The Henry Hoefler Estate
Perched high above the bustling city below and overlooking the mighty Columbia River sits the crown jewel of Astoria, a home both rich in history and heritage, the estate of the late Henry Hoefler. In the early 1920’s, the young confectioner left his native New York for the shores of Astoria and founded the Centennial Chocolate Company, along with building this sprawling 5,500 square-foot estate for his family. After the great Astoria fire of 1922, the Hoefler family relocated, and in the years that followed this richly interesting estate became the family home of the locally well-known Barbey family, who were instrumental in the early days of packaging Columbia River salmon and later a dormitory for the nearby Clatsop Community College.
Virtually every element of this antique diamond has been thoughtfully restored and updated for a perfect marriage of modern and vintage: State-of-the-art convenience with exquisite historical grandeur.
Exterior/Grounds/Patio
The Henry Hoefler estate features a wonderfully unique blend of Mission and Craftsman-style architecture. Beyond the grand brick wall entry and wrought-iron gates, the stucco and wood home boasts many historic, eye-catching details, such as Mission-style window casings, a beveled-glass door, and several original stained-glass windows. The expansive lot, over half an acre, has been professionally landscaped and features pristine lawns, carefully manicured shrubbery, and two sweeping archways of brick and stucco, one of which opens onto a large stone patio with an unobstructed 180-degree view of the Columbia River.
A detached wooden three-car garage opens automatically, and features delightfully high ceilings of tongue-and-groove wood.
Bedrooms
Up the beautifully restored grand staircase are the homes three bedrooms, which are all extremely large and airy and feature large walk-in closets with professionally installed organization systems.
The spacious master ensuite is really three rooms in one; the large sleeping space opens through French doors onto a sunny sleeping porch/enclosed balcony, perfect for enjoying an unparalleled view of the Columbia while sipping a morning cup of coffee. Also included in the master ensuite is a full bath of dreamy, restorative proportions. The large soaker tub invites a relaxing bubble bath, which also overlooks the Columbia. The bathroom is decked out in pristine white tile and the spacious countertop of smooth white marble is set in front of one of the home’s many original stained-glass windows.
Through a door in the master bath is a room with many possibilities; although the home’s washer and dryer are situated here, the room also features large windows and a closet and could easily be used as a nursery, craft room, an extra bedroom, or even a giant walk-in closet for a discerning fashionista.
Two more bedrooms sit on the second floor, both of which feature vintage charm in a breezy, open atmosphere.
Kitchen
Though the home was built circa 1920, the kitchen has been updated with every convenience that the modern at-home gourmet could possibly want, including a six-burner gas Electrolux stove and oven and stainless steel appliances. The kitchen’s countertops are lush, honed black granite, while the spacious kitchen island/breakfast bar is topped with Calcutta marble. The white cabinets are custom built, and a large white farmhouse sink and vintage-styled white bead-board lend a clean, energetic feel to a room with limitless epicurean appeal. Through restored French doors is a formal dining room, which features two uniquely restored chandeliers with silver tassel detail. On the other end of the kitchen is a cheerful breakfast nook with a panoramic view of the Columbia River.
Bathrooms
A charming half-bath on the main floor of the home features all the original tile-work in colors characteristic of the home’s time period. The master ensuite features a full bath, and a second full bath is shared by the home’s two other bedrooms. The second full bath has been attentively restored with its original white tile-work and original porcelain bathtub, plus a built-in marble-topped stool and built-in mirrored medicine cabinet.
Living Spaces
The formal living room is a perfect entertaining space with its fireplace, complete with custom Pratt-Larsen subway tile and a new decorative wooden mantel with specially-made cabinetry that fits the home‘s vintage appeal to a tee. The main floor also features a solarium with built-in window seat/underseat storage area that offers a breathtaking view of the Columbia. Past a uniquely curved wall is a functional foyer area, plus a cozy space for an office, library, or study.
Extras
Throughout the home are many closets and spaces for extra storage. The home also features built-in surround sound throughout the main floor and a home alarm system. The refinished original oak floors are stained with an espresso finish, and fantastically high ceilings combined with the view of the river from nearly every room create a feeling of expansive natural beauty.
Bonus Living Spaces With Unlimited Potential
The estate of Henry Hoefler features many unusual and interesting elements, including a walk-up attic with two rooms that could be used as spare bedrooms, a children’s play area, or even repurposed as a cozy loft. The home’s basement is roomy and features uncharacteristically high ceilings. The basement has the potential to become anything a home owner desires… the space has been plumbed for a bathroom and could easily become a guest apartment, home gymnasium, or media room, while a large basement storage room with built-in shelving is the ideal home for an impressive wine collection.
Garden House
Across the large outdoor stone patio is the garden house, which could serve many purposes from acting as a guest cottage overlooking the Columbia to housing outdoor tools and garden items. This space would also be ideal for a hot tub, and combined with the view, picturesque patio and expertly designed landscaping, begs for a summer garden tea, backyard barbeque, or a moonlit evening cocktail.
