The Luke House

As Brits living in Portland, Oregon, when the house was described as an English cottage the renovators of this marvellous home, they confess they laughed out loud. With 10’ ceilings and at nearly 5000 sqft it was about as far from one as they could imagine. That said the appeal of the home and its history was instantly of interest despite its dilapidated state and had clear potential. A love affair over the next 18 months began as the house was transformed into a luxury residence once more.

Originally built for Thomas Clifton Luke, a prominent figure in Portland's floral world and community leadership. He was a key figure in Portland's development who started work as a delivery boy at 'Max Smith's Flowers' is known for transforming it into 'Flowers by Tommy Luke’ which still exists today. Luke would have chosen this prime location within the highly coveted and fashionable Arlington Heights neighbourhood, as it was known for its grand & stately homes. Remarkably, the home has only changed hands a few times in a century, with the last renovations dating back to the late 80s. To retain its original charm, old carpets were ripped out and the old growth oak and maple wood floors were restored, along with exquisite original crystal and brass door hardware, elegant ceiling coving, intricate window and door trim, classic sash windows, and a remarkable cast iron bathtub.

This 100 year old home was renovated down to the studs and every inch touched and updated. Whilst technically flipping the home the owners wanted to create somewhere that felt more considered than most remodels and updated the spaces for modern living needs. The kitchen was moved from its original small location to become the heart of the home with bespoke cabinetry, luxurious marble countertops, and top-of-the-line appliances. In addition, a pantry or scullery was added to hide away all the bits that folks don’t want on display. Bathrooms got the biggest upgrade from their 1920's & 30's beginnings and a luxury master spa-like retreat, an updated kids bath that's more elegant than most masters, and additional bathrooms in the basement and 3rd floor were created. Sumptuous living spaces include a main floor living and dining room, 5 bedrooms on the upper floors as well as space for an office, laundry, gym, mud room and wine cellar. The basement, fondly dubbed "the ballroom,” boasts 10 ft ceilings and three double doors leading to the verandah, hinting at its past as a venue for elegant dances and parties. It was later discovered that it had also been used as a voting precinct for the area. It was transformed into a versatile family room suitable for children of all ages, with ample space for lounging, dining, and play. The rear of the house maximises the breathtaking views of downtown Portland and Mount Hood with three balconies and a backyard.