Originally the home of businessman Peter Kerr, a native of Scotland who came to Portland in 1888. The house was built in 1914 and made to resemble a Scottish manor. The house was sited by John Olmsted, of the well-known Olmsted Brothers Landscape Architects firm, to take advantage of the view of Mount Hood and the Willamette River. The estate was donated to the Episcopal Diocese in 1957.
Since its donation, the diocese has maintained the Bishop’s Close as an office and meeting space, built a chapel, and opened the private Elk Rock Garden to those interested in enjoying its beauty throughout the seasons.
For more information, including hours of operation, please visit Elk Rock Garden website.
