Portland Tuscan villa where Pavarotti sang is for sale at $1.8M

In the

economic booming Roaring Twenties

, before the

stock market crash of 1929

and other factors ignited the Great Depression, prolific Oregon architect

Ellis F. Lawrence

designed a

trophy house

in Portland’s Southwest Hills inspired by villas in Italy’s Tuscan region.

The client was listed simply as

Miss Smith

, according to historic records, and the

two-story brick and stucco residence

showcased European elegance with Juliet balconies and classic French doors as well as a high-level of craftsmanship seen in mahogany millwork and stained glass windows.

Many of the original 1929 features remain in the 4,820-square-foot house, which sits on a third of an acre at

2844 S.W. Hillsboro St.

and is for sale

$1.8 million

.

Lawrence, who

founded the University of Oregon’s architecture school

and served as the first dean, designed a rectangular living room with 740 square feet and arched windows framing the garden.

The glass chandelier installed in the 12-foot-tall ceiling was designed in Italy by the

Fortuny company,

known for


theatrical lighting.

The acoustically tuned living room has served as a stage for private concerts by world famous performers, including operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti, composers


Sergei Rachmaninoff and Misha Piatigorsky, and classical pianist Wenwen Du, who were in Portland to perform at public venues, said listing broker

Scott Wilson

of RE/MAX Equity Group.

Former owners, the late

mezzo soprano

Josephine Albert Spaulding

and her husband, attorney

Bruce Spaulding

, hosted Rachmaninoff and Pavarotti.

The sellers, a former executive of Schnitzer Investment and his wife, continued the tradition by hosting Du and Piatigorsky and events for the

Pacific Youth Choir

, said Wilson.

The updated kitchen has a butler’s pantry, stainless-steel appliances and marble counters. There is also a large family room and wine cellar in the finished daylight basement.

The primary suite and adjacent library with a fireplace as well as three bedrooms and bathrooms are on the second story.

Improvements over the century include a covered, heated outdoor dining space and terraced gardens with a tranquil pond. There is also an emergency power generator, metal tile roof and a three-car detached carriage-style garage with an electric car charging station.

Wilson told The Oregonian/OregonLive, “This extraordinary estate is perfectly suited for the discerning buyer who values privacy, architectural heritage and the quiet luxury of refined living.”

He said the architecturally significant property near

Council Crest Park

was “envisioned for those with a deep appreciation for art, music and nature. The home offers a rare opportunity to dwell in a setting reminiscent of the Italian countryside all just minutes from the cultural heart of Portland.”

Wilson added that the property is ready for “someone who finds joy in curating experiences, hosting garden soirees, intimate recitals or simply savoring quiet mornings overlooking the terraced grounds bathed in golden southern light.“

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— Janet Eastman covers design and trends. Reach her at 503-294-4072,


jeastman@oregonian.com


and follow her on X


@janeteastman


.

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