Designed in 1955 by acclaimed Portland architect Richard A. Marlitt, 2780 SW Talbot is a rare and beautifully preserved example of Northwest Mid-Century Modern architecture, thoughtfully positioned on a sun-filled Portland Heights hillside. Marlitt’s signature approach—clean lines, strong geometry, and a seamless connection to landscape—is evident in the dramatic front-projecting gable, brick-piered entry, and original iron detailing that establish both presence and authenticity.What truly sets this home apart is its extraordinary setting and scale. The oversized lot features arborist-maintained mature landscaping: a giant Norwegian Spruce, Monkey Puzzle tree, four Giant Sequoias, Cedars, Japanese Maples, established Rhododendrons, and a manicured fig tree, creating a private, park-like environment rarely found nearby. A true two-car carport, nearly unheard of on this block where street parking is the norm, adds everyday convenience. The home has been carefully stewarded and meaningfully updated to support modern living while honoring the original architecture. Enhancements include wide-plank white oak flooring throughout, a fully installed HVAC system w/ zoned climate control, new roof, modernized electrical systems with EV charging, and a 26K whole-house generator w/ automatic on-off capability. The rebuilt lower level features new windows, improved ceiling heights, and updated systems, allowing it to function as true living space. Designed for entertaining, the home offers multiple gathering spaces w/ an indoor-outdoor feel. All bedrooms are oversized & feature en suite bathrooms, adding comfort and luxury throughout. The kitchen is equipped w/ Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Cove appliances. Throughout the home lighting has been upgraded w/recessed fixtures, chandeliers, and high-end finishes. Minutes to Council Crest Park, Marquam Trail, and OHSU, this is a rare opportunity to own an authentic architectural original—timeless, refined and truly one of a kind. [Home Energy Score = 3. HES Report at https://rpt.greenbuildingregistry.com/hes/OR10205347]
Single-familyProperty Type
1957Year Built
0.71 acresLot Size
$413Price/Sq.Ft.
2 car garageParking
Listed by Patrick J. Henry, P.C.• Coldwell Banker Bain
Southwest Hills, located between Downtown Portland and Washington Park, is a hillside and residential Portland neighborhood with forested slopes and panoramic city views. The neighborhood’s character concentrates along SW Vista Ave near the Vista Bridge, where winding lanes, trailheads, and quiet overlooks set the tone. Landmark architecture ranges from mid-century view homes to contemporary builds tucked into steep terrain. Council Crest Park frames the skyline from Portland’s highest public point. Hoyt Arboretum and the Marquam Nature Park trail network shape an outdoors-forward daily rhythm. The Oregon Zoo and Portland Japanese Garden add cultural gravity just beyond the ridgeline.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Market insights
2780 SW Talbot Rd · $1,895,000
DAYS ON MARKET
79 days
The average home goes pending in 11 days.
SALE-TO-LIST
101.3%
Most homes are selling 1% above list price.
LIST PRICE
$1,895,000
Median sale price in this area is $553,530. (71% lower than this home)
PRICE DROP
1 price drop
22% of homes in this area have had a price drop in the past month.
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Interior features
Two gas fireplaces
Full basement
Great room
Family room
Living room
Dining room
Nook
Bedrooms
Primary bedroom on the main level (16 x 22)
2nd bedroom on the main level (12 x 14)
3rd bedroom on the lower level (13 x 14)
4th bedroom on the lower level
Bathrooms
Four full bathrooms
One partial bathroom
Two full bathrooms on the lower level
Two full and one partial bathroom on the main level
Kitchen
Kitchen located on the main level
Laundry & utility
Gas hot water
Heating & cooling
Hot water heating
Radiant heating
Central air conditioning
Exterior features
Brick, lap siding, and metal siding exterior
Composition roof
Large lot (approximately 0.71 acre)
Home design
Single family residence
Residential property
Restored condition
Main living area and additional lower level
Parking
Covered off-street parking
Attached 2-car garage
Construction
Built in 1957
Concrete perimeter foundation
Utilities
Public water
Public sewer
Gas fuel
Green certified
HOA & community
Not a senior community
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
CLASSIC, PRISTINE 1950'S MODERN GLAM IN COVETED SOUTHWEST HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD. INVITING, WARM AND BRIGHT INTERIOR. ELEGANT UPDATES, WHILE RETAINING ORIGINAL STYLISH ELEMENTS. LUSH, PRIVATE TERRACED GARDENS WITH LARGE DECK OVERLOOKING FOREST SETTING. WALK TO NEARBY WILDWOOD AND MARKHAM TRAILS. MINUTES FROM DNTN & NW DISTRICTS.
RMLS #17214193
Oct 13, 2017
Sold
$1,100,000
$240/sq ft
Sep 8, 2017
Pending
—
Jun 2, 2017
Price Changed
$1,198,000
$261/sq ft
May 2, 2017
Listed
$1,288,888
$281/sq ft
Hollywood meets Portland in this urban mid-century gem. Masterful architecture by Richard Marlin w/cool volume makes every room inspirational and awe-inspiring. Bonus room downstairs and bath makes an ideal ADU opportunity. Escape to this sunny & sublime home & find yourself in a Portland oasis of meadows, gardens, trails and trees. Minutes to OHSU, downtown & the Nike/Intel Corridor. It's all right here - the best of both worlds.
The single-dwelling zones are intended to preserve land for housing and to provide housing opportunities for individual households. The zones implement the comprehensive plan policies and designations for single-dwelling housing and provide options for infill housing that is compatible with the scale of the single-dwelling neighborhood.
Zone overlays
Constrained Sites Overlay Zone
Environmental Conservation Overlay Zone
Environmental Protection Overlay zone
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Housing
Jun 21, 2024 • Final
Mechanical
Gas
Heat pump
HVAC
Jul 5, 2022 • Final
Plumbing
Plumbing
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
1/10 Heat Factor
3 days above 91° expected this year, 5 days in 30 years
1/10 Wind Factor
Minimal risk of severe winds over next 30 years
10/10 Air Factor
19 unhealthy days expected this year, 20 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Portland, OR • 97201
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
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44
64
46
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82
59
82
61
75
58
62
49
52
44
50
42
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
70/ 100
Good sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
9.2 hrs
2.4 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 2780 SW Talbot Rd
We cannot show automated home-value estimates for this home.
Nearby homes have recently sold between $1,050,600 and $1,457,000.
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $1.1M to $1.5M.