Nestled on eight private acres in Portland’s prestigious Southwest Hills, the historic Merlo Estate is a rare opportunity to enjoy timeless European sophistication in a stunning vineyard setting designed for epic entertaining. Built in 1939, this stately French Provincial residence was home to influential Portlanders whose business, civic and philanthropic legacies shaped the city. This refined sanctuary features grand entertaining spaces indoors and out, boasting breathtaking vineyard views and resort-style amenities—including a saltwater pool, private tennis courts, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. Steeped in a rich history with a timeless
allure, this extraordinary estate awaits its next chapter.
A Bygone Era of Elegance – The Merlo Estate in Portland’s Southwest Hills Perched atop Portland’s prestigious Southwest Hills, this stately 1939 French Provincial estate is a rare jewel, a testament to a bygone era of grace, grandeur, and refinement. Spanning 8.04 private acres—3.5 of which are planted with Pinot Gris grapes—this extraordinary property offers an unparalleled lifestyle of sophistication and serenity. For over five decades, this remarkable home was the beloved residence of Harry and Flo Newton Merlo, two of Portland’s most influential and philanthropic figures. Harry Merlo, the visionary CEO of Louisiana-Pacific, shaped the timber industry and brought Portland’s first NASL soccer team, the Timbers, to the city—forever cementing his legacy in the region’s sports history. Flo Newton Merlo, a Portland Business Journal Woman of Influence, founded LP’s air charter division, eventually starting
her own company, Global Aviation, in 1995. She also serves on the boards of the Harry A. Merlo Foundation and the Providence Heart and Vascular Institute. Together, the Merlo’s dedicated themselves to enriching Portland’s cultural and civic landscape, their
generosity touching countless institutions and initiatives, including the University of Portland’s Merlo Field, Merlo Hall at the World Forestry Center, and St. Mary’s Home for Boys. The home’s previous owner was also an influential Portlander. Julius “Jack” Meier, board chairman of the Meier & Frank department stores, was a driving force behind the construction of Timberline Lodge and spearheaded the effort for the city of Portland’s purchase of Multnomah Stadium, renamed Civic Stadium and now Providence Park, home to the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns soccer teams. Meier’s father, Julius, was Oregon’s governor from 1931 to 1935. Behind the grand gates, this estate unfolds like a storybook, blending classic European charm with an entertainer’s dream setting. The timeless architecture—tall, steeply pitched hipped roof, a flat stucco façade adorned with painted shutters, copper accents, and an arched entryway—epitomizes the enduring appeal of French Provincial design, a style that was second only to Colonial Revival in
popularity at the time of construction. Step inside, where warmth and refinement blend seamlessly throughout the home. The interiors,
designed for intimate gatherings and lavish entertaining, offer expansive rooms, exquisite millwork custom-designed for Merlo, and rooms filled with natural light. The main floor’s living room, bathed in light from two sets of French doors and a wall of windows, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Opening directly to the expansive patio, this space provides a stunning
backdrop of the pool and vineyard for hosting unforgettable events. The foyer and dining room also open to the patio, enhancing the ideal indoor/outdoor flow. The kitchen, along with the fully-equipped catering kitchen in the separate garage, was with the entertainer in mind yet retains a warm and welcoming feel for intimate meals with friends and family. Luxury appliances, including a four-burner-plus-wok gas Gaggenau cooktop, a Miele dishwasher, a Hobart glass washer, a Thermador plate warmer, two Jenn-Air wall ovens, and a Tru Refrigeration refrigerator ensure every cooking need is met. Marble countertops and a spacious central island
complete the culinary space, which overlooks the sunroom-inspired casual dining area. The adjacent family room opens to the spacious deck bordered by a scenic waterfall and pond. The nearby jacuzzi provides a peaceful retreat near a patio and fire pit, creating the perfect spot for relaxing evenings. The covered outdoor kitchen, designed for year-round enjoyment, features a heater, built-in BBQ, a sink, and a refrigerator, making it the perfect space for entertaining in any season. The main floor also includes an elegant library with built-in bookcases showcasing classic millwork and a wood-burning fireplace with a gas starter. Overlooking the front of the home, this space is ideal for a home office or quiet retreat. An inviting guest suite featuring custom paneling in a fir tree
motif and a full ensuite bath provides a warm haven for visitors. Upstairs, the spectacular primary retreat offers a serene escape, featuring a sitting area with a fireplace and custom curly redwood paneling. The intricate swirling grain of this rare and prized
wood creates a three-dimensional effect, adding warmth and sophistication to the space. The ensuite bath, luxuriously updated in 2018, is designed for indulgence with two spa-inspired bathrooms. Both feature marble-tiled walk-in showers, heated floors, and built-in custom closets, while the larger bath boasts a BainUltra soaking tub. French doors open to a spacious private balcony, adding an outdoor sanctuary. Four additional bedrooms are located on the upper level, each with its own ensuite bath. One bedroom includes an attached living room, making it an ideal guest suite or multi-generational living space. The third floor offers a versatile recreation space complete with a kitchenette equipped with a range, wine fridge, sink and dishwasher, a spacious lounge, and ample room for a pool table. The adjacent storage room, outfitted with built-in cabinetry, is perfect for use as a wrapping or crafting space. The lower level extends the home’s luxurious layout, featuring a 180-square-foot wine cellar with extensive storage and display capacity for a sizable collection. A home gym with space for workout equipment, a bathroom, a Metos sauna, and a jacuzzi tub offers a private wellness retreat. The laundry room, complete with a chute from the upper level, is also located nearby. Outdoors, the estate is nothing short of breathtaking. The sweeping grounds boast an exquisite saltwater pool and pool house with two full bathrooms alongside expansive outdoor entertaining areas perfect for summer soirées. Private tennis courts, framed by lush lawns and picturesque vineyard views, offer recreation and serenity. Whether hosting grand celebrations or enjoying tranquil evenings under the stars, this estate provides an unparalleled setting for an enviable lifestyle.
Steeped in history and poised for its next chapter, this distinguished residence invites its next stewards to continue its legacy of elegance and prestige. A home of this caliber—where classic beauty meets timeless sophistication—is a rare offering indeed.
Located near Bridlemile Elementary School, Gray Middle School, and Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School, this West Hills location is also close to Jesuit High School. Its proximity to Highways 26 and 217 offers an easy commute to downtown Portland, Beaverton, and Hillsboro, with Nike World Headquarters just 12 minutes away and Intel’s Ronler Acres a 16-minute drive.