Cambiamo Case (Changing Houses)

20 October 2020.

Perhaps we are nomads after all. Our ten-year plan set in 2016 has been shortened by six years: we are leaving Lincoln City and returning to the greater Portland Metropolitan Area. Specifically, we just bought a house in Forest Grove, previously a small town on the edge of wine country and now the Western edge of the SMA.

“Why?” you might ask. We do love the clean air, mild summer temps, and the low traffic of the coast (except for when the tourists flock in July and August and holiday weekends), but the pandemic and forest fire season gave us cause to reconsider where we live, the type of home we have, and what we do with our time. The evacuation during the Echo Mountain Fire was a bit unnerving.

Living two hours from our son and friends we have known for decades weighed heavily in the decision. We missed a summer of responsible socializing with Derek and said friends. There is little outdoor dining on the coast as it just is not warm enough for evening outdoor socializing. We had ONE NIGHT this summer where you could be outside without a jacket past 7:00 PM. ONE NIGHT and that was in September. 70 degree highs are great for hiking and gardening but do not lead to soft summer nights of barbecuing and lounging on the patio. We saw our son exactly once from mid-March to early September. Living closer gives us more opportunity to enjoy each other’s company.

Our time in Lincoln City caused me to rediscover my love of gardening. Not vegetables, mind you, but ornamentals, especially perennials. We reworked much of the landscaping on Cascara Court but as we are in a townhome with a small lot and a half-dozen 100-foot conifers providing dry shade, there was only so much to be done. I wanted a new space for my puttering.

Having sold Cascara Court in 13 days, we came to Portland to start house hunting yesterday. The market is moving so fast in the Metro area the houses are barely listed before they are gone. Last week I had 34 homes “favorited” on Redfin. By the time we met our realtor on Monday morning, many had already sold or had to be eliminated for a major flaw (no A/C, near a major highway, overlooking the MAX line) there were FIVE houses left to be toured. FIVE out of 34!

Long story short, we toured four houses, loved two, and made offers on those two. By 12:30 today, one offer had been accepted. Positive thoughts to the Universe, we will move in shortly after Thanksgiving. We are inheriting a lovely back garden with a fountain and space to entertain outdoors. The house is a Craftsman bungalow with impeccable attention to detail. When I have it all dolled up, you’ll see pictures. Below, two glimpses of where we are headed.

No grass grows under Barton feet.