Lake Como-Inspired Elegance on the Shores of Oswego Lake
Offered for the first time, this lakefront estate is more than a residence; it’s a celebration of impeccable artistry, craftsmanship, and timeless European elegance. Inspired by the villas of Italy’s Lake Como and set against the serene backdrop of Oswego Lake’s southern shoreline, this one-of-a-kind home was custom-built in 1999 by Dale Lumpkin of Lumpkin Homes. Designed by renowned architect Curt Olsen, as his very first project on this coveted waterfront, and interior design by masterful Ernesto Garcia, ASID, this home is an homage to the current owner’s heritage and memories of annual visits to Italy. Every inch of its 5,510 square feet reflects Italian sensibilities and refined elegance infused into each living space.
A private gated courtyard laid with traditional pavers, welcomes guests with a sense of occasion and expectation. A classic circular paving design centers the entry, anchored by a tranquil corner lion-head fountain. The home’s Old World Marmorino stucco finish, white quoins, corbels, copper gutters, and Monier concrete tile roof, immediately evoke a Mediterranean aesthetic. Approaching the home, visitors feel the gentle departure from the ordinary world, transporting friends and family to the European countryside.
Inside, the foyer makes a dramatic and welcoming first impression. Dual arched glass-and-wood doors open to reveal soaring 11-foot ceilings, a spectacular unobstructed lake view, and a sweeping Crema Europa limestone staircase, its balustrade hand-forged in wrought iron by artisan Arnie Chupp. Bullnose steps skillfully crafted by Portland Marbleworks, lead upwards to the translucent fiberglass dome above, painted by renowned artist Ron Wagner to resemble ethereal alabaster. This work of art is more than just a static artistic element; it’s an ever-changing, luminous canvas, glowing with the sun by day and moonlight by night, thanks to a hidden skylight above it and customizable lighting options to match any mood. The hand-selected Crema Europa limestone flooring continues through the main level, complementing the subtly textured bolse plaster walls painstakingly applied by hand with the original burlap method from floor to ceiling. Substantial, solid-core, four-hinge doors and meticulously crafted millwork, extending even inside closets, speak to the uncompromising quality and craftsmanship throughout.
The living room is a study in symmetry and light, highlighted by two sets of grand Palladian doors that open to the expansive lakeside balcony. A dual-sided cast plaster fireplace, also handcrafted by Ron Wagner, anchors the room. This custom piece embodies another of Wagner’s specialty skills, which has earned his company national recognition since 1979. Classic crown molding, highlighted by recessed rope lighting and a wrought iron crystal chandelier, add layers of ambiance to this dramatic space, which was intended to work equally well for elegantly formal occasions, or casual family hangouts. The space flows effortlessly into the formal dining room, where two more sets of arched Palladian doors open wide to welcome in the refreshing lake breezes. An elegant circular inset ceiling dome above defines the space, by enhancing its openness, creating an ideal setting for intimate dinners or grand celebrations.
In the heart of the home, the chef’s kitchen pairs practicality with polished refinement, while maintaining an unobstructed view of beautiful Oswego Lake. Four hanging Murano glass pendants illuminate a two-level central island with a breakfast bar, while master-crafted custom cabinetry by Pacific Design, and a mosaic tile backsplash, create a visually integrated landscape, complemented by the Baltic brown granite countertops. A precision six-burner Viking cooktop, dual Dacor wall ovens, a warming drawer, and a SubZero refrigerator with matching cabinet-front panels ensure that the kitchen performs as beautifully as it looks.
The adjacent family room offers built-in cabinetry for a TV and stereo equipment and desk ideal for daily organization while inviting family members to stay close as the cook creates the next meal to be enjoyed by all. Swinging café doors provide access to the mudroom and breezeway, connecting seamlessly to the garage. The main floor powder room surprises with artisanal details, including a Gravity Glass vessel sink and a Crema Europa stonework vanity with wrought iron legs mirroring the elegance found throughout the home.
The extensive main floor balcony, laid with handmade Italian tile imported to clad all the outdoor patio surfaces on the property, is a visual and architectural extension of the indoor living spaces. A regal lion-head fountain murmurs in the background as wrought iron railings frame views of the lake and lush, flat backyard below. It’s a perfect perch for quiet mornings or vibrant gatherings alike.
On the lower level, the home transforms into a haven for entertainment. The incredible wine room is designed for both serious collectors and casual tasters, featuring handcrafted redwood and cedar racks for 336 bottles and a tasting area with a feature wall built by respected finish carpenter Jeff Hand. Crafted from reclaimed oak wine barrels from Chehalem winery, this eye-catching art installation offers the perfect setting for enjoying a glass. The separate case storage room is plumbed for climate control. Next door, the private theater invites immersive entertainment with tiered seating for eight or more, THX-certified AV components, including a JVC projector, Krell audio components, and M&K speakers, as well as a DaLite screen. Curated details abound, from custom Mohawk carpeting to coffered ceilings with Olympic Gold painted medallion details and sound-dampening elastomeric paint; every element was carefully and purposefully selected. A viewing window between the wine room and theater ensures you will not miss a moment of the movie, even when you step away to enjoy a refill. A concealed door hides a large room designed to keep cables and equipment neatly stored and out of view.
A guest suite with lake views is thoughtfully positioned on this level, offering built-in dressers and dual closets. The nearby hall bath is truly spa-worthy, featuring a Finlandia sauna crafted with cedar and redwood reclaimed from the property’s original kitchen ceiling, a steam shower with dual shower heads and a tile bench, and closet housing a stackable washer and dryer.
The spacious family room is anchored by a wet bar, complete with a sink and a GE beverage fridge, and features large glass French doors framing views of Oswego Lake and opening to the covered lower patio. Step outside, where more handmade Italian tile continues underfoot, a sunken Coast Spas jacuzzi hot tub offers a front-row seat to the lake. The sunken design of the hot tub ensures that the lake view is preserved from the guest suite, while also providing easy access to the relaxing, bubbling water. Ceiling fans cool the shaded area, while a wide concrete staircase leads gracefully to the lush lawn, boathouse, and waterfront beyond. Storage beneath the patio is expansive, easily accommodating water toys, gardening tools and equipment, or seasonal decor.
The backyard is a vibrant tapestry of textures and colors. Trellised star jasmine, clematis, hydrangeas, and climbing roses are all framed by six mature Blue Italian Cypress trees, providing privacy and structure to this outdoor haven. The flat lawn is ideal for hosting outdoor gatherings or enjoying family playtime, with the sun shining warmly in winter and ample shade in summer. The property has an irrigation pump and takes advantage of the property’s right to use lake water for irrigation, ensuring the grounds are always vibrant and green, while saving substantial amounts by not using City supplied water. The stamped concrete waterfront patio features a diving board, mooring whips, convenient built-in steps leading directly into the lake and a fabulous view of the entire main lake.
At the water’s edge, the custom-designed pool house seamlessly complements the home’s architecture, enhancing the overall lifestyle experience. With its south-facing rooftop patio clad in imported Italian tile, an arched entry to the boat house and an out-of-water boat lift, it’s built for summer enjoyment. The structure features a half bath, built-in wet-dry vacuum, paddleboard storage racks, and plumbing for a future kitchenette, all ready for epic entertaining or unwinding after a day on the water.
Upstairs, the primary suite is a serene, private sanctuary. French doors open to a private balcony with tranquil full-lake views, while a gas fireplace adds warmth and ambiance. Two closets, including a custom walk-in, provide generous and convenient storage. The ensuite bath is thoughtfully appointed with beautiful, detailed tile work, with a jetted jacuzzi tub with a waterfall faucet, an oversized glass shower with dual heads, and a bench, perfectly appointed for daily rituals.
Three additional bedrooms offer comfort and character: one features a Juliette balcony overlooking the courtyard, another boasts a large walk-in closet, and the third opens to a walkway leading to the secluded garage-top office with a view of the lake. Designed with a nod to the quiet and calm of a library, this office features a gas fireplace, French doors that open to a large balcony, and ample quiet and light to inspire creativity or command productivity, while also ensuring a separate environment from the activities in the main home. Even practical spaces in the home are elevated. The laundry room includes built-in storage, a sink, and a fold-down ironing board, ensuring no detail was overlooked in the home’s design.
This is not just a home; it’s a rare, architecturally significant estate crafted with purpose, cherished by its original stewards, admired by other lake dwellers, and now ready for its next chapter. With its southern exposure, unmatched design pedigree, and panoramic lake views, this property offers a lifestyle reserved for the truly discerning.
Located just 12 minutes to downtown Lake Oswego’s popular Farmer’s Market, restaurants, and boutique shopping, this property feels like a far more tucked-away locale than its convenient location suggests, offering peaceful seclusion and unmatched recreation without sacrificing accessibility. The Lakeview neighborhood provides easy access to highly ranked neighborhood schools, all of which are within a 1.5-mile radius. The brand-new Rassekh skate park and LORAC, the Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatic Center, are approximately 10 minutes away, along with walking trails, sports fields, and a dog park at Luscher Farm.
