625 SE 16th Avenue
A Landmark Restored, A Legacy Continued
Queen Anne Charm, Lovingly Preserved
At the corner of SE 16th and Stark, where the sidewalks are shaded by old trees and the air hums with the quiet energy of the Buckman neighborhood, a remarkable house has watched the city grow for more than a century.
Built between 1892 and 1894, the William D. Fenton House is no ordinary home. It's a storybook in wood and glass, where every shingle and spindle speaks of Portland's past. This Queen Anne and Stick-style landmark has stood through it all-horse-drawn carriages giving way to streetcars, bustling parades for the Lewis and Clark Exposition, the quiet resilience of changing times.
The home's silhouette is unforgettable. A wraparound veranda stretches wide, inviting neighbors to stop and chat. Stained-glass windows scatter soft light across the richly detailed woodwork. Inside, original fireplaces still glow, and hand-carved millwork whispers of a time when craftsmanship was an art form.
But this is not a place frozen in time. The Fenton House lives and breathes with Portland's creative spirit. Lovingly restored by master preservationists, it now blends its storied past with a vibrant present. Around it, Buckman continues to thrive, where murals bloom, coffee shops buzz, and some of the city's most beloved restaurants and music venues are just a short stroll away.
Here, history isn't just preserved, it's part of daily life. The Fenton House isn't simply a landmark. It's a living chapter of Portland's story, ready to welcome its next steward.
Inside, the home's beauty only deepens. This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 4,955-square-foot residence has been thoughtfully restored, blending timeless elegance with modern comfort. Original details like stained glass, intricate woodwork, and vintage light fixtures are thoughtfully paired with updates designed to last for generations.
The kitchen, redesigned by Penny Black Interiors, is a showstopper, featuring custom cabinetry, Farrow & Ball paint, a Lasvit chandelier, AGA range, oak countertops, and top-tier appliances, all set against hand-finished details like soft-close drawers and period-inspired hardware.
Throughout the home, Rejuvenation lighting and push-button switches pay tribute to the Victorian era, while new HVAC systems, updated electrical and plumbing, and a hybrid water heater offer the ease of contemporary living.
The bathrooms are equally special, featuring marble, hex, and subway tiles, original clawfoot tub, and custom cabinetry. The wraparound porch, painstakingly rebuilt by Full Circa, is the perfect place to relax and take in the neighborhood's charm.
Every corner of this home has been restored or renewed with care, creating a harmonious blend of old-world beauty and thoughtful updates. The Fenton House isn't just a piece of history-it's a fully realized, livable work of art.
Notable Upgrades & Features
Whole-Home Systems:
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New HVAC systems (2021) with AC added downstairs (2023)
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Electrical system fully updated (2021) with Rejuvenation push-button switches/outlets & lighting
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Plumbing updates throughout (2021); new sewer line to street (2016-2020)
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Hybrid electric/heat pump water heater (2020)
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New electrical panel (2016-2020)
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All permits closed
Exterior Features:
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Full exterior restoration by Full Circa Inc. (2016-2019) - rebuilt wraparound porch, custom Eastlake-style millwork, enclosed upstairs sunroom
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New fence, retaining wall, and tuckpointing on brick foundation (2023)
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Roof under 10 years old; storm windows added for energy efficiency
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Gutters, windows, and roof cleaned (June 2025)
Interior Highlights:
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Kitchen: Fully remodeled by Penny Black Interiors - custom cabinetry, oak counters, oversized Liebherr fridge, Bosch dishwasher, farmhouse sink, AGA induction/convection range, Lasvit chandelier, Farrow & Ball paint, and period-appropriate details like a curved wall and vintage-inspired hardware
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Primary bath (2025) - subway tile shower, marble-topped double vanity, hex floor tile
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Second full bath (2021) - marble tile, original clawfoot tub, Kohler double sink, and attached laundry (Samsung washer/dryer)
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Dining room refreshed with William Morris wallpaper, period light fixture, and enlarged doorway to kitchen
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Half bath updated with Voysey wallpaper
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Refinished hardwood floors upstairs and on staircase
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Original plaster walls restored and painted
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Original fretwork preserved in entry & family room
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New curtains (2025) - included
Discover Buckman: A Neighborhood with Heart
Neighborhood Vibe
Buckman blends classic Portland charm with a creative, lived-in feel. Historic homes, leafy sidewalks, and front-yard gardens offer a strong sense of place, while the engaged, artistic community keeps the energy fresh. It's relaxed, walkable, and quietly buzzing with life.
Dining & Coffee Scene
From cozy cafés to destination dining, Buckman is a food lover's haven. Grab a sandwich at Meat, Cheese, Bread or sip wine at Enso. Explore the Lil' America Food Cart Pod, or settle in for Italian at Nostrana-one of Portland's finest. Nearby favorites like Le Pigeon and Screen Door are iconic for a reason. Coffee lovers rotate between Goode Coffee, Heart, and Crema, while Grand Fir Brewing serves up inventive dishes and small-batch beers in a cozy pub setting. Other neighborhood gems include Kachka, Hey Love, Kann, and Davenport.
Arts & Music
Creativity thrives here. Murals, galleries, and pop-up studios are part of everyday life, with Revolution Hall bringing live music and community events all year long. In Buckman, the arts aren't just admired-they're lived.
Schools
Families love Buckman Arts Focus Elementary and Hosford Middle School, both known for strong academics, arts integration, and welcoming, inclusive communities.
Location & Access
Ideally situated near downtown, the river, and eastside favorites like Kerns, Sunnyside, and Hawthorne, Buckman offers unbeatable convenience. It's bike-friendly, transit-accessible, and surrounded by parks, green spaces, and Portland's best spots for food, culture, and connection.
