One of the iconic home styles of Portland is the Four Square Craftsman: These are a specific style of home built roughly between 1895 and 1930. Do you like vintage features, and spacious rooms? Do you enjoy sitting on a front porch? This style may be for you! Characterized by front porches, high ceilings, formal foyers and built ins, you’ll find Four Squares dotted throughout Portland’s inner east side.
Where Can I see one?
Today at Living Room Realty we have TWO new Four Square Craftsman Listings on the market!
This one is my listing, located at 2344 NE 55th in the Rose City Park neighborhood. Built in 1910 and cared for the past 50+ years by one family, one of whom was a wood worker, some of the original woodwork has been rebuilt, including the main staircase and millwork around the doorways, in keeping with the original. The house still has the quintessential Four Square feel with a big front porch, large rooms and bright light from large windows. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in the house, plus 1 bed and bath in the separate guest house, it’s priced at $785,000.
Over in the Overlook neighborhood, you’ll find a more affordable option, albeit in fixer condition (I love fixers! It’s always exciting to imagine the history, and envision the potential!) Located at 2021 N Sumner, and listed by Kim Parmon of Living Room Realty, this house has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2,354 sq feet. List price? $375,000!
What’s so Special?
As the name suggests, Four Square homes often look square, and include four rooms on the first level (living, dining, kitchen and entry) and four rooms on the second level. They frequently have a centered dormer on top, which today are often used as primary bedrooms or suites. Typical original features are box beam ceilings, hardwood flooring, built in features inside, and stone, brick, and clapboard, shake, or wood siding on the exterior.
One reason American Four Squares became popular was because they were economical to build, and liked by a wide range of home occupants, from families to renters and landlords.
Across the USA in many cities including Portland, Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis, even Las Vegas, you’ll see many variations on the theme, with modest, and more luxury adaptations. These houses are a key part of our architectural history, and many survive because they are still loved, and live large even today. A style to transcend the decades.
A couple more examples:
Another 1910 Craftsman in NE Portland I listed last autumn, now undergoing some sprucing with new owners!Dining room at the house just listed today: 2344 NE 55th, with the box beam ceiling, built in sideboard, and bay window (hardwoods under the carpet.)A large picture window floods the living room with light, while french doors separate it from a foyer, at 2344 NE 55thWho doesn’t love a nice big front porch? A classic feature of these homes.
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Lita Batho
Broker | OR & WA
She/Her
Lita has a genuine enthusiasm for navigating home purchases and sales with the intention of outperforming the market and making the process stress free and transparent for her clients.
"I began real estate as an independent agent, however during the pandemic, decided to accelerate my experience and build skills more quickly by serving as a listing specialist for a highly productive, all-female team. Even though there were only 5 of us we were one of the busiest teams in the city, and over 2.5 years, I helped over 60 sellers successfully navigate the sale of various property types throughout the Portland Metro area. From condos and fixers to bungalows and homes with million-dollar views, I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with a diverse range of clients, including seniors downsizing, young families seeking more space, and single women embarking on their next step.
While this experience was rewarding, having accelerated my experience, deepened my knowledge, and honed my skills, it felt natural to return to solo agency in 2024. I'd missed the autonomy and agility that come with being a solo business owner, considering that I've been a business owner for the majority of my working life, and I was eager to leverage these qualities to further benefit my clients.
I firmly believe that whether you're buying or selling a home, you deserve genuine and excellent representation. My consistent client feedback highlights my strengths in setting proper expectations, negotiating, timely communication, and efficiency -- all while being kind, direct, and a dedicated advocate.
My goal extends beyond successful sales and purchases, however; I aim to earn my clients' trust, leading to their recommendations. The highest compliment I can receive is that a past client trusts me with their own friends and family."
Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lita relocated to the Pacific Northwest in 1995 and has lived in Portland since 2001. She has an small business background, and a zest for negotiation, having grown up in her mother's retail shops and selling Christmas trees for her dad. Lita spent several years as a steel sculptor and public artist in Seattle, as well gaining extensive experience as a yoga teacher. When not working, you’ll find her cultivating an ever-expanding flower garden, doing home improvement projects, making art, or hiking in Forest Park or the gorge.