Jenkins Estate
The Jenkins Estate is located in Beaverton, Oregon. This two-mile-long property is filled with trails for self-guided exploration. The estate is also dog-friendly and is a perfect place to take your pup for a walk. This Oregon wedding venue is a great option for those who are planning an outdoor wedding. You can visit this destination at 8005 SW Grabhorn Rd, Beaverton, OR 97007.
In 1976, the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District purchased the estate, which serves as a public park and special event venue. It also contains Camp Rivendale, a therapeutic camp for children and adults with disabilities. The American Rhododendron Society maintains a garden on the property. In 2013, THPRD outsourced the management of events at the Jenkins Estate.
The Jenkins estate was originally owned by Belle Ainsworth and Ralph Jenkins, who built it in the early 1900s. The estate was intended as a summer residence. It is currently owned by the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District and includes eight buildings, including an 1880 farmhouse. The property is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Jenkinses had many servants who helped them maintain the estate. They hired up to two dozen people to work in the estate, and many of them lived in dormitory-style quarters inside the main house. The estate also employed a caretaker who lived in a separate, smaller home. In addition to providing care for the estate, the servants helped the Jenkinses host parties for elite Portland families like the Corbetts and the Franks. As the Jenkinses grew older, however, the estate gradually became quieter.
Restoration efforts were underway to restore the estate. This included replacing rotting wood, clearing bushes that were blocking the old riding trails, and repairing roofs. While the restoration was not targeting the ultra-wealthy, it did aim to restore the estate’s charm and character. The goal was to create a charming environment that would appeal to anyone who visits the estate.