ArtFulLife has two comfortable, stylish, art-filled pied de terres in the heart of Portland’s historic Alphabet District. The original ArtFulLife, with 800 sq ft, is big enough to spread out, relax, and enjoy car-free urban living. This unique, quirky basement unit in one of the neighborhood’s Good Old Houses is home to an eclectic collection of original artworks, and sits just 50 feet off 23rd Av
enue, one of Portland’s iconic shopping streets. Far from being just another sleek condo in yet another soulless high-rise, ArtFulLife is perfect for the urban adventurer – full of personality with a clean, contemporary décor that’s funky without the funk. Life on a Higher Level - ArtFulLife II is a main-floor flat in the same charming 1885 home as ArtFulLife and shares its unique art-filled aesthetic. Converted from what were the home’s original parlor rooms, ArtFulLife II is smaller than ArtFulLife and features a separate bedroom, partitioned off from the living room by a set of French doors. The bedroom window looks out over the building’s front porch to the street. The unit features 10’ ceilings in the bathroom and 9’ ceilings in the other two rooms, original Bay windows, and a gas fireplace believed to be original (however, the gas is shut off). It also has a 1940s kitchenette that has been modernized with Ikea modifications and new appliances. A retro 50s sofa, designer chairs, Mid-Century floor lamp, wooden blinds, and a TV stand that began its life as a library cart round out the eclectic, comfortable furnishings. As for the art, you’ll see it everywhere throughout the flats, and it’s as interesting and unique as the furniture. Reflecting a wide variety of styles and cultures, the collection includes a large painting from Mexico as well as interesting conversation pieces that have caught my eye over the years. The bedroom is home to a portfolio of 12 photographs entitled Carved and Craved, which features fun and funky perspectives of historically significant statues from around the world. Built in 1885 and converted to a duplex 20 years later, the gracious home has changed with the neighborhood. The duplex was transformed into a sleeping house in 1940 for the war effort and to support Portland's shipyards. Today the house has nine separate, self-contained units; this one is literally the foundation (brick-exposed) to an active, vibrant home, and is my home when I’m in town. If you’re a history buff like me, you’ll appreciate knowing that the Alphabet District is a unique community named for its alphabetic progression of street names, and was added to the National Register of Historic Districts in 2000. A bastion of urban upstarts, it was home to Portland’s first neighborhood association formed over 40 years ago. As a neighborhood board member myself, I voted for the streetcar to come to our neighborhood – the first streetcar added to an American city in over 50 years. Whether you call it Nob Hill, the Alphabet District, or simply Northwest Portland, the shops and eateries here have always been among the best in the city. And this place couldn’t put you any closer to them. ArtFulLife is only three blocks from the 23rd and Marshall streetcar stop, making it an easy ride to/from the airport. The unit has its own parking, but you don’t really need it. There are plenty of great activity options a short stroll away. After living in NW for over 25 years, I now only live part time in Portland. I want to share the fun and funkiness of my unconventional place with like-minded people who appreciate its unique blend of art, history, and lifestyle. ArtFulLife and ArtFulLife II bring it all together – and keeps you in the mix. Click the Book Now button to go to Airbnb and check out availability and pricing. Ask about on site parking for $10 a day, $55 a week or $175 a month when available.
