Birdshill

Riverside living and luxury homes converge in Birdshill. Set between the forest and Willamette River, this small and somewhat hidden community features homes as stunning as the views they provide.

Shaped like an inverted arrowhead, this community has winding roads that cut through the dense tree line. Homes are either concealed by the flora or embrace the river’s edge. Grand homes with four or more bedrooms often have extended driveways, gates, swimming pools and spacious lots. Truly, no home is the same in this neighborhood. Craftsmans, colonials, and everything in between boast contemporary influences like enlarged, asymmetrical windows and rustic brick accents. With so much variation in appearance and proximity to the river, pricing starts at $1.5 million and reaches a lofty $11.5 million. You can see homes priced at an average of $2.5 million without the bells and whistles of larger estates.

Kids in Birdshill attend Forest Hills Elementary, which features an art literacy program where kids can express themselves and communicate with experimental art. Lake Oswego Junior High also nurtures its young artists, with 25% of students enrolling in their drama program. Both schools are rated A by Niche. Lake Oswego Senior High rounds out the list at an impressive A-plus and ranks as Oregon's best public high school.

School can be stressful, so having a place to escape for a few hours and decompress is essential. Tryon Cove Park on the southern tip of Birdshill is an excellent spot to launch a kayak or canoe into the Willamette River. The dock allows locals to take a break from swimming and appreciate the view of the Lake Oswego Railroad Bridge, whose arches connect Birdshill to Oak Grove. Spend a Friday afternoon drifting down the Willamette on an inner tube, but pay attention to the current because it might carry you north toward Elk Rock Island. You’ll likely see a sailboat glide by. “Willamette Sailing Club is a cool, inexpensive way for high schoolers to access the river,” says Grace Wadell, Broker at Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s. The club offers youth camps and private events for those aspiring to learn.

An afternoon sailing can leave you wondering where the day went and when you last ate. Drive less than a mile down Riverside Drive, and you’ll find Dang’s Thai Kitchen, with tons of stir fry, noodle and curry choices. If breakfast is your favorite, try St. Honoré Bakery. They have croissants, fruit tarts and Danishes made fresh in-house. For a Friday or Saturday pint, Stickmen Brewing Company has 28 beers on tap, not to mention a splendid view of the lake. Whether you’re more of a sours lover or the go-with-the-flow seasonal type, they have your beer needs covered.

Less than a mile south on Riverside Drive is a Safeway for all your grocery basics. Snag a latte at their in-store Starbucks or refill your prescription at the pharmacy. If you need a more extensive selection of organic foods, stop by the Whole Foods Market down the street. Gardeners and all-around plant lovers can browse the selection at Dennis’ 7 Dees Landscaping and Garden Center. This shop features tropical plants in addition to seasonal experiments like their DIY succulent pumpkins. For those without a green thumb but still want a project to call their own, consider one of their terrarium kits. Once constructed, they don’t require much routine care or attention.

Speaking of care, taking the time to recharge occasionally is a must. Noi Massage Comfort and Spa is close by to offer fast relief. They specialize in a range of Thai and therapeutic massages. You're in luck if you work from home or have an unusual schedule. Anytime Fitness is just down the road so that you can squeak in a workout at any hour. If you want to meet new faces, “There are lots of community building activities like free concerts in the summer,” says Wadell. “It’s a really lovely area.”

Spectacular waterfront views and unique home architecture are two things Birdshill has in spades. When you visit, take your time strolling along the river’s edge and experience what the locals do daily.

Written By

Malcolm Longerbeam

Photography Contributed By

Tim Acock

Video By

Tyler Hall