The Shire

Visit the 75-acre sculpted landscape preserve designed by John Yeon for the pure pleasure and solace of experiencing the Columbia River Gorge    ...

The John Yeon Center for Architecture and the Landscape is devoted to preserving Yeon’s legacy of visionary design and conservation in the Pacific Northwest. Our stewardship of three properties—the National Historic Landmark Watzek House, Cottrell House, and The Shire designed landscape—provides meaningful educational experiences to future professionals and engages the general public in continued conversations about architecture, preservation, and conservation.

“Regional architecture does not happen simply, automatically, or unselfconsciously…

It results from deliberate aesthetic resistance to ubiquitous popular fashions.

It will be done by people and for people who love landscapes and are literate in architecture.” – John Yeon