History of the House – The Remodel
Where it all began…
Loni Austin purchased the Maggie Littlefield historic house in the spring of 2006. With the help of Kris Utz, owner of the prestigious Black Walnut Inn, she started developing a plan to transform it into a top-notch local Bed & Breakfast. Kris Utz was instrumental in conceiving the conceptual business plan and obtaining the conditional use permit from the city of Newberg.
Loni's own daughters were also an integral part of the process, providing site drawings of the house and gardens, and beginning the physical preparation for the remodel.
More than a dream come true, the completion of the remodel was a vision come true. Over time, Loni collected potential fabrics and décor pieces, while developing the overall concepts of each room. The initial design plan was to provide a private bathroom for each of the suites and update the décor, while maintaining the structure’s beautiful historical elements.
Loni invited Portland-based Scott | Edwards Architecture, who worked with her on the neighboring Chehalem Cultural Center, to help her implement fresh ideas for space planning and upgrades the house. The first new accent was a stained-glass window that allows light from the sunroom to naturally light the stairwell. They also helped detail the placement of fixtures in each of the bathrooms, transforming them into modern yet classical additions.
In April 2007, the Robert Knowles Construction team joined efforts to revitalize and realize the dream. The team tore down and crafted interior walls and support beams. All the original plumbing and wiring was replaced, and gas fireplaces were added to three suites. The distinctive suites and private bathrooms with custom tiling, cabinetry, and special fixtures were highlights of the renovation. The extensive tile work in the house was installed entirely by Richard Romero, fondly referred to as “the tile guy.”
Special care was taken to reuse or refurbish the original historical elements of this house. The original woodwork and fir floors were refinished, and the stair banister and rails were reused with extensions added to meet current code requirements. All the original light fixtures were used, with updated wiring. All of the brass hardware and original trim was reused when possible, and the pocket doors are retro-fitted swinging doors also from the house.
A key focus for Robert Knowles Construction is sustainable practices for homes, so Keith Knowles suggested the installation of a solar panel for generating hot water for the Inn. Just as a boiler is used to heat water, solar radiation is used to heat fluid in solar energy collectors, which eventually makes its way into the Inn’s hot water system.
The Lions Gate Inn garden was redesigned as well. Inn keeper Lauren Wylie used her horticultural expertise to develop a multi-functional space for events, while maintaining the beauty and fragrance of the flooring beds.
The new outdoor dining/living spaced designed by Keith Knowles maintains the architectural integrity of the house and grounds, while providing a tranquil space for guests to enjoy outdoor dining and special events.