Asian-Influenced Estate Combines Clean Lines…

Asian-Influenced Estate Combines Clean Lines with Color and Warmth

There is no such thing as a gloomy day at Peter and Carla Olson’s Asian-inspired estate. Having been born and raised in sunny Florida, light became a key component when the couple planned and built the nearly 8,000-square-foot home on 1.3 acres of prime land in Portland’s Burton Road area. “Our philosophy was to bring the outdoors in and create a zen-like experience throughout,” Carla explains. “From the moment you walk in the front door there is a calming atmosphere and a radiance that exists day and night.”

Floor-to-ceiling windows in most rooms draw in the natural light and allow the lush gardens to share the indoor space. At night, custom lighting underscores the special features in each room and emphasizes the composed ambiance. And yet, even with such planned elegance, there is a fresh, crisp vibrancy that elicits life and a sense of well-being.

“We paid attention to details so that we would have the comfort and peace we desired, but also leave room for family and friends to freely enjoy the space,” Carla says, adding that her children were 10 and 16 when they moved in. “We have had our share of formal events in our home, but then again, we held my daughter’s sixth-grade class party by the pool.”

The Olson’s purchased their property in 1990 and by 1993 had completed construction. One look at the interior and there is no doubt that neither Carla or Peter likes clutter, though both obviously appreciate the comforts of home. During the initial planning phase, Peter insisted on stark, clean lines. Later, Carla incorporated color and warmth. Together, they added a touch of fung shui and integrated elements of yin and yang. For example floating walls in the bedroom and living room offer versatility and openness. Specially selected trees and shrubs create a fortress from adjoining property. And in several rooms, stone walkways begin indoors and continue outdoors to create a single path.

The result of such skillful planning is a contemporary masterpiece in which Architect John Ralston, Builder Alan Pearce, Designers Chris and Gary Douglas and Landscape Architect Marlene Salon worked to elicit harmony and consistency. “It was a creative collaboration among many talented people,” Carla says. “And it has been an ongoing process that integrates a lot of individual design ideas.”

Burton Road is within Portland’s Sunset Corridor, which is home to the largest concentration of Oregon’s high technology firms, including Intel and Nike. The region is well known for housing high-net-worth executives who want privacy and security along with easy access to the city.

For the Olson’s, it is time to say goodbye to their 13 years of premeditated serenity. With an impending move to New York, Carla says she and Peter are eager to hand over the keys to people who appreciate the fine art of good living. And, she insists, they will take their experiences and memories with them. “New York can get cold, but we’ll create another space that will keep us warm in the midst of winter and give us natural light year round.” ■

For more information on this estate, call Lee Davies, Principal Broker at The Lee Davies Real Estate Team. The toll free number is 800.813.4196, or visit http://www.leedavies.com/.