Oregon homebuilder Bob Vetter wanted a scenic spot to construct a handsome single-level house where he and his wife could age in place with ease.

Vetter, who has designed and built more than 70 homes for other people, considered every detail for what he thought would be his last home.

He subdivided a large parcel of land he owns in unincorporated Oak Grove, on the east side of the Willamette River and south of Portland. The new house is on a lot where Forest Creek flows through the backyard on its way to the river.

The U-shaped floor plan wraps around a private courtyard. From the courtyard, you can see bigleaf maple, oak and other native trees along the creek, plus a wild hillside and greenbelt beyond.

The high-ceilinged living and dining areas with glass sliding doors are on one side

See Full Page