Blog Buyer Just Listed: The Sprague-Marshall-Bowie House, a Portland Landmark!

Just Listed: The Sprague-Marshall-Bowie House, a Portland Landmark!

By Marissa Sainz, September 7, 2020

I am elated to be listing a Portland home listed on the National Registry of Historic Places with more history than I can wrap my head around! This home has seen nearly 150 years of Portland—if only the walls could talk! Meet the Sprague-Marshall-Bowie house! (Read on for a little history and skip to the bottom for listing details and a link to the 3D tour!)
 
History
The Sprague-Marshall-Bowie (SMB) is two-story historic Italianate style house, built in 1882. It’s one of two of the earliest homes of the style still standing in Portland! Originally located at NW Everett and 17th, it was moved to its current location after 22 years. The SMB was part of the 640-acre Donation Land Claim Act filed in 1846 by Captain John H. Couch (of Couch St.), a pioneer sea captain and city developer, and his brother-in-law. The cost of the 4 lots, 100’ x 200’, parcel was $3,000 in gold coin.

It was later in possession of Mary H. Couch, the captain’s youngest daughter, when purchased by John Marshall, a marine engineer who worked for the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company, and served on several steamers including the Wide West, Willamette Chief, Wellington Chief, and the Harvest Queen.Two years later, Captain Clark Woods Sprague, believed to be the father of Marshall’s wife, Sarah, acquired two of the four lots, where he built two houses. Captain Sprague, a then ship captain for the O.R. & N. Co., deeded the house to his daughter in 1885, but lived in the corner house at 17th and Everett Streets with the Marshalls until 1886. The Marshall family lived in the house until 1902, also the year it was sold to Henry A. Moore of Moore Investment Company. Two years later, the house was relocated to its present site and sold to Charles W. Bowie who was listed in the City Directory as a “Capitalist.” The home was purchased again in 1980 by George T. and Barbara Gray. In the same year, the G.T. Gray House was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 
It’s stood for over a century, and with all of its architectural details in place. Today, history blends harmoniously with modern luxuries. Generous bay windows bring in natural gleaming light throughout the space. The cast iron fireplaces, picture molding, and plaster ceiling medallions remind of its sophisticated history. A grand formal dining room with a fireplace elevates the space, truly perfect for dinner parties. Walking through the unit’s wooden floors, you are greeted with a cozy receiving area, fresh white quartz countertops in the remodeled kitchen that is designed in a mid-century modern theme. Also, a private backyard and deck await, and even these portions are pleasant to see. In addition, there is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) downstairs that provides the comforts of today, with its modern furniture and appliances. It also has off-street parking and is located within walking distance from NW 23rd and NW 21st. Imagine owning a piece of Portland history with all the conveniences of the 21st century.
 

It’s an honor to list such a priceless home and I’m dedicated to finding the perfect buyers. If that might be you, I have something for you to check out—a 3D Tour of the SMB you can see right now from the comfort of your living room! And if you want even more info, read on below for a look at more listing details, or check this home out on the Living Room website, here.


Listing Details
Listing details: History blends in harmoniously with modern luxuries! The Sprague Marshall Bowie house is a registered Portland landmark, built in 1882, with all of its architectural details in place. Generous bay windows bring in natural gleaming light throughout the space. The cast iron fireplaces, picture molding, and plaster ceiling medallions remind you of its sophisticated history. A grand formal dining room with a fireplace elevates the space – perfect for dinner parties! Walking through, you are greeted with a remodeled kitchen with fresh white quartz countertops, private backyard and deck, and a downstairs ADU that provides the luxuries of today! Located walking distance from NW 23rd and NW 21st with off street parking. You can own a piece of Portland history with all the conveniences of the 21st century.
Price: $1,399,900
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.1
ADU: 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom
Sq. ft.: 3,624
.11 acre lot

MLS#: 20324566

Don’t wait to see more—take the 3D Tour!

Get in touch to see and perhaps own this invaluable piece of Portland history!Marissa Sainz
512.736.6111
marissa@livingroomre.com

Marissa Sainz

Broker | Earth Advantage | OR

She/Her

Whether you want to live in a hip Pearl District condo or a unique east side bungalow I am here to help you find the perfect home. The Pearl District and the close in surrounding neighborhoods are exciting and evolving areas and where I focus my business. It is important in our changing real estate world, where location is so vital to home buyers, to work with a neighborhood expert. We all want to live near our local grocery store and within walking distance of our favorite coffee spot, restaurants and parks. I am here to guide buyers and sellers through the process every step of the way, if you are a first time home buyer searching for the perfect starter home or looking to move as your family and lifestyle change. Marissa earned a degree in finance with a concentration in real estate from The University of Texas at Austin. Before coming to residential real estate in Portland Marissa worked for both a national and local commercial real estate firm. Around town Marissa is involved with the Women in Insurance and Financial Services Portland chapter as well as the Women's Council of REALTORS®.
Read More
  • T: 512-736-6111
  • marissa@livingroomre.com

You might also enjoy

4 Surprising Ways Homeownership Boosts Your Financial Future

Sharon Bloudek

It’s no secret that homeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth. In fact,...

How to Navigate Portland’s STR Permit Process: Insider Tips

Will Sing

Unlocking Portland’s STR Permit Maze If you’re eyeing the short-term rental market in Portland, getting your...

Restored Midcentury on .55 Acres

Kim Parmon

Single Level Living with Development Potential 16945 NE Glisan St., | Portland, OR 97230 Offered at...

4 Weeks from Hair Cut to Closing: Congrats Makayla and Chancelor!

Lita Batho

Recently, I was getting my hair cut, listening to a story my hair stylist had been...