On a gently sloping acre in the hills above Oregon’s Willamette Valley, this wine country property became an accidental discovery for its new homeowners. “The clients found the property by chance after a tasting at a nearby winery and arrived just as the real estate agent was putting up the for-sale sign,” says Holly Freres of JHL Design. “Surrounded by agricultural land yet zoned residential, the site offers rare privacy and wide, unobstructed views.”
The homeowners, Julie and Jack—a doctor and a lawyer—were living in San Francisco when they began imagining a move north to be closer to family in Portland. “The property offered the privacy, open skies, and protected vineyard views they had been hoping for,” Holly recalls. “It felt like the start of something.”
The couple’s vision was clear: They wanted a home that felt calm, modern, and deeply connected to the landscape. “They wanted a place where they could slow down, entertain with ease, and feel grounded the moment they stepped inside,” Holly explains. “They also wanted meaningful personal elements. Jack once ran an art gallery in San Francisco, and both have an eye for collected pieces and craftsmanship.”
Although an existing dwelling sat on the property, it failed to capture the expansive views or fully harness the natural light. Together, the clients and the design team decided to start fresh with a new build. “They reached out to JHL Design to lead the project from day one, shaping everything from siting and architectural planning to interiors and finishes,” Holly shares. “With vineyards in every direction, the home was designed as a retreat that feels modern and elegant while still warm and connected to its surroundings.”
The entry sequence begins in the front courtyard, where a 100-year-old olive tree—transplanted specifically for this project—anchors the space. At the front porch, warm hemlock wraps the walls and ceiling, offering a tactile introduction to the material palette that continues throughout the home.
Once inside, the home opens immediately to floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the vineyards, the Willamette Valley, and the coastal mountains beyond. “The great room sits along this elevation, with the kitchen on one end, dining in the center, and the living area arranged around a full-height tumbled limestone fireplace wall,” Holly explains. Large sliding glass doors open to the exterior, creating an easy indoor-outdoor flow. Throughout the space, a restrained palette of layered neutrals and natural textures establishes a sense of calm. “A standout piece is the marble coffee table by Audo Copenhagen from DWR. It weighs more than 300 pounds and brings a grounding presence without competing with the view,” the designer says.
The kitchen was designed as an extension of the architecture rather than a focal point. Floor-to-ceiling white oak cabinetry reads as integrated paneling, allowing the kitchen to sit quietly within the great room. A tucked-away wet bar features a bronze mirror backsplash that adds depth and a subtle reflective quality. From the kitchen sink, a framed view of Mt. Hood creates a daily moment that feels intentional.
Upstairs, a window-lined hallway connects Jack’s office, the powder bath, and the guest suite, with mudroom, laundry, and garage access discreetly integrated along the route. At the end of the hall, the main bedroom suite opens to sweeping vineyard views through sliding doors. The bathrooms reflect the clients’ interest in handcrafted materials. “Because they spend part of the year in Mexico, we incorporated artisanal tile with soft texture and color variation,” Holly shares. “Paired with marble, oak, and warm lighting, the palette feels personal and relaxed.”
As with most new builds, balancing the budget was crucial. “Balancing budget constraints on a modern home can easily result in spaces that feel cold or unfinished,” Holly admits. “We focused on prioritizing where to invest so we could stretch the budget and achieve the warm, modern balance the clients were looking for.” The result is a minimalist, organic modern home that feels both refined and deeply livable—one that the clients, and their nearby family, truly love.
