Lovely Ladd’s Addition Foursquare

Welcome home to this 1912 stunner in beloved Ladd’s Addition, where historic character, thoughtful design, and everyday comfort come together beautifully. Just 1/2 block from Abernethy Elementary and close to coffee shops, grocery stores, and restaurants, this home combines location and lifestyle. A large covered front porch invites mornings and evenings outdoors, and the expansive entryway features built-in benches and a walk-in closet cleverly hidden from view. Original woodworking, rich architectural details, and coffered ceilings elevate every space. The main floor circular floor plan allows effortless flow. A spacious living room is wrapped in windows and features a cozy fireplace with wood stove, tile, and an impressive mantle with charming built-ins. Both the living and dining rooms capture serene greenery views, creating an inviting backdrop for living and hosting. Also on the main floor, a cheerful studio or office provides a comfortable space for work, study, or hobbies. Beautifully updated, bright, and functional, the kitchen includes a custom backsplash and a charming eating area overlooking the backyard. Upstairs, you’ll find four spacious, light-filled bedrooms with picture rail trim and abundant windows, plus a sunroom that could serve as a home office, guest space, or an opportunity to create a private ensuite for the main bedroom. The finished attic includes a built-in bed nook and flexible space for family, work, or creative pursuits. Storage is plentiful throughout, and the expansive basement offers laundry, workshop, gear, and bike storage with an exterior door. Historic charm pairs with modern, energy-efficient updates including custom storm windows, upper-level heat pumps, a heat pump water heater, induction range, car charger, and a brand-new roof. Spacious, graceful, and thoughtfully maintained, this home is designed for everyday living, gathering, and enjoying every season. A rare combination of beauty, function, and location. HES1

Four Square Fixation: what’s it all about?

What is it?

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 55th
Who doesn’t love a nice big front porch? A classic feature of these homes.