Step into a piece of Portland’s architectural history with the listing of the Giesy-Failing House, a stunning mansion designed by the esteemed architect Joseph Jacobberger in 1912.
Nestled on an elevated 1.55-acre lot in the West Hills, this four-level residence boasts a brick-and-stucco exterior and is currently for sale at $2,195,000.
The grandeur of the home is evident through its high-end Arts and Crafts style, featuring tall ceilings, intricately designed leaded glass windows, and decorative wooden egg-and-dart moldings that speak to its sophisticated craftsmanship.
One of the house’s unique surprises is a hidden compartment accessed via a panel embedded within one of the five fireplace surrounds, adding an element of intrigue to the property.
Real estate broker Macey Laurick of Windermere Realty Trust emphasizes the appeal of this home for potential buyers seeking generous living spaces alongside timeless details.
“There’s a blend of luxury and updates that create a comfortable living environment while retaining the essence of a landmark estate,” Laurick stated.
The Giesy-Failing House stands as a testament to early 20th-century elegance, attracting art and antique collectors and those with a keen appreciation for historical authenticity.
Historians who aided in nominating the home for the National Register of Historic Places highlight its formal living room, dining room, and library, which are adorned with hardwood floors and wainscoting that reflect the grace of the early 1900s.
Originally owned by physician Andrew Jackson Giesy, the property was purchased in 1921 by the affluent Failing sisters, Henrietta and Mary.
Recognizing Jacobberger’s innovative approach to Craftsman-style architecture, the sisters commissioned him and his partner Alfred Smith to refurbish and upgrade the mansion.
Enhancements included the addition of a picturesque brick terrace complete with French doors, an iron-railed balcony, and even an elevator, showcasing the sisters’ influence and vision.
The Failing sisters were noteworthy figures in Portland, renowned as patrons of the Portland Art Museum and the Library Association of Portland, and they were daughters of the prominent banker and former mayor Henry Failing.
With a spacious 8,168 square feet of living space, the house features an expansive entrance hall that opens into the main living areas to the south and west, including a sunroom, and the dining room to the northwest.
The back hall seamlessly leads to an updated kitchen, pantry, laundry space, and additional work areas.
The second story houses the primary suite along with two additional bedrooms and a sitting room, while the finished attic was originally intended for staff living quarters and a linen room clad in cedar.
Laurick expressed that this property will not only appeal to history and architecture enthusiasts but also to those seeking tranquility amidst nature, with easy access to nearby parks, trails, and urban amenities.
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