Willamette inspired by the great NW

The Willamette takes its name from one of the great rivers of the Northwest. This cottage would blend in well there, or just about anywhere else. Nearly 3,000 square feet of living space is on the ground floor, while a window-bright recreation room with storage sits over the garage.

Craftsman windows and door with sidelights grace the front facade. Slender columns seated on bold stone veneer bases flank an arched entry porch with a lofty 12-foot ceiling. The foyer ceiling is equally high, as are those in the den, dining room, and living room.

Double doors on the foyer's right lead into what could be a den or home office. The built-in work desk there is centered on one wall, between a wealth of storage cabinets. A wide opening on the foyer's left opens into a richly windowed dining room. At the rear of this octagonal space, another wide opening feeds into the living room, which can also be reached by walking straight ahead through the foyer.

Four informal gathering spaces flow together at the rear, if you count the covered patio. A transom caps the wide Craftsman windows on both sides of the gas fireplace, and another bank of windows fills most of the nook's rear wall.

From the kitchen, you can look out across the eating bar to keep an eye on everything. Other kitchen features include a roomy walk-in pantry and a work island with a built-in prep sink.

Secondary bedrooms are to the left of the Willamette's gathering spaces; the posh owners' suite is to the right. Luxury touches here include a large walk-in closet with a hutch and a bench, plus a private bathroom with a dual lav and step-in shower.