So the bad news is that we didn't get this post up in time for you to take advantage of last night's free admission to the historic Pittock Mansion. The good news is that we can still take you inside the majestic home, perched high above Portland.

Built in 1914 for Henry and Georgiana Pittock, the couple only lived there for only five years before they both passed away at ages 84 and 72, respectively. The Pittock family continued to reside in the mansion until 1958, when a grandson put it on the market.

With the threat of demolition and the importance of historic preservation, the City of Portland wound up buying the home for $225,000 in 1964. It opened to the public 15 months later and has been a local favorite ever since.

Though the Pittock Mansion is anything but modern -- preserved with turn-of-the-century decor -- some of the features are surprisingly progressive; a central vacuum system, intercoms and indirect lighting, to name a few. And while it incorporates Turkish, English and French designs, the Pittocks hired Oregon craftsmen and used Northwest materials to build the house.

With 23 rooms, a three-car garage, a greenhouse and a servants' residence, all situated on 46 acres of land, there's no doubt the magnificent Pittock will still provides plenty of modern-day inspiration.