Town and Country
A former carriage house in the Southwest Hills gets an elegant new life for a family of four.
By Anna Sachse
First-time visitors to the home of Ron and Jillian Cain might think they’ve stumbled upon a secluded country cottage. Perched high in the Southwest Hills and down a private drive lined with towering conifers, the unassuming two-level stucco house is set amid such tranquil grounds, you’d never know the bustle of NW 23rd Avenue lies mere minutes away. This proximity to and distance from city life was a major perk fifteen years ago when Ron first found the single-level, 1,600-square-foot former carriage house. The property’s choice location sold him on it despite its size and color—the previous owner had painted the entire exterior pink. The one-bedroom structure also had good bones. But within five years it would need a massive overhaul if the Cains were to live there comfortably.
One paint job and a two-and-a-half-year remodel later, the Cains’ French villa–style home now has triple the square footage. With the help of architect Liz Dexter and Lake Oswego–based interior designer Mary Roberts, the family added a master bedroom, two bathrooms, a family room, and a brick courtyard on the main floor, along with two more bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry room, and a wine cellar on the floor below.
But the home’s grand new size is deceptive, both outside and in. The main floor’s 3,300 square feet feel both connected and cozy because the design centers on the light and airy kitchen at the heart of the house, with surrounding rooms flowing into one another. And while the Cains’ aesthetic tends toward the traditional, Jillian always wanted it to feel approachable. Stately antiques and modern furniture mesh seamlessly thanks to the unifying theme of natural tones and elemental patterns. “We all have pretty calm dispositions in our family—even the twins—and I think you can see that reflected in our décor’s neutral color palette and lack of clutter,” says Jillian, who picked up her love of minimalism, clean lines, and attention to detail while working for Calvin Klein in San Francisco.
The family’s goal, she adds, is to infuse high design with warmth and livability—which explains why in winter they always have a fire going when friends come for dinner. Lucky for the Cains’ many guests, a visit to this “countryside” retreat doesn’t require packing a suitcase.
Artichoke
This white plaster artichoke from Bedford Brown (1825 NW Vaughn St; 503-227-7755; bedfordbrown.com) accents the luminescent Calcutta Gold marble surface of a high counter that bridges the kitchen and family room. The intimation of food suggests the counter’s true purpose as a stand-in for a sideboard when the Cains entertain. |
Brown-and-White Fiberglass Pieces
Roberts brought in these brown-and-white fiberglass pieces, each painted in a way that suggests the scaly sharkskin look of a rough shagreen leather. |
Squishy Alligator
“Santa” stopped by Uptowne Papers (9 NW 23rd Pl; 503-224-8266) to pick up this big squishy alligator for twins Luke and Michael last Christmas. “He lends a little playfulness to the family room,” Jillian says. |
Orange Tree
Jillian used this potted orange tree from Flowers by Dorcas (525 SW Broadway; 503-227-6454; flowersbydorcas.com) as inspiration for holiday décor. She mimicked its coloring by using tangerine-tinted ornaments and French-silk ribbons. |
Wooden Angel
The rustic Arts & Crafts–era tone of these wooden angels from Flowers by Dorcas (525 SW Broadway; 503-227-6454; flowersbydorcas.com) makes for an eye-catching contrast with an ornate antique bowl filled with dried money-tree stems that sits above the formal living-room fireplace. |
Miniature Toy Pianos
A favorite gift from the twins’ grandparents, these miniature toy pianos from Neiman Marcus (neimanmarcus.com) almost upstage the adults’ Kohler & Campbell baby grand. Although the Cains hire professionals to perform during special events, both Jillian and Ron used to play, and the children are eager to learn. |
Painting
“This painting exemplifies the themes in our home’s aesthetic—minimalist, clean lines, and a neutral palette,” Jillian says of this piece by the late Michele Russo, who was instrumental in shaping Portland’s art scene (Laura Russo Gallery; 805 NW 21st Ave; 503-226-2754; laurarusso.com) |
Bathroom
“Our master bathroom isn’t that big, but the large bay window creates an indoor/outdoor effect that opens up the space,” says Jillian. The Jacuzzi tub is from George Morlan Plumbing (5529 SE Foster Rd; 503-771-1145; georgemorlan.com). |
Desk Chair
When she was looking for a desk chair, Jillian was delighted to find this wood Wicker Works piece, accented with brass ram’s heads and a cheetah print (showroom at Wayne Martin Inc, 210 NW 21st Ave; 503-221-1555; thewickerworks.com). “I wanted something that was comfortable but also stylish and unique.” |
Kitchen
The kitchen is open and inviting, with ample storage space and state-of-the-art appliances, including three Viking ovens and three dishwashers, which Jillian frequently puts to use. “Holidays, birthdays, engagements, christenings—we love to throw parties,” she says. |
Published: March 2009