Ken Swyt
Real Estate Broker
Licensed In Oregon
Ken’s appreciation for historical buildings led him to purchase his enchanting 1906 San Francisco Edwardian flat and to give it many thoughtful modern updates. After he and his partner moved to Portland, they saved a 1917 Dutch Colonial from falling prey to developers wanting to construct apartments on the double lot. He designed all components of the fully renovated house and redesigned the front and back gardens. His beloved garden is filled with heirloom vegetables and flowers that are often incorporated into his favorite dishes, which are often served at his many soirees.
His ideal Portland day: Ken’s perfect Portland day would start with a latte and a breakfast sandwich soaking up the early morning sun in his Westmoreland garden then off to Portland Nursery to search out the perfect perennial. Grabbing some grub at one of Portland’s many sidewalk cafés such as Hat Yai on SE Belmont or Oma’s Hideaway on SE Division is the next order of business. Once nourished, scoping out treasures at Memory Den or Urbanite always feeds the soul. As the day winds down, a quick stroll around the bluff in Sellwood brings him to Happy Hour at Gino’s for a bowl of fresh mussels and a glass of ice cold Rose´
His superpower: He thrives on collaboration and enjoys the process of being part of a team that helps homeowners find their own special place where they’ll be able to nurture their passions. He believes that creating a home is the ultimate act of self-expression, since it’s through our homes that many of us write the unique storybook of our lives.
Superpower he wishes he had: Flying like a bird. He loves using Google earth to capture the perspective only seen from above. To be a bird and freely flit from yard to yard would be magical.
Favorite moments in real estate: The natural world is a constant source of fascination for Ken. His love of plants, birds and animals coalesced when he purchased a piece of undeveloped land In Lake County, California. He enthusiastically embarked on a reinvention of the property by adding a tiny house and driveway, olive grove, retaining walls made from the property’s abundant rocks, a septic system, a well and a 60 x 120 foot enclosed garden filled with assorted fruit trees, vegetables and perennials.
Favorite Portland neighborhood, and why? Sellwood Westmoreland is a special place that feels like a small village. With close proximity to Downtown, the neighborhood feels like the perfect urban neighborhood surrounded by natural beauty with the Willamette river and many parks.