A Verdant Midcentury in the Middle of a Portland Forest Asks $1.6M

A tree grows right through the roof of this 1962 home with a breeze block facade and a lush backyard oasis.

Property Details:

Location: 5444 SW Burton Dr., Portland, Oregon

Price: $1,675,000

Year Built: 1962

Footprint: 2,305 square feet (four bedrooms, two and a half baths)

Lot Size: 0.88 acres

From the Agent: "A private restorative sanctuary to escape the chaos of the city or a busy day at work. Unexpectedly close to downtown Portland and Beaverton, the home’s indoor and outdoor spaces flow seamlessly together creating a spacious yet intimate "forest bath" experience that surprises and delights throughout the four seasons. The home doubles in size in the summertime with five outdoor living spaces floating above, nestled against, or jutting out into the forest. It’s a warm home to invite friends into—the owners often set up the lower patio as an outdoor theater to watch movies, or listen to music underneath the magical "Totoro Tree." The custom renovations over the years, designed by its current owners (whoa re former Nike creatives), were inspired by the work of NW architect Tom Kundig and traditional Japanese and Scandinavian design."

"The site is is located unexpectedly close to Washington Park, downtown Portland and Beaverton to the West," states the listing.

"The site is is located unexpectedly close to Washington Park, downtown Portland and Beaverton to the West," states the listing.

The owners call the property their "one-acre wood" (although it’s actually .88 acres), and say it’s a restorative sanctuary where they can escape the stress of their workdays.

The owners call the property their "one-acre wood" (although it’s actually .88 acres), and say it’s a restorative sanctuary where they can escape the stress of their workdays.

The back patio is perfect for hosting parties, events, or even a quaint evening dinner for two.

The back patio is perfect for hosting parties, events, or even a quaint evening dinner for two.

The backyard features a giant cocoon swing, a custom rock wall, and a beautifully landscaped outdoor living area.

The backyard features a giant cocoon swing, a custom rock wall, and a beautifully landscaped outdoor living area.

The cinder block facade is broken by wood-paneled front doors.

The cinder block facade is broken by wood-paneled front doors.

"The covered patio and carport are shielded by a full cinder block facade, with the exterior wall incorporating a decorative block element that allows light to pass through to the patio atrium," states the listing.

"The covered patio and carport are shielded by a full cinder block facade, with the exterior wall incorporating a decorative block element that allows light to pass through to the patio atrium," states the listing.

A tree grows through the roof in a courtyard located at the home’s entry.

A tree grows through the roof in a courtyard located at the home’s entry.

The entry opens to a dining area and a naturally lit living area.

The entry opens to a dining area and a naturally lit living area.

The dining area opens onto a deck for seamless indoor/outdoor living.

The dining area opens onto a deck for seamless indoor/outdoor living.

"The entry, dining room, and kitchen have refinished fir floors, and the rest of the home, except for the baths and laundry, have 100% wool, super plush, wall-to-wall carpeting. Lutron dimmers control the light quality and ambiance throughout the home."

"The entry, dining room, and kitchen have refinished fir floors, and the rest of the home, except for the baths and laundry, have 100% wool, super plush, wall-to-wall carpeting. Lutron dimmers control the light quality and ambiance throughout the home."

The living, dining, and kitchen areas are aligned gallery-style along a long central corridor.

The living, dining, and kitchen areas are aligned gallery-style along a long central corridor.

"The kitchen upgrades include the original clear fir cabinetry refitted with custom hardware, interior cabinet upgrades and under-cabinet lights, stainless-steel countertops with a built-in knife caddy, a dual stainless sink with dual Blanco faucets and filtered water, a Wolf gas stove with Ventahood and Sub Zero refrigerator," according to the listing.

"The kitchen upgrades include the original clear fir cabinetry refitted with custom hardware, interior cabinet upgrades and under-cabinet lights, stainless-steel countertops with a built-in knife caddy, a dual stainless sink with dual Blanco faucets and filtered water, a Wolf gas stove with Ventahood and Sub Zero refrigerator," according to the listing.

The home is finished in various woods and stains that create a warm, relaxing environment. A stairway down to the ground floor lies adjacent to the kitchen.

The home is finished in various woods and stains that create a warm, relaxing environment. A stairway down to the ground floor lies adjacent to the kitchen.

"Over the last 15 years, the owners have carefully built upon the architect’s original vision and created many specially designed spaces and intimate moments both in and outside the home. Their many custom details include the addition of resawn cedar ceilings and walls, custom-designed cedar cabinetry, desks, and cubbies, and numerous laser-cut, black-powder-coated steel details—including cabinet hardware, shelves, and finishings, window sills, and stairwell handrail. Most of the custom built-in woodwork is found in the lower level hallways, bedroom, and bath," reads the listing.

"Over the last 15 years, the owners have carefully built upon the architect’s original vision and created many specially designed spaces and intimate moments both in and outside the home. Their many custom details include the addition of resawn cedar ceilings and walls, custom-designed cedar cabinetry, desks, and cubbies, and numerous laser-cut, black-powder-coated steel details—including cabinet hardware, shelves, and finishings, window sills, and stairwell handrail. Most of the custom built-in woodwork is found in the lower level hallways, bedroom, and bath," reads the listing.

One of the bedrooms has a cozy cubby for resting.

One of the bedrooms has a cozy cubby for resting.

The secondary bedroom has exposed-beam ceilings and 100-percent wool carpeting. Conical sconces light the room at night, and in the day, sunlight peeks in through a side window.

The secondary bedroom has exposed-beam ceilings and 100-percent wool carpeting. Conical sconces light the room at night, and in the day, sunlight peeks in through a side window.

"The two main-level baths were modernized this year and both include subway tile and Ann Sacks tile floors. The lower bath creates an experience reminiscent of a Kyoto spa with full Dornbracht rain shower, a Duravit heated bidet toilet, a floor-to-ceiling partially frosted window with views to the woods, custom-gridded teak floor and ceiling panels, a custom cedar vanity with a magnifying mirror and built-in towel & soap storage, an antler towel rack, and wi-fi speakers," states the listing.

"The two main-level baths were modernized this year and both include subway tile and Ann Sacks tile floors. The lower bath creates an experience reminiscent of a Kyoto spa with full Dornbracht rain shower, a Duravit heated bidet toilet, a floor-to-ceiling partially frosted window with views to the woods, custom-gridded teak floor and ceiling panels, a custom cedar vanity with a magnifying mirror and built-in towel & soap storage, an antler towel rack, and wi-fi speakers," states the listing.

The stone-tiled rain shower offers beautiful views to the backyard and convenient shelving for towels and bath products.

The stone-tiled rain shower offers beautiful views to the backyard and convenient shelving for towels and bath products.

The primary bedroom is located at the end of the hall on the first floor and has an en suite bath.

The primary bedroom is located at the end of the hall on the first floor and has an en suite bath.

A study with a wall-length floor-to-ceiling panoramic window provides a view of the lush backyard.

A study with a wall-length floor-to-ceiling panoramic window provides a view of the lush backyard.

A firepit and lounge area provides a wonderful place to unwind (and roast a marshmallow or two) with guests.

A firepit and lounge area provides a wonderful place to unwind (and roast a marshmallow or two) with guests.

Large windows open to the private outdoor living spaces and forest behind the home.

Large windows open to the private outdoor living spaces and forest behind the home.

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