Our Lake Oswego Listing Was Featured in The Oregonian!
Our unique listing recently caught The Oregonian’s attention, and it’s easy to see why. The century-old stone and shingle bungalow that Steve Nassar and colleague Robert Fine brought to market in Lake Oswego was never just another luxury listing. It came with a decade-long rescue and restoration story that made it one of the most compelling home sales in the area this year.
The Emma Austin House, built in 1910 at 49 Briarwood Road, sits on a 1.04-acre forested double lot. The 3,074-square-foot home closed in late June for $1.47 million, after being listed earlier in the year for $1,650,000. The buyer, who works in homebuilding and understood the craftsmanship involved, made a cash offer for a quick close.
The property’s survival was never guaranteed. Back in 2016, a developer who had acquired the home gave a local preservation group a narrow window to find a buyer willing to restore it rather than demolish it. A local contractor stepped in, purchasing the home within a two day deadline before the developer could move forward with tearing it down and subdividing the lot.
Designed by prominent Portland architect Joseph Jacobberger, whose work also includes buildings at Marylhurst and the University of Portland, the bungalow was known for its rustic river rock, low slung gables, and Japanese-inspired exposed wood beams, drawing comparisons to the California Craftsman style popularized by architects Greene and Greene. One architectural historian called it one of the finest bungalow-style homes of its era.
The years-long restoration paired original details, like the windows, hardware, and stone fireplace, with modern updates throughout, from a remodeled primary suite to a wine cellar. Outside, matching stonework and mature landscaping complete the grounds.
The area has changed dramatically since Emma Austin built her summer retreat there in 1910, back when the surrounding land was being converted from industrial acreage into vacation cottage lots. Lake Oswego is now the highest priced residential market in Clackamas County, with single-family home prices landing between $1.0 million and $1.08 million in recent years, which helps explain why developers keep circling older, larger lots like this one.
Homes like the Emma Austin House are not automatically protected, either. Lake Oswego’s demolition rules only apply to properties formally named on the city’s landmark list, meaning even architecturally significant homes can legally be torn down if they were never added. It took private intervention, not city code, to save this one.
Whether you are drawn to homes with real history behind them or simply curious what is selling in Lake Oswego right now, reach out anytime. I am always happy to talk through what is out there!
