Terry Sprague of LUXE Forbes Global Properties presents
Experience an exceptional partnership of historical architecture and modern design on Oswego Lake’s prestigious Gold Coast. This newly transformed residence, boasting arguably the best view of the lake, reimagines the iconic House No. 4, originally designed by Wade Hampton Pipes in 1954. Honoring its storied past while embracing a bold new vision, this extraordinary transformation was led by homeowners who assembled an exceptionally talented team, including renowned legacy Lake Oswego builder Skip O’Neil, acclaimed architect Curt Olson, landscape designer Steve Shapiro known for his work at Nike World Headquarters and the Microsoft campus in Redmond, WA, and acclaimed interior designer Chris Soderberg, is a seamless blend of the property’s Arts and Crafts roots with a Northwest Modern addition, creating a unique home with panoramic lake views and nearly 280 feet of private shoreline.
House No. 4
The journey begins with the meticulously enhanced original structure once owned by John M. and Elizabeth Bates. As the final commission of Pipes’ storied career, House No. 4 was celebrated for its Northwest Regional influence, clean, flowing lines, bay windows, and signature rubblestone wall bordering the street. Dedicated to preserving this architectural heritage, the homeowners and their team collaborated tirelessly with the National Register of Historic Places to rescue the home from years of neglect. Their vision marries elegance and functionality, honoring two centuries of craftsmanship. The result is a magnificent preservation of Pipes’s design that flows into a modern addition featuring a primary suite with breathtaking lake views and a versatile lower level that opens to a stunning hardscape entertaining area complete with a pool – a flawless fusion of history and contemporary luxury.
The primary improvement to the original house was the enlargement of the signature bay windows nestled under the distinctive peaked roof that defined the home for the last 70 years. Though early plans sought to raise the roofline and the main level’s ceilings, the original scale was left intact, a blessing, according to Soderberg.
“Pipes got it right,” she said. “The home has the perfect ‘people scale.’ So often everyone tries to make everything bigger – on a grand scale – and in the long run, this design is amazing because of its scale.”
New rift-sawn white oak hardwood floors, a nod to Pipes’ signature use of wood finishes throughout the design, span the main level, which is largely the same as the original. The only modification was the thoughtful removal of a wall to expand the kitchen, transforming it into a clean, open kitchen space that seamlessly integrates functionality and beauty. The redesign wraps around the corner, concealing the more functional elements from the dining and living rooms. Anchoring the space is a stunning central island, topped with Crystal Pearl Quartzite featuring a waterfall edge and a velvety, antiqued finish. This lovely translucent white and cream stone is also showcased as a broad backsplash above the dual oven, eight-burner Bluestar range, perfectly complementing the burnished gold custom range hood that sets a formal, elegant tone.
Three minimalist gold circle pendants illuminate the island, which comfortably accommodates four stools, while preserving the view. Custom-built cabinetry, crafted from select-grain rift-sawn white oak by accomplished craftsman and stained on-site, adds warmth, refinement, and abundant storage. A three-panel linear window above the sink frames the exquisite lake view, transforming the scenery into an ever-changing work. Around the corner, a suite of premium appliances – including a Miele wall oven, microwave, second dishwasher, SubZero wine fridge, and coffee bar – enhance the space’s functionality. With a second sink and additional storage, the design achieves the perfect balance of practicality and sophistication.
The enlarged windows in the living room offer the perfect vantage point to take in the sweeping views from the lake’s furthest western shore. Anchored around a sleek linear fireplace set within a Vermont black granite feature wall, the living room flows seamlessly into the adjacent dining area. Despite being positioned opposite the living room windows, the masterful design by Curt Olson ensures a clear lake view. A disappearing glass slider wall further enhances the space, opening to an inviting courtyard that offers a perfect outdoor entertaining and dining space beneath the stars. This design ingeniously draws the focus toward the lake, even from the street-facing side of the home. Adding to the elegant aesthetic, sleek custom glossy laminate cabinetry forms a sophisticated dining area bar illuminated by a statement-making eight-light chandelier.
Two spacious bedrooms are located on this level, each with a beautifully appointed ensuite bath, one featuring a curbless glass door shower, while the other includes a tub/shower combination. Follow the radial-walled staircase, a Pipes original design, downstairs to the private guest apartment with a private entrance. This versatile space features a spacious bedroom with an ensuite bath, a bonus room with sliders open to the patio, and a laundry room cleverly designed to double as a kitchenette – perfect for guests or multi-generational living.
On the main level, a secondary seating area enjoys a prime corner vantage, featuring a window wall that opens to the covered patio, which serves as the transitional space between the original home and the addition. Rift-sawn white oak paneling provides the ideal spot for art display complemented by recessed display shelves.
The Transition
The covered patio, clad in large-scale charcoal slate, offers a stunning view with a broad, linear fireplace, creating a space to be enjoyed year-round. Disappearing glass sliders connect to the gallery walkway leading to the addition and creating an indoor/outdoor flow with effortless sophistication. Bathed in natural light during the day from the floor-to-ceiling window walls flanking the front door and entrance courtyard beyond, this walkway transforms at night, gracefully lit by crystal and steel sconces.
“I don’t think anyone could’ve imagined how seamless, tasteful, and flowing this project could become,” said Terry Sprague, CEO of LUXE | Forbes Global Properties. “It’s truly a piece of art architecturally. The vibe remains mid-century, complemented by modern contemporary accents that make it perfect for today’s lifestyle.”
An elevator, seamlessly concealed behind push-to-open rift-sawn white oak panels, awaits as you step into the addition.
The Addition
The primary bedroom is a luxurious retreat, with a trio of floor-to-ceiling windows framing the lake views. Spanning the entire main floor, this beautifully appointed and wonderfully private space features a linear fireplace framed by marble slabs and is illuminated by a luxuriously minimalist pendant chandelier with an opaque cast resin shade and a matte white plaster finish. Motorized shades provide light control and privacy at the touch of a button. The decadent ensuite bath boasts heated large-scale tile floors and an Oceana soaking tub positioned in front of a Pietra gray marble feature wall. Echoing the kitchen’s design, the functional spaces are tucked behind the wall, including the curbless walk-in shower with a rain shower head, body jets, and a handheld wand with convenient no-reach controls. The two walk-in closets are custom-designed with thoughtful storage solutions such as shoe racks, ample drawers, open and closed clothing storage, and a stackable washer and dryer for added convenience.
Downstairs, a spacious entertaining space opens directly to the hardscape patio and pool. This indoor/outdoor living area features tile floors and a wet bar with custom glossy laminate cabinetry topped with quartz countertops. The Cavavin wine fridge, sink, and Miele dishwasher ensure effortless entertaining. The space is beautifully enhanced by Manuka hand-drawn and hand silk screened wallpaper and floating shelves, all framed by rift-sawn white oak millwork.
Next door, the home’s fifth bedroom currently serves as a home gym. Featuring sliders that open to the patio, this room includes a deluxe ensuite bath highlighted by a glass door shower with a rain head, handheld wand, no-reach controls, and an infrared sauna.
Outdoor Living
Extensive new landscaping by internationally respected industry leader Steve Shapiro and expertly crafted hardscape transformed the backyard into an exceptional retreat that flows seamlessly into the surrounding area. The tiered design preserves unobstructed views from the home, allowing for the addition of an elegantly modern rectangular pool with an automatic cover. The resort-like pool deck and patio offer ample and flexible space for sun lounges, seating areas, and outdoor dining. The boathouse, designed as an extension of the home, is heated and features coated concrete floors and a newly installed lift. With nearly 280 feet of private shoreline, this outdoor space provides a truly exclusive lakefront experience.
A Car Lover’s Dream
In addition to the two-car garage attached to the original home, the addition includes a six-car garage prewired for the installation of two vehicle lifts to increase capacity. Additionally, a new metal gate and wall were integrated into the original rubblestone wall bordering the street, creating a courtyard offering ample additional off-street parking. The garages include epoxy-coated floors, full climate control, and an EV charger.
Destined to become one of Oswego Lake’s most appealing waterfront properties, this home, once a hidden gem limited by historical constraints, is a remarkable work of art, reflecting the collaborative, uncompromising spirit and craftsmanship of all involved. As it enters this new chapter, it invites those who appreciate both artistry and the allure of lakeside living to make it their own.
Address: 4101 Southshore Blvd, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Price: $11,477,000
Photo credit: Steven R. Haning Photography/ Cascadia Aerial
For more information about this home or other luxury properties in Oregon, please contact LUXE | Forbes Global Properties at info@luxeoregon.com.
LUXE Forbes Global Properties is one of the exclusive real estate companies representing the Oregon & Washington (SW, Central & Eastern) real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.
