Home & Garden
Hey little home & garden drive by fanatics! I’ve been out on the prowl again, driving around the Eastmoreland and Lake Oswego {First Addition} neighborhoods. Risking life and limb to take a peek into my neighbor’s gardens, outdoor rooms and gates. This time, however, I was on my own. I think after the last embarrassing Drive By incident my hubby has decided against joining me in my expeditions. At least for awhile. Unfortunately, being on my own meant I was driving the car AND taking the photos. I didn’t have time to be out on foot so when I saw something I liked, I snapped right through my open car window.
Being stuck in the car was probably for the best. I would’ve totally run right down that pathway had I been on foot. This is one of my favorite little worlds. Ever. The first three photos are all from one house in the Eastmoreland neighborhood of Portland.
Oh! Look at this! This is such a beautiful outdoor room. I really wanted to go sit on one of those benches.
This little cutie was for sale. It was for sale a few years back and I really wanted to buy it then. So many houses, so little time. But, since the last time it was for sale they’ve added lots of charming details.
Here, I zoomed in for you. Look at that cute bench, the shutters, hand painted awning, leaded glass window. I am a lover of detail. I really wish I could live in one house long enough to get around to the details! The setting is so inviting! Entries should welcome you right into a little world. They did a great job with all the special details. This house is also in Eastmoreland.
I’ve shown you this house before, back in the fall. I always love this copper door and all the green in the front yard.
All the green and repetition of plants makes the setting feel so restful.
Sometimes just a little birdbath surrounded by flowers is enough to designate an outdoor space. Having a focal point or purpose to the space makes it special. All of these first houses are in Eastmoreland, the last neighborhood my husband and I lived in before we moved to where we live now. It is definitely a charming neighborhood. I loved it there! Still do.
This is a gorgeous wood gate. But that wall makes it a little too private for me. I like to PEEK INSIDE just a bit. This was impossible to do, without scaling the wall. Next time. Note to self: bring climbing shoes.
Another welcoming front gate. It is fun to see that seasonal planting area greeting you.
This one caught my eye because of the funky unique factor.
I thought this was a sweet outdoor room. However, that garbage can was completely in the way. I thought about jumping out and knocking it down but another car came up behind me and prevented me from an act of vandalism. Next time I am for sure getting out of the car.
White picket fences, yellow houses, shutters and window boxes…so lovely. We are now driving around in Lake Oswego, where I grew up.
See the peek over to the lake? I lived on that lake for a few years as a teenager. I have many happy memories of canoing and laying out on floaty cushions. It was a great life. I’ll show you one of the houses we lived in on Lake Oswego.
Here (above) was the house I lived in. It didn’t look exactly like this though. Now it looks a bit like Disneyland. Then it was a lovely white washed brick English style house with lots of greenery and vines growing up the house. The basic house is the same, the stone walls are the same (but we had lions on top of the stonework and not a poodle!), but that big double black gate was added by someone else. Too bad because it blocks the view for Drive Bys. What were they thinking? It is a lovely place with water surrounding it on three sides. I’d wake up every morning to sparkles on my ceiling, the reflection of the sun off the water. Sigh. Good times.
This was our next door neighbor’s house. Oops, got the car mirror in the photo. Luckily you can’t see my face with the drool dribbling down my chin. Have I mentioned how much I ADORE doing Drive Bys?
Ooo, another secret garden. Good thing I have my seatbelt securely fastened.
I loved this simple rock planter right as you entered into this yard.
Totally loved this front courtyard. And how nice of them to leave it open enough for me to see its goodness!
Hello, another peek at the lake…
Another inviting entry, private but open enough for voyeurs like me.
Whoa, got a little tipsy there trying to snap and drive, but I loved that little cafe table and cherub girl. Another adorable outdoor space. You’ve seen this house before too, in a previous Drive By.
Of course, I am always happy when shrubs and plantings part and I can see the loveliness of the yard.
Now we are driving around the neighborhood where my husband and I lived for about six years when our girls were small. First Addition of Lake Oswego.
Neat and tidy.
I’m pretty sure this house was in Cottage Living at one point.
This house is on the corner so you can see the whole thing from the side.
My husband and I used to call the lady who owned this house (above) the Martha Stewart of First Addition. She was always out snipping and pruning! This house has a definite secret garden, with all of those green shrubs hiding your view.
Her hedges are amazing! They surround the entire back and two sides of her property. They are immaculately trimmed and always so healthy. In the hedge below you can see a cutout where she has a white door, pictured next.
Martha Stewart of First Addition’s gate has always one of my most intriguing places to walk by. Only once or twice was the gate left open and I was able to peer into the dreamy world beyond! If I was only a bit taller or carried a step stool I could peek into that little iron grid. I envy tall people sometimes.
Well, there you have it. Another installment of my Drive Bys. Now that the weather is nicer and I can be outside more, there will be more to come! Have a lovely day, chickadees!
All photos by Melissa Michaels
Check out DRIVE BYS: AROUND THE WORLD where readers share their view of the world!
Or, come along with me on a Cannon Beach drive by!
Risk life and limb with me as I venture into neighborhoods of Portland for another drive by
See some fairytale houses in my favorite neighborhoods around Portland!
What a wonderful post! I especially liked Martha’s garden and hede gate…and also the red tulip courtyard. Oh, how I miss having a backyard! We are working on it though and hope to be enjoying it by next spring. Thanks for all of the glorious inspiration! And thanks for the visit to my blog!
All absolutely gorgeous!! I was drooling the whole time, lol! I’ll bet landscapers and gardeners make a killing in your neck of the woods. I would love to be your wing-man on your next trip…I’ll even give you a little boost so you can see through that little iron gate in that mysterious door……
Smiles, Karen
Just discovered your blog and am blown away. will be looking at these gorgeous landscapes and homes over and over again. thank you for posting these beauties.
Thanks everyone, Mrs. Kwitty had a great idea, if we went TOGETHER on these drive bys, some of could distract the homeowners (ring doorbell, offer to sell magazines or something) while the others could boost me up so I could jump over the gates into the secret gardens! Next time.
I love these neighborhoods. They are not far from my home. Thanks for sharing them with us and inspiring us to keep working on our own homes, making them a place of beauty and rest. ~Adrienne~
Lovely gardens!! I am so happy you share all of the pictures at your drivebys, I love seeing traditional american homes as well as gardens, so it is so fun!
Oh Melissa, thank you for your bravery and going the distance getting us our drive by fix! I keep threatening to do this in my town and now I must! I have to return the favor, i know you would love it!
thanks for the wonderful tour.
love j
That’s it… I’m moving to Oregon!!!
Oh my Melissa, these homes are just divine. They are so inspiring and make me want to run out to the garden center right now! xo, suzy
I love these drive-by photos. It is delightful to see the green of spring when it is almost winter here.
I am impressed with the beauty of American gardens. My own state, Victoria Australia, used to be called “the garden state”. However, we have been in a drought for many years so people are hesitant to invest in their gardens because we can’t water them adequately over summer.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I am planning to go through your archives for ideas for my home makeover. Your blog is a great source of inspiration.
Kate
Oh wow!!! What a beautiful neighbourhood this is. Your photos are exquisite.
I shall indeed be back to see more of your drive by photos.
Too bad your husband is so easily embarrassed
And why, oh why do these folks think it’s necessary to have these high walls? Don’t they know that the rest of us would love to have a peep?
Thanks for the post! I love sneaking a peek at people’s gardens.
I love drive by’s and this one is spectacular. How splendid all these photo’s are. I’m so jealous …now I think I have to go work on my yard. It’s looking rather shabby against these gorgeous beauties. Thanks for sharing.
What a fun post! I feel inspired to drive around and snap some photos of my favorite houses however, I don’t think there is any topping these! Wow, they are all just divine! What a fabulous area you live in! Thanks for sharing all of the pretty!
Trina
Oh how I love iron gates – thanks for the eye candy!!
You are so lucky! If I did a drive by shoot, all you would see is desert, cactus, and rock yards. yuck!
All these are so beautiful! I love all the green – how pretty.
You are so bold – you make me laugh!
They are your drive bys!!!!!!???? What a spectacular neighbourhood. HEAVEN ON EARTH! I am going to have to sit down in the morning with my coffee and scrutinize this magnificent post again. Wow, you sure know how to POST! A-M xx
Thank you for the beautiful tour. I felt like I rode with you. You also inspired me to get out and do some drive by tours of my own. Your photos are wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
Smiles, Christine
Ps. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
http://christineannette.blogspot.com
Hello Melissa,
Thank you for saying hello over at Watchthesky!! I came over and checked out your blog. OH MY!!! All those beautiful homes and gardens, it gave me that ‘eternity calling in my heart’ feeling. I’ll be lookin through your blog many times figuring out what I’d like to do with my own home.
~Shannon
WOW! What a drive by!!! Thanks for sharing those fabulous houses and those pruned trees and shrubs are awesome!
Have a great day.
Sandy
Beautiful photos. I love the hedges. Oh, and Winston is a most handsome doggie. You’re right: every blog (and every home) needs a dog.
Just beautiful! Oh that was SO fun Melissa!
What gorgeous homes – seriously drool-worthy!
xo,
Kim
Fabulous drive-by shooting! Next time call me and we will go together….of course I live about 2000 miles away, but all the more houses to see!
Melissa, this is such a beautiful post! You must have been all over town to give us a glimpse of all these gardens! And your photography is fantastic. And I’m completely intrigued by the secret garden behind the door in the last image.
Hope you’re having a great week,
R.
Wow–those picture are incredible. You have now convinced me that I need to move. In the meantime, if the weather would ever stay warm and dry here, I’ll have to work on my own arbor and gate, if I can get my husband to understand and create what my imagination wants.
Thanks for the drive-by tour! I loved it.
I love it!
Oowwws and aaghhs! This is so generous of you! Some I love, some I like less,
I think I’m going to “steal” a photo on Saturday (On Saturdays I publish the peak of the crops of the photos I love during the week).
#1,3,13, 23 and 3rd from bottom (do I see a pattern here?) are my absolute favorites. And we almost bought a house like #28 when we first came here. Hmm. Excellent. I love it when people make the effort. That’s human civilization.
Melissa, what beautiful homes and gardens your have shown us! I love them all. Something to strive for that is for sure!
Hugs,
Penny
that was a fabulous ride through Portland… I loved every single picture… and I am drooling too
I love the “martha stewart” lady’s hedges………….boxwood & taxus plants are my favorite. Glad you do “drive-bys”!!!
Kara
Portland is such a beautiful city. I was fortunate to visit there a few years back and see the rose gardens (can’t recall the name). Thank you for sharing Melissa…..I too enjoyed each and every wonderful photo! ~XO~ Janet
Wow, all gorgeous! I love how green everything looks and the homes all have character…just wonderful, Melissa!
Pat
Great photos!!!! You really captured the beauty here.
Thank you so much for great inspiration! I just did a drive by in Savannah last week (only walking) and I didn’t even know it had an official name! How cool is that? You started a new trend for sure!!!
I would comment but I am trying to get my jaw off the ground! That is just too much beauty for one post. LOL! How do you manage it?
But seriously, I need to live where you live. If all this gorgeousness (o.k. I know it’s not a word, but it fits!) is around where you live, could we get Scotty to beam me there? Not to mention the fact that I would love to meet you, too. We are not just kindred spirits, but kindred souls. I know it every time I look at another new post of yours!
Be blessed ’cause I am just from being here,
Christi
wow, amazing, just amazing. I never heard of drive-by. something i am game to try. I just drooled thru the entire entry. I eagerly wish I live in these homes and just in the neighborhood!!
OMG – I just love your drive-bys!!! These ones are divine!
X
Anna
What a gorgeous drive-by… looking forward to the next one!
Ohhhhhh happpy sighhhhhhs! Thank you so much!!! You have such special places to peek at. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Mari-Nanci
Smilnsigh
You are so clever. I did this Drive By of Round Top, Texas houses eariler this year. Here it is, enjoy.
http://nestingcompany.blogspot.com/2008/05/round-top-texas-drive-by.html
Twitter: Mels_World
says:
Holy Moly Girl…those are some completely FABULOUS pictures!!! I want to live there (ick, I sounded like the girl from Willy Wonka!) too! I will have to break out the camera and take some pics of the houses here in South Florida (they are completely different than the beautiful cottages you have).
OR…great idea!
The Inspired Room Team (that’s you!) could take a field trip to South Florida to take pictures and hang out with bloggy buddies! (that’s me!)
I did a little Drive by in my area, not as pretty as your area, check it out if you like.
I am playing a long with the drive by’s too – LOVE each photo you have here… Just a Big WOW wonderful stops you have captured!
Wow, what a wonderful drive by, I often do the same thing, but never see wonderful homes as you have in your area. Thanks for the eye candy.
OH Thank-you so much what a beautiful way to start my day!
These homes are just AMAZING!
thank-you
ginger
That was beautiful! I really enjoyed the tour. Just was wondering what people say when you drive by and take pictures of their houses? LOL I love all the pruned hedges and doors!!! Thanks for the tour. I will be back to join you again(-:
I love this!!!! I did a drive by yesterday and my daughter thinks I’m nuts! Do you stay in your car or do you get out to take the pictures? And have you ever had anyone come out and talk to you when you are doing this? I would love to know. Thanks!!!
-Amy
WOW I love your drive bys! What a collection of fabulous outdoor rooms you’ve collected here! I’ve had a bit of an unplanned blog break, but now I’m back! And I must say your blog posts while I’ve been away is fabulous! What a treat to come back too
And all the publizity you’ve got!! Well deserved!! You go girl! Keep up the wonderful work with my fvorite blog!! 
What a wonderful tour! Love so many of these gorgeous homes and their gardens. How great for you to live in this area. Very inspiring place for artist’s who love painting outdoor scenes.
I’m 5’9 in height. Would be honored to lift you up so you can peek through the Martha Stewart of First Addition gate grid… ha ha.
Great blog!!! Look forward to more lovely posts.
Cheers,
June