My Houzz: Tour a Contemporary Townhouse on the Water
An elevator, a stunning outdoor patio space and a private beach contribute to an Oregon family's dream lakefront home
A private beach, easy lakefront access and views of the river from every room make this Oregon home perfect for water lovers Jill and Chris Hall. Living on the water has always been a dream for them and their son, Scott. A large site in Lake Oswego's historic district along the Willamette River fit the bill. The couple worked with architect Curt Olson to build two townhouses on the large property — one to rent out, and one for their dream home.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jill and Chris Hall and their son, Scott
Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon
Size: 2 townhouses: 4,100 square feet and 3,800 square feet
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jill and Chris Hall and their son, Scott
Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon
Size: 2 townhouses: 4,100 square feet and 3,800 square feet
Interior designer Jenni Leasia hung rustic-style Restoration Hardware chandeliers over the kitchen island and added contemporary bar stools from Duo Modern. The island features a convenient prep sink, and the range holds one of Jill's favorite features — the mounted pot-filler.
The couple wanted an updated cottage look that would fall in line with their clean and modern style. Leasia had a custom dining room table from Design Furnishings designed in a simple look with both traditional and contemporary elements. Upholstered chairs from West Elm add that more modern touch that Jill and Chris love.
The Halls spend most of their time in their living room, admiring the view through the large, panoramic windows. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors create a smooth indoor-outdoor transition.
The living room cabinets are made of a warm walnut wood. Both the fireplace in the living room and the one on the patio were made by North West Masonry.
Sectional: Portland Furniture Store; cabinets: Mapleleaf Cabinets
The living room cabinets are made of a warm walnut wood. Both the fireplace in the living room and the one on the patio were made by North West Masonry.
Sectional: Portland Furniture Store; cabinets: Mapleleaf Cabinets
This cozy and serene seating space is ideal for hosting barbecues. Outdoor furniture from Target provides a place to take in the view, enjoy the sunshine or take cover under the archway in a storm. A Restoration Hardware chandelier completes the look.
The first-floor guest bathroom has visually minimal plumbing as a form of art. Carved limestone with a beautiful leaf pattern from Artistic Tile lines the wall. "We wanted to reference the river without having fish and waves everywhere," says Jill.
The master bathroom features a phenomenal view of the outdoors. Glass tile and marble from Ann Sacks is used throughout the space. "We used a lot of glass, thinking about the local water and outdoor elements," Leasia says.
The spacious vanity has a sturdy quartz countertop. The bathtub — complete with a soothing outdoor view — is made by Happy D by Duravit.
The master bedroom echoes the clean lines of the rest of the home and centers around a spectacular view of the river.
Bed: Crate & Barrel
Bed: Crate & Barrel
The main townhome has four and a half bathrooms, each with a slightly different twist on tile design. "I didn't want anything that we would get tired of," says Jill. "So we used classic materials in different ways in each of the bathrooms."
Bathroom tile: Oregon Tile and Marble, Pratt and Larson, Ann Sacks, Pental
Bathroom tile: Oregon Tile and Marble, Pratt and Larson, Ann Sacks, Pental
The basement microkitchen and lounge creates a relaxing place in which the family can unwind. Chris commissioned the custom ski chair from an artist at First Thursday in Portland's Pearl District many years ago — the main pair of skis belonged to Chris.
Artwork: Z Gallerie; bar counter: Glass Strategies
Artwork: Z Gallerie; bar counter: Glass Strategies
Originally, the Halls wanted to build two single-family homes on the property. "We didn't need to build as big a home as the property could fit," says Jill. It didn't make sense to build the single units because of zoning and height restrictions, so they built two townhouses. The Halls live in the townhouse on the right and are looking to sell the other one.
The backyard has a beautiful edible garden where Jill grows fresh herbs and vegetables. This garden is not for the faint of heart, however — there are more than 90 stairs to climb from the house down to the backyard.
The family relishes their private beach on edge of their property. Jill loves to bring a cup of coffee down by the water and watch the wildlife and kayakers going by. Their next project? A new boathouse, right on the water.
The family relishes their private beach on edge of their property. Jill loves to bring a cup of coffee down by the water and watch the wildlife and kayakers going by. Their next project? A new boathouse, right on the water.