Balch Farmhouse Case Study

Preservation in Action Award Recipient

Karla Pearlstein, Restoring History – owner & project manager
John Czarnecki & Todd Lasher – architects
Don Young & Assoc. - contractor

To the casual observer, the Balch Farmhouse had no business being preserved. But this very modest, dilapidated 1872 farmhouse had a quite a colorful history. The original Balch land claim included a good portion of what is now Northwest Portland. The house was built for the widow of Danford Balch, whose trial and execution for the murder of his son-in-law was a public spectacle.

Karla Pearlstein learned the owner of the farmhouse intended to demolish it to make way for development of his property. So she purchased and moved it to a nearby location and lovingly rehabilitated in keeping with its original period, while making it livable for a family today.

Now the main house is true to its time, yet livable - with additional family space having been added in a daylight basement. The kitchen includes refurbished period cabinets and a vintage stove. The entire project is a testament to how one individual’s vision and persistence can save, restore, and re-use a historic home.

More Photos of the Balch Farmhouse

Click to enlarge the images below.