about the remodel
We purchased the bungalow when it came on the market during the renovation of our first vacation home, the Cottage, next door. Built in 1927, it was a total charmer but in need of a ton of TLC. We were initially disappointed to find that the upstairs “master bedroom” was actually an attic, with a 6′ ceiling only at the peak – not legally (or comfortably) livable as a bedroom. After much deliberation, we decided to do the right thing and go all-in to lift the roof, restructure the whole second floor, and create a true master suite. We also had to completely renovate the rest of the home, including adding central air conditioning, replacing all the plumbing and electric, putting in a new kitchen and new downstairs bathroom, and updating all the finishes throughout. We kept as much original charm as we could (original fir floors, built-ins, and some of the hardware) while making every inch of the home functional for a modern lifestyle. Having this level of comfort within walking distance of everything downtown Newberg has to offer was worth the investment!
cozy nook overlooking the park
Entry into the bungalow is from the back of the home, via keypad. The driveway has space for two cars, and the open carport covers the entry and optionally provides coverage for outside dining and lounging.
As you enter, you’ll walk up a few stairs into a cozy dining nook for four that overlooks Rotary Park and the Chehalem Cultural Center, with custom cushions, mid century chairs and a brass light fixture. Also near the entry are the full-size washer and dryer, with free & clear detergent, an iron and ironing board available.
On the wall separating the dining nook and kitchen, hooks and an umbrella stand function as a mini mud room. A rolling ottoman doubles as a spot to take off your shoes and storage for them.
light & bright gourmet kitchen
The kitchen has been beautifully and thoughtfully remodeled with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances, and is outfitted with brand-new everything: a 5-burner gas range, french door refrigerator with filtered water and ice, dishwasher, toaster oven and microwave. An antique hutch anchors and the space and adds additional storage.
Everything you need to cook meals is included, down to the olive oil, flour and kosher salt: just add your groceries. (The 24-hour Thriftway is blocks away, and has all the usual needs and many organic choices; Ray’s is a great place to pick up avocados, other produce items, and some great Mexican and Central American goods.) You are welcome to use anything you find in the kitchen, including the dry goods, spices and seasonings in the pull out pantry – we just ask that you replace anything you use the last of, except the items supplied and restocked by Lifestyle Properties specifically for your use (creamer, ground coffee, tea). Lifestyle Properties provides ground coffee for your use, and we also personally supply whole bean coffee (Ethiopian, our favorite) from Flag & Wire in McMinnville’s Granary District. We recommend that you select the setting in between coarse and medium grind for the Bonavita, and we use 5 scoops per 8 cup pot.
To assist with your meal planning, here’s an inventory list of items in the kitchen:
– refrigerator with ice maker and filtered water
– dishwasher
– five-burner gas range and oven
– tea kettle
– bonavita drip coffee maker
– toaster oven and microwave
– kitchen aid stand mixer and stick blender
– dinner plates, salad plates and bowls
– flatware, serving pieces and steak knives
– linen and paper napkins
– drinking and wine glasses
– wine and bottle opener
– knives and cutting board
– cheese knife and serving board
– baking sheets, casserole and roasting pan
– round cake pans
– frying pans, small saucepan, dutch oven
– mixing bowls, colander and fine-mesh strainer
– measuring cups and spoons
– spatulas and wooden spoons
– can opener, citrus squeezer, vegetable peeler, scissors
– salt + pepper
– olive oil
– canola nonstick spray
– flour and sugar
– dry spices and seasonings
– aluminum foil and plastic wrap
– paper towels and tea towels
– dish detergent and sponges
large & light-filled living space
Next to the kitchen and at the front of the home, the living room is spacious and flooded with natural light from huge picture windows. A blue velvet West Elm sofa anchors the space, and a boho-style rattan coffee table and patterned pouf add functionality and comfort. The flat screen TV is equipped with Chromecast, Netflix and SONOS for streaming via your own subscriptions.
To use the apps on the TV, just turn it on and click the appropriate buttons for the service you’d like to use. Chromecast is a Google device which streams pretty much anything from your device (laptop, phone, ipad) to the television for viewing – to use, make sure your device is connected to the wifi network and go to chromecast.com/setup.
To play music from the living room speaker (it’s under the TV), make sure your device is connected to the wifi network, download the SONOS app and follow the prompts. You’ll need to connect to your personal music accounts (Spotify, Pandora, etc.) or music files on your device. The wifi router is also located on the media stand, should it need resetting.
The living room is open to the game room, which can also be used as a workspace or larger dining area. Blush pink velvet chairs and an antique french table provide a comfortable spot to get some work done or linger with family and friends – just grab a game from the console.
downstairs bedroom + bath
The first floor bedroom and bath share a small hallway off the living space that can be made more private with a linen curtain. The king size platform bed has an amazingly comfortable medium-firm gel memory foam mattress, 100% cotton sheets, a plush down-like duvet and tons of pillows of varying firmness. USB and pronged outlets are easily accessible at each side of the bed for charging your devices. A built-in closet and drawers will hold all your things, and a luggage rack helps make packing and unpacking a breeze. We’ve supplied high quality no-slip hangers in the closet of each bedroom, 10 in each. Please make sure to leave them here for other guests’ use.
The adjoining bathroom is all new, with a standup tiled shower, quartz-topped custom vanity, large mirror and mixed-metal finishes. A frosted window adds natural light while maintaining privacy, and multiple light fixtures make it easy to get ready on cloudy mornings. Ultra-fluffy towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap, cotton swabs and an upscale real-deal hair dryer are all there ready for you to enjoy.
upstairs bedroom + bath
The new stairwell to the second floor is flooded with natural light from large clerestory windows and features a stylish wicker chandelier. In the bedroom, a navy and white otomi pattern headboard, king size medium-firm gel memory foam mattress, 100% cotton sheets and tons of pillows will give you a reason to cuddle up in bed a little longer in the morning. Nightstands and outlets are easily accessible at each side of the bed for storing and charging your things, and a nicely sized natural light-filled closet, luggage rack and no-slip hangers are available for easy storage and organizing. A navy campaign desk and comfortable chair complete the room.
The adjoining bathroom is all new and similar to the one downstairs, with a standup tiled shower, quartz-topped custom vanity, large mirror and mixed-metal finishes. A large frosted window adds tons of natural light and complements the multiple light fixtures in the space. Ultra-fluffy towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap, cotton swabs and an upscale real-deal hair dryer are included.
outdoor space
Outside, the beautifully landscaped back garden has a Weber natural gas grill, dining area for four, and an herb garden you are welcome to make use of for meals (or cocktails, perhaps?). The grill runs on natural gas, and is permanently connected – no tank refilling needed. To use, tun on the red gas lever to start the flow of the gas, uncover and use as normal. When you are finished, please make sure to turn off the gas, brush down the grill and cover it after it has cooled down. Grill-specific utensils are kept in the kitchen.
You’re welcome to any of herbs in the cedar planter: lemon verbena, rosemary, thyme and mint. Please clip sparingly and only take what you will use, so that others may also enjoy. There are scissors for this purpose in the kitchen.
You’ll have space for parking two cars in the driveway and under the carport; if you have just one car, feel free to park in the driveway and use the carport for covered dining space (just be sure not to block the sidewalk). The back yard connects with the Cottage next door, which is also available for rent together or separately, creating the potential for 3 bedrooms and 3 baths between the two homes and a joined outdoor space to host your group.