O
n a corner lot in Northeast Portland’s historic Alameda Ridge, the 3,494‑sq‑ft, 1928 castle‑styled house at 3880 N.E. Wistaria Dr. has long been a local landmark. Its Tudor‑inspired façade—half‑timber, stucco, a multi‑gabled roof, arched windows, wrought‑iron balconies, and a central round turret—mirrors the German homes of its original owners, Carl and Anna Hummel. The property, listed in Portland’s Historic Resource Inventory as a “curiosity ethnic” example of Tudor architecture, was part of a 1930s property swap: the Hummels traded the Portland lot for a home in Görlitz, Germany, owned by former WWI cavalry officer and distiller Herman Alexander Lowenberg.

    The house sits on a 0.14‑acre lot and has suffered neglect for years: three‑foot‑high grass, water‑damaged walls and ceilings, exposed laths, and cracked plaster. Despite its medieval charm—reminiscent of Grey Gardens—the structure is a heavy fixer‑upper. Listing broker Cee Webster of Neighbors Realty says the home is sold “as is,” with no repairs or financing. The asking price is $650,000, cash only, with offers due by 9 a.m. on Dec. 8.

    Webster’s description invites buyers who relish a unique landmark and are willing to roll up their sleeves. Virtual tours show the extent of the damage, while the listing’s narrative paints a picture of a castle that once drew Portlanders’ curiosity about its arched windows, the view from the turret, and the secrets behind its walls. The property’s last sale was nearly 30 years ago, and Webster hopes that with vision, skill, and heart, the home can return to its former Beaumont‑Wilderness beauty.

    In short, the 1928 castle‑themed residence on Wistaria offers a rare blend of historic architecture and potential, but requires substantial work and a cash buyer willing to restore its former glory.