The Whitewater Ranch House
Custom Luxury Home Design | McKenzie River Valley, Oregon | Sustainable Architecture
The Whitewater Ranch House is a custom luxury home designed by Arbor South Architecture and constructed by Brian Murry Homes, set on a knoll above the McKenzie River near Leaburg, Oregon. This project began as a remodel — but after deeply listening to the owners' vision for how they wanted to live, Arbor South recommended starting fresh. The result is a 3,885-square-foot modern ranch home that is as intimate as it is expansive, as refined as it is rooted in its landscape.
Location — Leaburg, OR
Year Completed — 2025
Builder / Brian Murry Homes
Finish Carpentry / Randy Pool
Bedrooms / 4 bed + 2 Offices
Bathrooms / 4.5 bath
Size / 3,885 sf (+395 sf garage)
Style / Modern Ranch - Ranch Contemporary
The design centers on how the clients live — a couple who wanted a home that felt personal and peaceful day-to-day, yet could effortlessly host large family gatherings and celebrations. A spacious great room flows directly onto a timber-framed covered deck, extending the living space outdoors in any season. Expansive window walls, transom windows, and an upper clerestory flood the interior with natural light from multiple directions, connecting every room to the surrounding landscape.
Sustainability was integral from the start, not an afterthought. Solar panels, spray-foam insulation, meticulous air-sealing, and deep south-facing porches work together to make this generously sized home highly energy efficient — a hallmark of Arbor South's approach to custom residential design in Oregon.
The heart of the home is the great room, oriented toward the river and anchored by a masonry fireplace purposefully offset from center — a subtle design decision that improves circulation and draws the eye naturally toward the views beyond. True timber framing by New Energy Works and custom steel trusses create a space that is grand in scale yet warm and inviting. A perimeter valance casts a soft glow on the tongue-and-groove wood ceiling, while hidden downlighting in the trusses provides ambient light as daylight fades. Every detail — from the custom cabinetry to the finish carpentry — was specified with intention and executed with exceptional craft.
Click here for the 3D walkthrough capability!
"Arbor South understood our vision for a contemporary ranch house that was both rustic and elegant—and delivered exactly that. They created a beautiful new beginning for us: a home that feels intimate for two, yet flows effortlessly for large family gatherings, all while keeping us closely connected to our surroundings."
- Jane Russell
Drone Footage by The Photo Guy (Steve Spohn)
The Whitewater Ranch House reflects what's possible when a talented owner, a committed architect, and an exceptional team of craftspeople share a common vision. Arbor South is grateful to every member of this extraordinary project team.
Project Team Members:
- Sarah Elizabeth Design Interiors - Interior Design
- Randy Pool - Finish Carpentry - 541.914.0128
- WoodChuck Engineering - Structural Engineering
- Stangeland & Associates Landscape Architecture - Landscape Architect
- New Energy Works - Timber Frame Design & Construction
- Elliott Specialty Metal - Custom Metalwork
- Comfort Flow Heating & AC - HVAC Design & Install
- Cabinet Factory - Custom Cabinetry
- Hap's Masonry - Masonry
- River Roofing - Roofing
- Valley Wood Floors - Flooring
- South Valley Plumbing, Inc. - Plumbing
- Garner Electric - Electrical
- Stone Works International - Solid Surfaces
- David Mendonca Tile - Tile Work
- North Rim Audio Visual - Low-Volt / Audio
- Northwest Pool & Spa - Pool
- Scapes Unlimited - Landscaping
- Land Use Oregon - Land Use Consultant
- Relco Truss (PARR) - Truss Design & Engineering
- Accessory Shop Building (completed in 2022 by Dorman Construction)
- The Photo Guy - Photography, Virtual Tour & Drone Footage
Pella Impervia Windows, Hardie Cedar Mill Siding & Trim, TimberTech Decking, Pioneer Millworks T&G Wood, Heat & Glo Fireplace, Bromic Heaters, Benjamin Obdyke Hydrogap WRB, Merrillstone Natural Stone, ActivWall Gas Strut Window
