SW Farmhouse

Location
Portland, OR

Size
3,272 SF

Starting Fresh Provides New Opportunities

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Front elevation of a new modern farmhouse with white horizontal siding, a standing seam metal roof, and a warm wood entry door, set against colorful fall landscaping and tall evergreen trees.

This expansive property in Portland’s Hillsdale neighborhood was full of opportunities. While the clients were attached to the original 800-sq.ft. farmhouse, their dream home was 3,200-sq.ft, making a renovation impractical. It was time to start fresh with a new modern farmhouse.

Oblique view of a new modern farmhouse with white siding and a standing seam metal roof, showing the main gabled volume and connected wings stepping down along a landscaped street with fall trees in the background.

The plan for the new house carefully considered the spirit of the old home. Thoughtful planning provides an L-shaped configuration with a smaller entry space connecting the two volumes. A one-story structure focuses on family living and entertaining while the adjacent two-story volume provides private, relaxation spaces. A detached building set within the landscape offers a quaint yoga studio.

By dividing the home into discreet volumes, the larger house sits comfortably within the neighborhood of older, smaller homes.

The new plan integrates modern indoor-outdoor living concepts to elevate the farmhouse design. Outdoor areas to retreat and rest, sip coffee, or enjoy a family dinner create desirable destinations that extend the usable area of the home.

Rear view of a new modern farmhouse featuring a tall painted brick chimney centered on a gabled volume, flanked by French doors and a covered outdoor dining patio, with a stepping stone path and layered fall landscaping in the foreground.
Wide rear perspective of a new modern farmhouse with interconnected gabled volumes, a standing seam metal roof, covered patio with exposed wood structure, and terraced landscaping with fall color stepping down to the lawn.

The exterior materials honor the history of the original farmhouse—horizontal lap siding, shallow eaves, and a metal roof. Windows with divided lites further the farmhouse vibe, while a large brick chimney anchors the east elevation. The house features a full rain screen for moisture management and exterior insulation for efficient thermal control.

Old farmhouse with peeling paint on lap siding and recessed porch.
Main-level floor plan showing entry hall, kitchen with island, dining area, living room, primary suite, secondary bedroom, bathrooms, and outdoor patios.
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan

The new open kitchen and dining layout combines the best of modern living with the family-focused traditions of a farmhouse. A large dining table seats 10 with space at the kitchen island for five more guests. A folding window wall opens the dining area to the adjacent covered patio, providing additional seating and entertaining options.

Custom flush-inset Shaker cabinets and wide plank hardwood floors infuse a touch of warmth and charm while soapstone countertops maintain the clean modern aesthetic.

Dining area in a new modern farmhouse featuring a long wood table, woven chairs, vaulted wood ceiling, and large glass doors opening to an outdoor patio.
Open kitchen in a new modern farmhouse with a large island, wood bar stools, white cabinetry, pendant lighting, and a wide window overlooking the neighborhood.
Living room in a new modern farmhouse with a white brick fireplace, vaulted wood ceiling, large windows, and a neutral seating area arranged around a central coffee table.

A vaulted ceiling provides continuity from the kitchen/dining area to the spacious living room. The casual, comfortable gathering area features both a fireplace wall and a grand focal wall with custom shelving. Cozy seating options and a palette of natural materials add to the welcoming ambiance of this new modern farmhouse.

Bright living room with vaulted wood ceiling, built-in white shelving, and a large sectional sofa centered around a round coffee table and modern chandelier.