Tour reveals five homes’ charms
Varied places, new and historic — and a winery with a scent of Mint
 

News staff writer
September 16, 2006

With the Oct. 1 PEO home tour, an added feature will be displays and samples from local vendors, including Hoffman Hills Lavender, Angie Wilburn Jewelry, Home Work Solutions, Merle Norman Cosmetics and Jockey.

ELLIOT HOME
397 Summit Ridge Drive, The Dalles

As you walk through the inviting custom Craftsman-style front door, breathtaking views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood welcome you into Taner Elliot’s 4,500-square-foot home.

Ceilings are 10 feet tall with a spacious floor plan offering a window view from every room.

Elliot’s home, finished this past spring, incorporates some of top amenities — hickory cabinets, granite countertops, Brazilian walnut hardwood floors and the latest in electronic technology.

Color choices and comfortable furnishings create warm living spaces throughout.

COBURN HOME
460 East Knoll, The Dalles

When Mark and Staci Coburn built this custom 2,900-square-foot Craftsman home, they were shooting for a warm and inviting place to entertain as well as a comfortable place to raise their growing family.

With four bedrooms and three and a half baths, this home features bright fresh colors and is designed with a flowing, open appeal.

The main floor master is situated to appreciate the beautiful views of Mount Hood.

It has a large master bath where the boys often enjoy a bubble bath in mom’s oversized, jetted tub.

Upstairs is the kids’ domain — brightly painted walls, a cubby hole for them to hide away in, and a spacious playroom for miles of miniature train tracks.

Showcasing an amazing curb presentation, the home includes extensive landscaping with a large water feature in the front yard, and a large backyard, ideal for this growing family with young children.

As an added bonus, the couple incorporated a separate “mother-in-law” apartment above their garage which includes a bedroom, bathroom, mini-kitchen and a living room.

It is currently being used as the family’s home entertainment venue.

VOSPER HOME
3305 Columbia View Drive, The Dalles

Fred and Debra Vosper’s home, completed in 2005, is known by some neighbors as the “Beach House” — it’d fit right in at seaside with its cedar shingle siding and many windows. Inside, it’s a blend of contemporary and Craftsman details. A custom wood stairway by Sean Corbin is the highlight of the entry.

The open kitchen has black granite countertops, bamboo flooring and stainless steel appliances.

The home has three bedrooms, two and a half baths, a main floor office and an extended two-car garage.

French doors off both the master bedroom and family room open onto the comfortable deck and backyard.

ERIN GLENN WINERYAT THE MINT
710 East Second, The Dalles

When construction began on the U.S. Mint building in The Dalles nearly 150 years ago, in 1864, no one realized the impact the structure would have on the area’s future landscape.

In 2005, Erin Glenn, Wasco County’s oldest winery, located its winemaking operations in catacombs originally intended to house gold dust and coin during the gold rush days of the mid-1800s.

Vaults that rival ancient European cellars provide the environment for creating fine, boutique wines — all from local vineyards — such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé of Barbera, Viognier, Gewurztraminer, and Dolcetto.

They also offer the ideal setting for private parties, catered dinners and intimate celebrations.

Erin Glenn opened the doors to the tasting room, located in the main parlor of The Mint in May 2006.

Visitors will get a historical tour of cellar and wine making facilities.

Cellar tours are scheduled on the hour at 2, 3 and 4 p.m.

HISTORIC DR. J.A. REUTER HOME
420 East Eighth, The Dalles

The 2½-story arts and crafts-style house occupies a third of an acre at Eighth and Laughlin.

The house achieved it present configuration nearly 100 years ago, in 1909, as an enlargement of the original 1890 home.

The upper floor is the original first floor that was raised and a new first floor was built underneath. Local builder Richard Maxon did the renovation for Dr. Reuter.

Albert Weigelt was the stonemason.

The interior is organized on a side entry hall plan in which the front parlor, library, and dining room are aligned on the east side of the ground story.

Original oak flooring is intact, as are brass hardware and original lighting fixtures.

The interior features a billiard and card room suite that extends, with its box-beamed ceiling, the full width of the second story front.

Recognizable elements of the original 1890 Queen Anne-style house are the single-story kitchen attachment and the wrap-around veranda.

J.A. Reuter was co-founder of The Dalles Hospital, The Dalles Clinic and the local nurses’ training school.

He lived in the house until his death in 1954.

WILLIAMS HOME
601 West Seventh, The Dalles

In 1962, Don and Barbara Williams built their present home for Don’s sister, Florence.

Florence wanted it to accommodate the furnishings she’d collected in extensive travels in the Orient.

In 2001, Barbara and Don moved into the house, adding to the Oriental flavor with their own furnishings, many from Barbara’s mother.

The home is filled with heirloom antiques including pictures, furniture, rugs and decorative objects.

Before they moved in, the Williamses added a garage and office — plus a large deck across the front — offering a view of the Klickitats and the Columbia River.

Visitors enter the home through a private courtyard, featuring a bird bath fountain of native rock.

Due to the steep driveway and limited parking, tour parking will be in St. Vincent DePaul’s parking lot on Ninth and Trevitt.

A shuttle service will be provided.