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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 27, 2015)
p erfectl y pa stora l A poet on ce w rote a bout th e E n glish coun tryside, “ ...like a psalm of green days telling with a quiet beat . ” Evoking a vision of pastoral paradise, these beautiful words could easily be about Dave and Jane Roberts’s life (since 2003) on 7.5 acres in rural Astoria that is on the market. Located at 40275 Compass Lane in the unincorporated community of Svensen, its bucolic setting, custom-built house and 4,100-square-foot barn/shop are sure to please — only 15 minutes to downtown Astoria too! Whether you’re seeking a private retreat, a hobby farm or simply a place to get away from the work week, this versatile property has been developed for easy maintenance and enjoying halcyon days, taking pleasure in everything from star gazing and wildlife watching (elk and deer and myriad birds, e.g., herons, owls, eagles, etc.) to entertaining, gardening, woodworking, and beyond. There’s high- speed Internet available, which is crucial since the man of the house is a computer programmer who works from home. THE HOUSE Downstairs Quality construction prevails in the couple’s lovely home. Dramatic colors grace interior walls, beautifully offset by the wood accents — Brazilian cherry floors, alder kitchen cabinets and hemlock trim. A spacious living room boasts a combination gas/ wood-burning fireplace, sharing the main floor with a gourmet kitchen. “I have plenty of room in the kitchen for everything I use in creating meals and baking” pronounces Jane. “It’s great for entertaining too.” (She cooks Thanksgiving dinner for up to 30 people each year.) The extra large master bedroom downstairs features a large, walk-in cedar closet. The ceramic tile in the walk-in shower in an adjacent master bath is quite a show stopper — its marbled streaks of color add texture and real flair to the space. According to Jane, no shower curtains or glass doors are needed here, despite occasional water fights between rowdy grandkids. Upstairs A second floor loft has a TV/sitting room area with built-ins for media. Cabinet doors open to reveal built-in bunk beds perfect for little ones. Grandkids also play, read and even camp out in yet another cunning space behind a bookcase that opens like a secret door. “I cultivate spaces,” explains Jane. There’s a second bedroom on this level with its own bath dominated by an 11x9-foot claw- foot bathtub. “We bought it new. It’s (big) because I wanted my grandchildren to get to swim in it and they did,” reports the doting grandma. OUTSIDE A woven wire fence encloses the entire property, an electronically operated gate affording access. Alder and fir trees make an eye-catching backdrop for the 2,110 square-foot, two- story, craftsman-style house (built by Shawn Helligso). Its covered, wraparound porch lets you enjoy the outdoors all year long, staying warm courtesy of a built-in gas/wood-burning fireplace. “We’ve spent a lot of time out there,” attests Dave. The land is bountiful here — strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and marionberries thrive. Jane diligently cans — tuna and vegetables from the fenced garden, to start. There’s also an apple tree, grape arbor and Black and English walnut trees. Around the house and shop there’s not a lot to maintain outside — mostly mowing is required. The mature, lush landscaping favored, hydrangeas and native plants mainly, doesn’t require much work either. THE “BARN” The ultimate “man cave” could be yours within the mammoth, two-story structure (4,100+ square feet) that, from the outside, looks like a barn, but goes well beyond that — to shop, garage and more. Plus, it’s completely wired. What couldn’t you do with all the space? Create a studio for a musician, artist or other creative type? Perhaps additional space for overnight guests has appeal — the nearby tile bathroom and kitchen-ready area make this easy enough. An electric lift installed to deliver larger items from the first to the second floor is a practical bonus. Upstairs (1,700 sq. ft.) Insulated, with vaulted ceilings, both natural gas and electric heating and hot running water, the space could serve any number of purposes. For now, think office, rec room or storage area. Just outside is a smoking porch which came in handy for the poker games played here. Again, the potential kitchen area and a bathroom are also at this level. Downstairs (2,400 sq. ft.) The barn/garage combo has 16-foot ceilings, which allow for two 14-foot garage doors. Huge rigs — an RV, boat or even a log truck — could be accommodated. At the back, there’s one 12-foot door. Dave, a highly skilled woodworker, maintained his woodshop on this level, staying warm thanks to a woodstove. WELL WORTH MENTIONING “(This place) is just a fun place to be,” enthuses Jane. Alongside the amenities created just for the grandchildren — the bunk beds and secret playroom — the Roberts made sure the kids enjoyed their time indoors and out, maintaining trails that cut through the wooded parts of their property. There’s even a treehouse. From a bridge built over a nearby stream, rubber duck races have been a big hit. Both sunrises and sunsets may be enjoyed here. Reports Jane, “We see the sunrise over Wickiup Mountain (and) get incredible sunsets all the time behind the barn, with the sky just ablaze.” The star gazing is good as well, including great views of meteor showers. According to Jane, Saturn and its rings were spotted with a telescope one night. Roughly five acres is marketable timber, valued at around $100,000 if clearcut. What’s more, the zoning is R2 and the property may be subdivided to create two additional lots for homes. Story by K ATE GIES E | Photos by JUS TIN GRAFTO N