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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 26, 2016)
Mid-century marvel with a little romance There’s something kind of romantic about the mid-20th century. World War II was over, the econ- omy was improving and families were moving into homes built to last. The midcentury marvel at 1608 Irving Ave. in Astoria is one of those homes, and it embraces all the romance anyone could want. From the large living room, formal dining room and kitchen breakfast nook, there’s an expansive Columbia River view. On the stairs in the entry, the newel post was designed especially for a small bronze sculpture (known as a “light”) of a young French maiden holding a flower basket, which was crafted by Italian sculptor Aristde De Ranieri. An elegant mirror, framed in wood, from the Columbia River steamboat T.J. Potter (1888-1921), hangs on an entry way wall. Newly refinished oak floors with Honduran mahogany inlay run throughout the house, and the woodwork is just as well maintained. The 4,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is listed for $849,000 with Realtor Debra Bowe, of Windermere/Pacific Land Company, in Astoria. Construction on the ranch-style home was com- pleted in 1950, and it has had only two owners. Re- cent restoration – including new paint throughout, resealed redwood gutters, conversion of the living room fireplace from wood-burning to gas and instal- lation of a radiant heating system – was overseen by local builder and craftsman Ed Overby. But the home’s most outstanding quality: “It has a sweeping view that takes you to the (Astoria-Megler) bridge and across to the Washington coastline,” Bowe said. Living on the main floor is easy with two spacious bedrooms, a full bathroom and a half-bath. A cozy den, with a wall of built-in shelves and drawers and a corner drop-leaf desk, is just off of the front hall. Upstairs, the landing offers a gallery wall ready to be filled with photos or paintings. Two more bedrooms, one with a river view, are ready for guests. In addition, a bonus room could be used as another bedroom, playroom or office. It’s large enough to be divided into two usable spaces. But there are extras in this house, too. The home is loaded with closets – several of them cedar-lined – and abundant storage. Ships plying the Columbia Historic home blends past with future STORIES BY NANCY MCCARTHY can be tracked from the backyard deck overlooking the river. Original tiles and fixtures in the bathrooms evoke the midcen- tury ethos, and the double-car garage has a workbench and includes a bathroom. This mid-20th century home is ready for a 21st-century owner who believes there’s something romantic about finding a home with a lovingly cared-for past. Perched in the middle of the Shively-McClure His- toric District, the home at 1656 Irving Ave. retains the grandeur that it had when it was constructed in 1906. Designed by architect John Wicks, who oversaw the reconstruction of Astoria following the 1922 fire that destroyed much of the city, the Georgian-style home combines its historical past with modern day elegance. Foremost is the view of the Columbia River and the Washington coastline from nearly every room in the three-story home. It would be difficult to leave the family room, where the river spreads out in a 180-degree view, unless it means waking up to the same view – which stretches to Tongue Point – every morning in the master bedroom. “I would venture to say that this is the most beauti- ful view from a bedroom in all of Astoria,” said Realtor Debra Bowe, of Windermere/Pacific Land Company, in Astoria. The 4,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, 3.5-bath home is listed with Bowe for $999,500. But it’s the unexpected details that distinguish the home that has been lovingly restored by its current and previous owners. Wainscoting embel- lishes the walls in the entry way and the formal dining room. French doors lead into a large living room with a tiled gas fireplace. Built-ins throughout the house add storage to already abundant storage spaces. The master suite includes a huge walk-in closet as well as a spacious bathroom with a double shower, soaking tub, double sinks and marble countertop. Cooks will enjoy the updated kitchen with commer- cial grade appliances, including a six-burner gas range. The kitchen also looks out to the river and is just steps away from a deck, accessible by sliding glass doors from the family and living rooms. Wine connoisseurs will head to the wine cellar down- stairs to pour a glass, and movie fans will want to watch their favorite flick in the media room. A bonus room in the attic is great for kids to play on rainy days, and another two bedrooms are available for guests. Outside, a deck wraps around most of the house. The front yard is landscaped, and there’s plenty of room to run in the backyard. Overlooking the river and the downtown area, it takes only a moment in this home on the hill to understand Astoria’s place in history and to anticipate its future.
