Savvy investors combined historical + modern elements to create two dreamy rental units in Bend, Oregon.
“The duplex had previously been a rental and was in pretty rough shape. One side needed a full renovation (including electrical and plumbing), the other side needed aesthetic improvements,” said homeowner and West + Main client Jennie Hoffman, who renovated the property along with her husband Steve. “The fact that each side needed to be handled differently actually ended up making the finished duplex a really fun comparison of classic mid- century style on one side juxtaposed against modern mid-century style on the other!”
The 475 side still has the original cabinetry, arched doorway and traffic flow patterns it would have had for the very first 1950s family who lived there. "It’s so fun to experience and imagine when you’re standing in the kitchen cooking soup on the tiny stovetop."
The 477 side needed so much major renovation that it now has a very open and modern floorplan with nods to its 1950s roots in things like the subway tile, red oak floors, built-in linen drawers/shelves and tongue and groove paneling.
“It's hard to pick a favorite part of this project, but the shower in the 477 bathroom has my old elementary school door on one side and a double-hung window that you can open to the blue sky and treetops on the other side. At the same time, steamy water pours down from a rain shower head in the ceiling onto the white subway and Italian porcelain hex tile Standing there in the steam and fresh air feels exactly like home should feel and now that it’s an Airbnb, I sometimes squeeze in between guests so I can go stand in that shower and feel that feeling!”
“This is a classic Cape Cod-style with perfect balance and when you get a solid-built classic in a good location you can take your upgrades almost as far as you want to go and have it be worth your while.”
Below: Before + after of upstairs Bedroom
“The fact that it was in rough shape when we bought it is a big part of what inspired us,” said Jennie. “The place had great bones but not everyone looking at property to buy can see what’s underneath decades of wear. We just happen to have a soft-spot for old places and a bit of vision for what could be. When you get a solid-built classic in a good location you can take your upgrades almost as far as you want to go and have it be worth your while.”
The couple had originally intended to rent one side and live on the other but as they were remodeling, a
Short Term Rental license came available (they are very limited), so they jumped on the opportunity to make a long-time dream come true.
When remodeling, Jennie aimed to work around the original elements that gave the homes their signature style, leaving in the wooden double hung windows instead of opting for vinyl and adding touches with a nod to 1950s design, including craftsman style doors and the inlaid “Villa” mosaic.
Next Door: Before and after kitchen remodel
“Once the classic elements were in place, I found spots here and there to modernize,” said Jennie. “These ended up being the finishing touches - things like doorknobs, light fixtures, faucets, decor and sometimes tile accents like the shower on the 475 side, or the arched stove backsplash in 477.”
West + Main Agent Jenelle Brewer who helped them with the purchase was amazed by the way the rental units turned out.
“This duplex was a hoarder’s paradise that we could barely see in when we walked through – dark, smelly, boxes everywhere, a disgruntled tenant sitting on the couch...most people wouldn’t have even finished the walk through,” said Jenelle. “But Jennie has more renovation vision than any person I’ve ever met and all she saw was potential!”
Bright, Airy, + Blues in one of the kitchens.
Jennie + Steve were assured that they had found a special property as soon as they began working on the project: friendly neighbors were constantly stopping by to check on the progress.
"We never went a single weekend without neighbors honking and stopping by to say how excited they were to see someone putting love into the place,” said Jennie. “It had been so disheveled for so long but people loved its character. They kept saying how they could see the place deserved better and were excited we were giving it love."
Throughout the project, they also met the previous owner, as well as several other people who had known folks who had once lived there, all of which couldn't wait to see the progress!
Jenelle agreed with the neighbors, saying that what makes the renovation so special is how Jennie + Steve kept true to the era of the home and the character of Bend, Oregon. “So many investors today tear down these classic structures or rip them down to the studs and change floorplans. I think their AirBnB does so well because of the true Bend charm that they have captured and capitalized on!”
"Steve and I love working together on projects," says Jennie. "Creating these spaces to prioritize hospitality, comfort, and aesthetics was next level fun for us. This project has been a long-time dream come true."
Scroll Through Photos of the Side By Side Rentals
Check Out the Listings on Aibnb
Villa77-Perfect Couple's Getaway in Midtown
5th Street Villa75-Bend's Perfect Midtown Location
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