Timber Frame Homes - Bend, Oregon
Jackie Alphin
Director of Sales & Marketing
Office Phone: 303-495-0812
Email: jalphin@timberframe1.com
Woodhouse – The Timber Frame Company goes anywhere a homeowner wants to build their dream home. This broad operational range has brought Woodhouse timber frame homes to forested hilltops, backwood clearings, and growing small towns. One of these small, soon to be big, towns is nestled along the Deschutes River and within view of half a dozen snowy peaks: Bend, Oregon.
So, why is Bend booming? Surrounded by the Cascade Mountains and Oregon’s lush temperate rainforest beyond, there is abundant natural splendor around Bend. Outdoor activities are a way of life for locals and tourists alike, while the town itself is known for its arts scene and seemingly endless craft beer options.
According to Craig Johnson, vice president of sales and marketing at Woodhouse, the biggest struggle for timber frame home building in Bend is securing land. Once you secure a plot, Woodhouse will be there with you to walk the land and map out your home.
“In Bend,” says Johnson, “which has extensive outdoor facilities – whether its winter sports on the mountains, hiking, biking – we’re seeing more people looking for storage for that equipment built into the home. If it’s a rental, we can build it to accommodate people coming and going and using the space. In that case, mudrooms, transition areas, and larger garages become more important – we’re really seeing more homes being designed as a reflection of the owners and to specifically accommodate their hobbies. That trend is actually consistent across the country, where the owner’s lifestyle dictates the architecture of the home.”
In the west, the style is generally more modern than on the east coast. New construction tends to be single-slope modern or variations on craftsman farmhouse style homes. Woodhouse’s Rocky View plan was designed to capture impressive landscapes like Bend’s. With huge windows and an open floor plan, the Rocky View can bring the feeling of the outdoors into the comfort of your home, see a finished example here. More Woodhouse timber frame floor plans that are popular in this region can be found in the Modern Series, Contemporary Series and Mountain Modern collection.
Things to do in Bend, Oregon:
Play. Bend, Oregon has world class biking, hiking, and river activities. The editors of Outside magazine named Bend “America’s Best Trail Running Town” and there are tons of paths to explore along the Deschutes River and all over the surrounding high desert. Join the kayakers playing in the whitewater then skate on the ice when the water freezes in the winter. While Mt. Bachelor is a fan favorite in the winter for skiing and snowboarding, the same mountain offers zip lining, scenic dining, and mountain biking in the summer.
Socialize. Bend’s Old Mill District is a refurbished part of town that now offers a dynamic mix of shopping, culture, and recreation. The former lumber mill is now a foodie’s playground with tons of comfort food offerings and tasting rooms for sampling the Pacific Northwest’s most popular wines. Nearby is the Les Schwab Amphitheatre, the largest outdoor concert venue in the state and the nucleus for dozens of shows and events that take place year-round.
Eat. When you’re hungry after a long day of activities and exploring, you’ll find an impressive diversity of restaurants, cafes, and breweries to bring you back to life. Dandy’s Drive-In has been serving up guilty pleasure burgers (smothered in the west’s signature fry sauce) since 1968. For arguably the best meal with a view combo, check out the upscale farm to table Ranch House and Range at Brasada. On Bend’s west side, Broken Top Bottle Shop offers a huge tap selection and has won numerous awards for their creative take on pub favorites such as their pesto cheese dip or cauliflower shawarma.
To learn more about building a timber frame home in Bend or anywhere else in Oregon, reach out to Woodhouse’s western regional project manager, Bob Colby.