What is a Greek Revival Style Home in Portland?

Updated 05/2024.

Portland, Oregon is home to an eclectic array of home designs that add to its charm and provide ample options to fit any buyer’s taste. One of the less common ones is Greek Revival. The style’s rich history pays tribute to Neoclassical Greek architecture and offers a glimpse into the founding ideals of our country.

Let’s explore the fascinating history and defining characteristics of this classic style.

Defining Characteristics of Greek Revival Homes

Rooted in Greek history, the dominant characteristics of the Greek Revival style are symmetrical designs with clean lines and grand facades. Tall columns framing the front of a building are an easily recognizable feature of this style. They often provide support for a portico, a kind of porch or entryway, behind the columns. The columns are also adorned with capitals, which vary in design from simple to ornate. Most often, the columns and pilasters are square or octagonal, and the capitals are in a simplified Doric design.

As seen in the photo, the triangular pediment hovering above the columns is an essential element of Greek Revival style. Smooth siding made of wood, brick, or stucco is painted white to imitate the NeoClassical buildings of Greece, which were made of marble.

Greek Revival buildings are often white or neutral in tone, but this is actually an error. Ancient Greek architecture was actually quite colorful. Over time, the colors wore off, leaving only white marble behind and prompting architects and designers to use white or light neutral as a base color.

The interiors of the homes carry many of the same traits as the exterior. Similar column designs are used for wall pillars and fireplace hearths, and complementary styling is used with staircases. Balanced architectural features, high ceilings, large windows, and spacious layouts in white or neutral colors are also common. The furnishings use history as a guide for a more traditional feel but focus more on clean and elegant styling for a timeless look.

The History of Greek Revival Style

In 1758, a British architect named James Stuart traveled to Greece and became enamored with classical Greek architecture. He returned to England and published a book, bringing widespread awareness to this style outside of Greece for the first time. Although the style gained momentum in the 1820s, his earlier writing was instrumental in popularizing it.

Greek Revival was most popular in northern Europe, Canada, the US, and Greece following its 1832 independence. The style is considered a final phase of Neoclassical architecture, a style based on Roman architecture (which also referenced the architecture of Greece.) The term “Neoclassical” is often used when discussing Greek Revival.

Architecture styles are often born from reactions to other styles, and this was also the case for Neoclassical. It countered the previous highly decorative Rococo / Late Boroque style by reducing ornamentation and using simpler geometric elements.

How Greek Architecture Became Popular in the U.S.

Greek Revival architecture, often called the National Style in the US, is considered America’s first architectural style. After the American Revolution, American architects who observed European building styles brought Greek revival architecture to the U.S. At the time, Americans felt connected with Greece’s democratic ideals. The design gained popularity as the country sought to define itself apart from Great Britain.

It originated in the US on the East Coast. Thomas Jefferson used the style to design the Virginia State Capitol, one of the earliest and most iconic Greek Revival buildings. Greek Revival was also used for the White House and Capital Building and swelled in popularity during the first half of the nineteenth century. It was the most popular architectural style at the time and is the most popular style associated with Washington, D.C., today.

Virginia State Capitol building on a late summer afternoon in Richmond.

Greek Revival became the style of choice for government buildings, houses of worship, financial institutions, and homes. It was especially popular in the plantation houses and cottages of the Old South and appeared on spacious farmhouses in Northern states. Eventually, its popularity spread west, with architects in the East sometimes fabricating homes and shipping them to the West Coast.

Greek Revival Architecture in Portland

Greek Revival architecture first appeared in Oregon in the 1840s. A classic example of this design is the Capt. J.C. Ainsworth House in Oregon City, also known as Mount Pleasant. It was likely designed by one of the first architects in Oregon and survives as one of the Portland area’s oldest buildings. The historic Bybee House on Sauvie Island is another excellent example of Portland Revival style with its perfect symmetry and column-framed portico.

Where Can You Find Greek Revival-Style Homes in Portland?

Greek Revival design is less common in Portland than Ranch-style homes and Bungalows, which makes sense. Oregon was a relatively new addition to the US and Portland was sparsely populated when the style was most popular. Many of the homes were built by people who settled in Portland from New England.

Portland’s growth caused some neighborhoods with Greek Revival homes to be demolished, but some in and around Portland have survived. Buildings and homes with classic Revival characteristics are scattered throughout the Metro area. The highest concentration of these homes in this style is in Oregon City.

Looking for a Greek Revival Home in Portland, Oregon?

Our top 1% buyer’s agents are experts at helping you find the perfect home to suit your taste and budget. Give them a call at 503-773-0000. Or if you are in the market to sell a home, our top 1% seller’s agents will provide the best service you can find in the Metro area (and for a more reasonable commission rate). Call us at 503-714-1111 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to serving you!