The abandoned Jacob H. Cook mansion near Mount Tabor in southeast Portland was ripe to be ripped down. Instead, new owners Lyrin Murphy and Steve Day have carefully started to restore much of the oak woodwork, porcelain tile and tub, and the kitchen of the pre-1890s house.

Here’s what it looks like now as the restoration team works to quietly, privately preserve the stately piece of Portland’s history.

--Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman

Lyrin Murphy

The once-majestic house was open during the Architectural Heritage Center's Old House Revival Tour on Saturday, April 13.

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Janet Eastman | The Oregonian/OregonLive

WATCH: See the Jacob H. Cook House while it's still being restored.

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Lyrin Murphy

BEFORE: Rumors swirl that the Christmas House, as it's referred to in the neighborhood, was designed by the respected architecture firm Whidden & Lewis. It's also thought that Mickey Mouse-creator Walt Disney's family lived here.



Murphy hasn't found evidence to support either statement. Her research does show that the house was built before 1890 in the Queen Anne style.



After businessman Jacob H. Cook, who owned lumber operations and newspapers, bought the property in 1904, he had the home's exterior remade in the Colonial Revival-style with classic columns and a wraparound front porch. Interior rooms are adorn with Arts and Craft oak and mahogany molding.

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Lyrin Murphy

BEFORE: The house was ignored for eight years and filled with garbage left by intruders.

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Lyrin Murphy

Surprisingly, however, none of the leaded glass was shattered, and the original pocket doors and fireplaces with irreplaceable ceramic tiles were untouched.



Vandals with spray paint did not graffiti over the wainscot or other woodwork.

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Lyrin Murphy

Murphy is painstakingly protecting original pieces, like the staircase's balustrades and posts.



There's a lot of work: The 6,800-square-foot house has seven bedrooms, five full bathrooms and two powder rooms, plus a brick basement that will become a naturally cool wine cellar.

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Lyrin Murphy

BEFORE: Murphy, a real estate agent who has restored 10 other historic houses, has overseen a crew that hand cuts pieces to fit the 130-year-old Douglas fir shake and lap siding. There is a new roof, electrical and plumbing, and the balconies, front porch and window frames have been rebuilt and reinforced.



"When you stand in the house, you can admire the original wavy glass windows," she says.

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Lyrin Murphy

[Here's a close look at a ceramic mantel tile in the dining room.]

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Lyrin Murphy

[Fruit-inspired sculptures are part of the existing mantel in the parlor.]

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Lyrin Murphy

BEFORE: Murphy has posted about the restoration project and included photos like the icebox seen here at lyrinor on Instagram.

Stay tuned for future updates.

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Lyrin Murphy

BEFORE [J.L. Mott earthenware corner tub circa 1900.]

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