A limited number of tickets for public tours this summer of the Watzek House, Oregon’s newest National Historic Landmark, and The Shire, a unique landscape in the Columbia River Gorge, are now available. The tickets are expected to sell out quickly so early registration is recommended.
The Watzek House is part of the John Yeon Center for Architectural Studies, founded in 1995. Portland lumber magnate Aubrey Watzek commissioned the house, which was designed by John Yeon and built in 1937. Sited on 3.62 acres in the southwest Portland hills, the site afforded magnificent views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, and the Tualatin Valley. The house itself is U-shaped, centered around a formal courtyard. The interior spaces include a large living room, library, guest room, dining room, two formal bedrooms, kitchen, pantry, and five bathrooms.
The Shire: John Yeon Preserve for Landscape Studies occupies a 75-acre waterfront site in the Columbia River Gorge across from Multnomah Falls. The Shire is a carefully designed landscape with a sculpted lawn, a series of meadows, wetlands, vista points, river bays, and walking paths that John Yeon created over the past 30 years. The Shire is a center for Pacific Northwest landscape studies while being preserved as an example of landscape design.
Tours of the Watzek House cost $30 and are available for those 15 years and older. Twelve public tour options are available — June 22, July 20, August 17, and September 14. Times available are 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Tours of the Watzek house are approximately 90 minutes long and tour size is limited to 12. Accommodations for those with special needs (hearing impaired, ADA, etc.) can be made.
Tours of The Shire cost $30 per person for adults, $15 for those 15 and younger. Eight tour options are available — June 30, July 21, August 10, and September 21. Times available are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The tour is approximately three hours long and tour size is limited to 20. Tours take place rain or shine. Accommodations for guests with special needs (hearing impaired, ADA, etc.) can be made if requested in advance.
To purchase tickets and obtain tour information including directions and policies, visit the UO Ticket Office website. Guests may bring a picnic lunch. Cameras and sketchbooks are also encouraged.
