Rogue RiVER HOUSE
Built in 1939, Rogue River House was designed by an architect from Los Angeles.
The original home consisted of only 1 bedroom, 1 bath, a living room with fire place, a hallway, kitchen and basement.
Main House Entry
Legend has it, or at least what previous homeowners and neighbors have told us, and what we believe, that the home/retreat was used as a fishing lodge by the legendary actor Clark Gable during some of his many getaways to Southern Oregon in the 1940s, when salmon and steelhead fishing was exceptional.
Mr. Gable particularly enjoyed fishing and relaxing on the Rogue River and stayed at many local places including the Weasku Inn just up the river from Rogue River House.
Even Carol Lombard, the love of Clark’s life, might have stayed at Rogue River House, but we have no verification. The custom toilet seat, which has been mounted on the wall in the guest bath, is said to have been custom-made for Mr. Gable for his use during his stays here.
The original home exists at this time and has been preserved. Elements of the fishing lodge can be seen throughout the house starting at the covered porch entry with its fine stone pillars.
In the living room, the fireplace, built from local rock, is original to the home. The high coved ceilings, wood flooring, built-in bookcases, and wood paneling are all original.
The fake wood beams were added, though, by a later homeowner. New paint and new dual-pane windows were added as well.
On the main floor, the master bedroom, the guest bath, and hallways to both as well as the hallway to the kitchen (which has been enlarged) are also part of the home’s original footprint.
The basement below the laundry room is the original footprint.
Over the years, various owners have modified or remodeled the home since its original construction.
The pool and guest house/granny flat were added during the 1950s/1960s.
The front yard landscaping was professionally designed and installed in the 1980s utilizing “feng shui” design principles. Landscaping consists of rhododendrons, azalea, and camellia shrubbery, thanks to the creativity of the previous owners, “The Cleveland Family,” who generously donated the house and money to the Boys and Girls Club of Grants Pass. With a little TLC, these plants put on a beautiful display in the early spring of every year.
The current owners purchased this home in 2014. Recent upgrade/remodel includes an office, walk-in closet, laundry room, oversized garage, stamped concrete curbs, new paving, electric security gates with fencing and a remodel of the guest house, all with permits from Josephine County.
The irrigation system, front and back, was upgraded to make it easier to maintain the park-like setting you see today.
The home has been freshly painted inside and out in the last 5 years.
Security improvements include installation of a 4-camera security system with smartphone notification and motion sensor lights. Fencing was installed around the rear property where the pool is located.
The pool was drained, retiled at the water’s edge and painted with epoxy paint about 4 years ago. It just sparkles.
A new 2-220 volt electric service was installed to serve the main house and guest house. The entire interior electric wiring was replaced and upgraded at that time.
A separate gas service was run to the guest home with a separate meter and new gas heaters were installed in both the main and guest house.