Portland home merges city and farm life

A 790-square-foot barn in southeast Portland has been converted into a guest house that blends rural charm with urban convenience. The project demonstrates how accessory dwelling units can bridge city and country living.

From chicken coop to cottage core

The property, originally an egg farm, includes two barns and a main house. Kari Ann Voegele and her husband, Aaron, transformed a 1940s haybarn—later used as a chicken coop—into a two-story ADU with a full kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and a loft bedroom.

“We’re both total nerds about historical homes,” Kari said. “When we walked through the property before purchase, we knew the haybarn would be perfect for family and friends.” The couple aimed to stay on budget while preserving the structure’s farm history, choosing a cottage core aesthetic with nods to traditional barn architecture.

Extensive research shaped the design. Kari studied barn conversions worldwide, favoring those that kept original features like exposed beams and irregular stone floors. “It was important to honor the barn’s character while making it functional for today,” she said.

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Handcrafted details and thrifty touches

The main level includes a living room with an open staircase, an entry closet with stacked washer and dryer, a full kitchen, and a bathroom. Aaron milled hickory wood for the staircase, which Kari called a “gorgeous focal point” in the space. “Hickory has such warmth and character,” she said. “I’m proud of Aaron’s work.”

The kitchen features butter-yellow cabinetry and hand-painted Delft tiles above the range. Kari wanted the tiles but worked within a tight budget, so Aaron painted the beadboard backsplash to match the cabinetry. “We then installed a special Delft tile mat behind the range,” she said. “The balance works well.”

The bathroom includes a converted antique washstand with a vessel sink and wooden backsplash, paired with an antique mahogany mirror found while thrifting. Upstairs, the loft bedroom showcases exposed beams, a standalone bathtub, and custom cabinetry designed for storage and a window bench.

“My favorite feature is the standalone tub,” Kari said. “In the early stages, it felt bold, but I wanted a romantic feel. I like to call it European.”

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The project faced challenges. Balancing full-time jobs, raising two small children, and staying on budget extended the timeline. “It was a slow process,” Kari said. “We hoped to finish a year sooner, and toward the end, we had to get creative to complete it without cutting corners. Personally, finding the time to co”

The result reflects their shared vision. The ADU’s design—rooted in history but tailored for modern living—mirrors their approach: patient, resourceful, and personal.

Powellhurst-Gilbert, where the property sits, offers a mix of urban and rural elements. Powell Butte Nature Park, with over 600 acres of forest, lies a mile from the front door. Nearby Christmas tree farms and agricultural land provide a countryside feel, while city amenities remain close. “It’s like living in the country with big-city conveniences,” Kari said.

The property features old-growth cedar and Douglas fir trees, adding to its secluded feel. For the Voegeles, the location was as appealing as the barn itself—a place where history and modern life coexist naturally.