Charles Piggott House

The Charles Piggott House, frequently referred to as Piggott's Castle or Gleall Castle, is a distinctive historic residence located at 2591 SW Buckingham Avenue in southwest Portland, Oregon. Constructed in 1892, this unique structure stands as the city's only surviving castle-like home. It was designed and built by Charles Henry Piggott, a local brick manufacturer who had relocated to Portland from San Francisco in 1877. The building materials were sourced directly from Piggott's own brickyard on NE Sandy Boulevard, ensuring a personal connection between the owner and the physical composition of his grand estate.

Architecturally, the house is a prime example of Romanesque Revival style, reportedly inspired by an illustration of a Roman hilltop fortress. The exterior features a crenellated parapet and a prominent tower room that contribute to its medieval appearance. Inside, the home boasts impressive details including eleven-foot ceilings, an entrance door topped with a corbelled entablature, and intricate woodwork inlaid with floral patterns and bronze rosettes. Due to its unique design and historical integrity, the property was designated a Portland Historic Landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 28, 1979.

Originally named Gleall Castle by its creator, the home remains a significant landmark within the Portland downtown area. While many similar structures have been lost over time, including the nearby Canterbury Lane Castle which was demolished in 2009, the Charles Piggott House endures as a testament to late nineteenth-century architectural ambition. The property occupies less than one acre and continues to be recognized for its rare castle aesthetic, distinguishing it from standard residential buildings in the region. Its preservation offers a tangible link to Portland's industrial past and the vision of its builder.