Property Watch: High Design Meets Secret Tiki Bar in Northwest Portland

There’s so much fantastic design in this town—how’s a house supposed to stand out? How about a surprise tiki bar off a mid-level stair landing? It certainly got our attention. Not that you’d guess it’s there from the exterior of this 1982 home in Northwest Portland’s Hillside neighborhood. Designed by architect Jon Jurgens, the front facade veers somewhat nondescript Northwest Contemporary—all the better to be surprised by the high design from top to bottom inside.

It starts with the dramatic main living areas, made so by their vaulted ceilings, plentiful windows, new hickory floors, and airy attitude. In the kitchen, Pedini cabinets have been topped with quartz slabs, and given a waterfall edge at one end of the peninsula. The layout is a modest U-shape that’s used well, thanks to a walk-in pantry, itself with custom walnut cabinets, storage on both sides of the peninsula, and sleek Miele and Gaggenau appliances. These include a Vario 400 series cooktop that allows for serious cook-offs with its induction burners, electric grill, teppanyaki zone, and power burner with wok ring.

Nearby, the dining room is anchored by a custom bench upholstered in green velvet; a nearby minibar has green travertine stone on the counter and backsplash. A few steps down into the sunken living room, all the green comes from the row of windows overlooking the trees. Even the double-sided fireplace offers a peekaboo view, since it can be enjoyed either inside or outside in the cozy solarium.

Not to be outdone, the primary suite, which also accesses the solarium by a glass door, has a walk-in closet, seating alcove, and built-in dresser, as well as an all-new bathroom. The latter is finished in Brazilian quartzite stone countertops, custom ash cabinetry and woodwork, and microcement, a waterproof, durable coating that creates a seamless, Euro look. Even the laundry room got an upgrade with designer wallpaper.

The lower level has a full bathroom and two bedrooms, both of which access a second solarium, this time with a sauna and outdoor shower. There’s also an ADU studio with its own kitchenette, bathroom, and suite of fine finishes, including cork flooring, Pratt and Larson tile, and soapstone counters. A separate mini-split HVAC is a nice touch here, and makes it so guests can set their own climate control. Outside, there’s a second sweet setup, with wood-fired pizza oven and hot tub.

But it’s the secret tiki bar that steals the show, once you know where to look. (It’s behind a plain white door on a mid-level stair landing lined with bookshelves.) While the rest of the house is light, bright, and airy, here it’s all inky paint, palm-printed Cole & Son wallpaper, and a ceiling draped in fishnet and fishing rope. On one wall, wine bottle hangers will display up to 600 bottles, while across the room, the bar is ready for your best attempts at Zombie Punch and Singapore Slings.

Listing Fast Facts 

• Address: 244 NW Seblar Dr, Portland, OR 97210
• Size: 3,948 square feet/4 bedroom/3.5 bath 
• List Date: 7/10/2025  
• List Price: $1,425,000
• Listing Agent: Marisa Swenson, Modern Homes Collective

Melissa Dalton is a freelance writer who has focused on Pacific Northwest design and lifestyle since 2008. Contact Dalton here. 

Editor’s Note: Portland Monthly’s “Property Watch” column takes a weekly look at an interesting home in Portland’s real estate market (with periodic ventures to the burbs and points beyond, for good measure). Got a home you think would work for this column? Get in touch at [email protected].