core architectural details were clearly too important to leave out.
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Percy Smith Estate

This incredible estate from 1922 might make you feel like a character in The Great Gatsby. From the moment you drive through the stylish gates and into the courtyard, you’ll feel the prosperity, grace and beauty of the 1920s. The house is even listed on the National Historical Registry as an example of eccentric design in the English Country style, with fanciful gargoyles and cherubs, colorful leaded glass, stone and leather finishes and timber features. It’s not just a taste of history—it’s a piece of art.
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Oregon Vineyards: Wine, Jelly, Sorbet, and Other Delicious Food and Drink Ideas

Posted on November 7, 2016 at 10:18 am.

If you love the idea of farming and agriculture, but still want to maintain a classy lifestyle, consider owning a vineyard in Oregon. Grapes look beautiful, first of all. They’ve historically been a common subject for still life art, and for a good reason. Whether they’re hanging on a vine or sitting in a fruit bowl, they’re one of the most elegant fruits. If you own a vineyard, you’ll essentially be living in a painting, surrounded by picturesque scenery and lovely clusters of grapes.
Moreover, grapes are a versatile fruit. You can transform them into a variety of drinks and dishes for parties, brunches, and dinners. While certain varieties are specifically intended for wine, many others are delicious whether they’re juiced or eaten fresh. The following food and drink ideas are perfect for anyone with a vineyard and plenty of grapes to use up. Try them all out and discover which ones you enjoy the most!
Featured image – Willamette Valley vineyard.

Wine

If you live in a wine-producing region like the Willamette Valley, you’ll likely end up using a large portion of your harvest to make wine. Then, as winemaker, you can participate in local wine-oriented events as a valuable producer, instead of just a consumer. For example, you can take part in the much-loved Wine Country Thanksgiving, giving friends and visitors samples of your wine to celebrate the holiday.
The Oregon wine culture is thriving, with its commercial winemaking success starting in the 1960s and growing to over 700 wineries today. The top producing varieties of wine are Pinot noir and Pinot gris, with the majority of the vineyards in the state being run independently. The local culture and commercial success is strong, with Oregon growers bringing in a higher average revenue per case than other regions throughout the United States, making owning a vineyard in Oregon even more attractive.

Grape Juice

When you harvest your grapes for wine, be sure to set apart a portion for grape juice. Fresh-pressed grape juice tastes nothing like the frozen concentrate sold in grocery stores. It’s much more complex and diverse, with noticeable changes in flavor between harvests and grape varieties. You can serve it to children and adults who don’t drink, or just enjoy yourself for breakfast or after a workout.

Grape Jelly / Jam

“Slip-skin” or fox grapes (like the Concord grape) are the best choice for making jam. They have a deep flavor, and their skins easily slide off during cooking or when pinched. Concord grapes grow well in a variety of soils and climates, so even if the majority of your vineyard is dedicated to other varieties, you can reserve a section just for delicious Concord jam.

Raisins

The majority of raisins in the US are made from Thompson Seedless grapes. If your vineyard produces other grape varieties, then, you might be pleasantly surprised by the flavor, color and shape of your dried grapes. They could be tiny or large, with colors ranging from green and purple to black and golden. It’s worth trying at least once just to see what you get!
Willamette Valley, Oregon

Grape Pie

Perhaps you’ve already eaten grape pie before, but if you haven’t, it may end up being your favorite type of pie. Although it takes time to prepare the grapes for the pie, the end result is definitely worth the effort. Check out New York Folklore’s World’s Greatest Grape Pie recipe and see if you agree.

Grape Soda

Like store-bought grape juice, grape-flavored soda is typically far removed from actual grapes. However, when you make it yourself, it’s a whole new experience. You can make grape soda (Serious Eats recipe) with grapes, water, sweetener, lemon juice and yeast, or go with a slightly easier option, sparkling grape juice (Build your Bite recipe).

Roasted Grapes

Cheese, bread, wine, greek yogurt and ice cream all pair well with roasted grapes. You can sprinkle the grapes with cinnamon, walnuts and brown sugar as a garnish for dessert, or splash them with olive oil and red wine vinegar as an appetizer with bread and cheese. Either way, it’s a fantastic way to serve grapes during chic events.

Grape Sorbet

Sorbet is incredibly easy to make when you’re using grapes. All you need is sugar, an ice cream maker, a couple pounds of Concord grapes, and voila: you have a delicious summer dessert with rich flavor and amazing color.
Check out beautiful Willamette Valley vineyards for sale as well as other incredible places on our community page.

Why Bend, Oregon is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Posted on November 2, 2016 at 10:28 am.

The population of Bend, Oregon is booming. Over 24,000 people have moved to the small city in the past 10 years, and it continues to have a growth rate of over 40%. Bend’s popularity isn’t just hype, either. It’s genuinely an awesome place to live, with enough beauty and opportunities to keep you happy for a lifetime. If you’re looking to buy a home somewhere, here are four reasons why you should consider settling down in Bend.
Featured image – view from the North Rim community.

1. Outdoor Recreation

If you know anything about Bend, this first point won’t come as a surprise. One of the main attractions of Bend is easy access to the outdoors. No matter where your house is located, you’ll have dozens of outdoor activities nearly at your doorstep. The city has 71 parks, 48 miles of trails, and a river for tubing and paddle boarding. In less than an hour, you’ll be able to go golfing, hiking, fly-fishing, climbing, paragliding, skiing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting… The list goes on.
Tetherow

Best of all, when you make outdoor plans, you don’t have to worry about what the weather’s going to be like. Bend is in Oregon’s high desert, which means you’re likely to have a beautiful sunny day. The town gets about 300 days of sunshine each year!
In addition, if you enjoy going outdoors with your dog, Bend has plenty of dog-friendly places for you to go. In fact, Dog Fancy magazine once named Bend “DogTown USA,” one of the friendliest cities to have a dog. There are off-leash areas scattered around town, and many businesses are pet-friendly. In other words, after hiking with your dogs, you can go straight to work or your favorite brewery without needing to drop them off at home first.

2. Beer

Although most of Bend’s visitors come for the outdoors, a growing percentage visit for the local beer alone. The city’s appreciation for handcrafted beer started back in 1988, when Deschutes Brewery was founded. (It’s now one of the largest craft breweries in the world.) Since then, so many microbreweries have cropped up in Bend that the city has created an Ale Trail Beer Tour, which guides you to 16 of the breweries. There are also ‘cycle pubs‘, a seven-person bicycle with bar top and cup holders, so you can cycle between breweries in a group. For something less active, you can take the Bend Brew Bus or ride in a horse-drawn carriage instead.
If you’re not a fan of beer, the city has other “drinkable diversions” for you to enjoy, too, including several distilleries, wineries and cider makers. Bend is also close enough to the Willamette Valley that you can sample wine right at the vineyard.

3. Arts & Culture

Bend isn’t all about drinking and outdoor recreation, though. It has a vibrant arts community that’s growing as quickly as the city itself thanks to creative centers like the Workhouse. There are a number of art galleries and theaters with regular plays and concerts, ranging contemporary pop to classical opera. The city also hosts a variety of parades and festivals, including Winterfest and Oktoberfest (of course). You can keep track of cultural events in Bend by reading local periodicals like Cascade A&E, or by getting involved in the community yourself.
Old Mill

4. Retirement

Buying a house is a long-term investment. You want to make sure you can live in the area not only as a young professional, but also as an aging retiree. With fresh air, clean water, and low crime, Bend appeals to both groups. The medical care in Bend is also exceptional. It has a large hospital with first-class facilities and a wide range of services, so you wouldn’t need to travel far for a doctor’s appointment.
Then, if you ever need to sell your house as you get older, you’re likely to find a buyer as Bend’s population continues to grow. You can move into one of the many retirement communities in the area and live the rest of your days kayaking, mountain climbing, or simply walking by the river. It’s a great way to stay healthy while still thoroughly enjoying life. As one bumper sticker in Bend says, “Your vacation is our life.”
If those reasons are enough to convince you to start looking for a place in Bend, Oregon, then check out our community page to find your dream home.