A compound in the heart of McKenzie Bridge
57255 North Bank Rd, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
Photos: Bryan Daugherty
Styling: Vetiver Street & Owners
Today in the Studio
Shaped over time by those who have lived, built, and passed through, it carries a quiet sense of history, from its original maker to stories embedded in the land itself. Emerging unexpectedly from the forest, a Mediterranean home, an idyllic swimming pool and hot tub, a magical barn, and additional structures sit intentionally within an open clearing, offering a rare foundation for something more expansive. Here, days are guided by river, trail, and season, with a way of life rooted just beyond the front door. What emerges is not simply a home, but the beginning of a compound, a place meant to be experienced, returned to, and carried forward.
The Vetiver Street Creative Team sat down with the current homeowners to reflect on what first drew them to the property and how it has revealed itself over time, from its layered history to the surrounding landscape and the many ways it invites people to gather, explore, and return.
Water, trails, and open air
Q: What first drew you to this property, and this spectacular location?
A: We’ve always loved Central Oregon. We have two other properties in Sisters and Sunriver, respectively, and we were excited to discover another part of Central Oregon, this time on the western side of the mountains. It has such easy access to such a wide breadth of recreation, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, skiing, etc.
The house itself caught our eye immediately. Its Mediterranean architecture is so unique in this part of the country. You can tell it was someone’s special creative vision and we felt drawn to it and layering on our own creative vision. Not to mention the pool, the beautiful acreage, and the butterflies and lizards that frequent the deck. How could you not be charmed?
Q: For someone drawn to this property for the long term, what nearby rituals and destinations would you point them toward first? (Your favorite rivers, trails, hot springs, fishing spots, favorite roadside stops)
A: One of my fave places to visit nearby is Clear Lake…it has a great path around the full lake that you can hike/trail run and you can rent boats to take out. It’s a very short drive and is a slice of heaven (as the name might denote). Just over the pass is the Hoodoo Recreation area which is great for off-roading, hiking, camping, or just dropping into one of the many lakes for a cool summer swim or paddle board. And for food, there is a great hidden gem, just down the street, The McKenzie General Store and Grill…their food is fantastic and their store is chocked full of healthy yummy goodies you would otherwise need to drive an hour to scoop at a Whole Foods.
A journey into the unexpected
Q: There is a mystical feeling to the grounds and architecture, almost as if discovered rather than built. What corners of the property best capture that feeling for you?
A: Honestly, I think it is best captured when you drive up to the property. You drive through this dense forest for about ½ mile and then out of nowhere the world just opens up to an oasis. A perfectly manicured lawn, apple orchard, a utopian pool, and a house straight out of Tuscany. You feel transported.
Where it began
Q: The property carries a sense of history and mystery. What have you learned about the people who shaped it over time, from its original builder to the stories connected to the monks and the land itself?
A: One day, when remodeling the house, a man drove up and knocked on the door. (And you have to understand this is a remote, gated property so that was quite unusual). That man turned out to be Phil, the original owner and builder of the house. He now lives down the road and was excited to meet us and tell us all about the history and property. In fact he invited us over to dinner to share photos and stories. Phil was from the Midwest and his family owned a pool business. He met and fell in love with a woman from the area and decided to follow her out west and build their dream home together. One of my favorite parts of the story was that they built the pool and the arches of the house first, the house itself was last to be constructed…which gives you some insight into what was prioritized. From their stories and shared photos they really lived the idyllic life on the property. They had cattle, thus the barn, and were close knit with the folks at the church down the street often hosting gatherings for the friars.
The sanctuary
Q: The property already holds a truly unique main residence, a magical barn, and additional structures across its 35 acres. With the potential for up to five homesites, it offers the rare possibility of becoming a true compound over time. How do you imagine its next chapter unfolding (retreat from the city, creative enclave, legacy estate)?
A: There are truly so many possibilities for its next chapter. But if I were to project my idyllic state, it would be returning to something of its past. Turning the barn back into a functional space for horses or goats, leveraging the land for more sustenance (it already offers a fruit orchard and berries) with vegetable beds, and most importantly, being a hub for community, family, and friends to visit, escape, and bond.
Q: If you could describe the ideal next steward of this place, what kind of person do you imagine being most drawn to a property like this?
A: I could see this being idyllic for a couple or small family that wants a unique balance between an urban and rural lifestyle. The property itself feels so private with endless opportunities for its next owner, however you are a short 5 minute drive away from basic amenities (restaurants, gas, etc) and only an hour away from the bustling city of Eugene. And while you feel like you are a million miles away from the world when you are home, you also can get Amazon delivered next day. It’s literally the best of both worlds.
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