Rare Richard Neutra Masterpiece in Portland, OR, Hits the Market for $3.6M

One of only two Oregon homes designed by master architect Richard Neutra is now available for $3.55 million.

The five-bedroom home in Portland was completed in 1941 and showcases Neutra’s international, modern vision for home life.

Born in Vienna, Neutra arrived in Chicago in 1923 and moved to Los Angeles in 1925. At that point, he was already an accomplished architect, having been mentored by master architect Erich Mendelsohn. But it was in California that he perfect his vision for a new and modern way of living.

His inclusion in the 1932 MoMA exhibition on modern architecture clinched his influence for decades to come. Neutra’s philosophy of “biorealism,” which emphasizes a home’s interconnectedness to nature, still resonates today.

He designed iconic homes across California and masterminded the thoughtful construction of schools and multifamily housing schemes.

Remodeled, but preserved

Beyond its location, the Portland home is a rarity for other reasons. It was remodeled badly a few decades ago but has since had an overhaul to restore Neutra’s original vision, explains listing agent Tracy Hasson, for Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty.

“It was purchased in the 1980s and completely remodeled, steering away from the midcentury style Neutra was so famous for,” Hasson notes. “When the home was purchased by the current owners, Richard Neutra had already passed away; but his son, Dion, who was also an architect, was very involved in preserving his father’s work.”

The sellers reached out to Dion and tracked down original photos of the home as well as plans for the design via Columbia University’s School of Architecture Library.

“These [documents and photos] helped the sellers immensely in restoring the home to Neutra’s original vision,” Hasson says. “The sellers also studied other Neutra homes to understand common themes, when making design decisions.”

The home’s flow

Today, the home reflects Neutra’s dedication to seamlessly integrating the indoor and outdoor spaces. Hallmarks of his design include large bands of windows, vertical siding, an open floor plan, built-in furniture, and his trademark “grabs” on cabinet doors and drawers.

There are unobstructed views of the surrounding natural beauty as well as a deck with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. Upper-level bedrooms have their own private bathrooms and walk-in closets, while the primary bedroom offers a gas fireplace, private patio, double bathroom, and awe-inspiring natural vistas.

The home is a masterwork in and of itself, but the setting and savvy remodel really set it apart.

“Few homes have mountain, city, and river views in Portland,” Hasson notes. “It also has updates that make it better suited for Oregon’s climate, like double-paned windows, a pitched roof, and seismic upgrades. Plus, the sellers owned a bulb business, so the house has a greenhouse-style room and outdoor patio on the second floor.”

The home is set on a large lot that is currently used as a yard, but it could accommodate a guesthouse, pool, or sport court.

The modern marvel is situated on a private road, nicely distanced from the hustle and bustle of city life—but just minutes from downtown Portland and downtown Lake Oswego.

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