The cool Space Age appeal of a midcentury dwelling for sale in Portland’s Southwest Hills starts at the circular driveway. There’s an inviting portico with an angled roof covering visitors as they enter the elevated glass-walled house.
“I love the elegant feeling you get when you pull up to this home,” said listing broker Brian Johnson of Windermere Realty Trust. “The dramatic portico and front door open to even more surprises.”
Johnson describes the 2,766-square-foot interior as inciting an almost whimsical and fun vibe as well as a luxurious feeling.
The asking price for the one-acre property at 5540 S.W. Hewett Blvd. is $1,085,000 and an offer has been accepted.
Built in 1966, the house has classic midcentury modern features, including open concept rooms with the fewest interior walls, windows that rise to vaulted ceilings and simple, clean lines.
Adding to the “Mad Men”-era swank: A double-sided wood-burning fireplace between the living and dining rooms, and a wraparound deck with many outdoor conversation and seating areas.
The one-level house that looks like a grounded jumbo jet with wings surrounded by greenery has wide interior halls and spacious, light-filled rooms that “make daily living a breeze,” for families to retirees, said Johnson. The property also appeals to people looking for a home to host friends, he added, calling it an “entertainer’s delight.”
Steel distributor Milt Lampros was famous for throwing parties during his two decades of ownership starting in 1991.
Largely self-taught and self-made, the late Milt Lampros started his 60-year career in the steel industry as an office boy at Gilmore Steel in San Francisco. He moved to Portland in 1959 and worked for Howard Hedinger of American Steel.
After World War II, steel was crucial to Jet Age innovation and economic prosperity in aerospace as well as the construction of new buildings, bridges and highways, and other industries.
In 1983, Lampros and son, Marcus, launched Lampros Steel, which grew to be one of the largest structural steel distributors in the Northwest.
The property for sale was listed Sept. 14, at $1,095,000 by Johnson with Andrea Young of Windermere Realty Trust. The price dropped $10,000 Oct. 15 and an offer was accepted Dec. 26, according to public record.
The gourmet kitchen has a large eating bar and opens to a space that can be a dining or family room.
The large primary bedroom has two walk-in closets and an en-suite bathroom with a bathtub next to a shower enclosed with glass-block walls. There are two additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
The oversized two-car garage has storage and work areas. An extra room between the garage entry and kitchen can be used as an office, said Johnson.
— Janet Eastman covers design and trends. Reach her at 503-294-4072, jeastman@oregonian.com and follow her on X @janeteastman.