NEAHKAHNIE Its hard to say what makes the Awtrey House Bed and Breakfast most unique: its sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the fact that it was designed by Bill Gates architect, or that one of its hosts is a former pro basketball player.

This is where I brush my teeth every morning, says Dennis Awtrey, who, with wife Peggy, opened the Awtrey House in August 2011. Hes standing in his bathroom, which looks down on crashing waves far below here in northern Tillamook County.

Situated at the base of Neahkahnie Mountain, 120 feet above the beach, the house bears what Dennis refers to as the distinct, modern style of architect James Cutler. In Cutler fashion, high ceilings, board-formed concrete walls, and terraces with panoramic ocean views distinguish the main house plus two attached guest rooms. 

Cutler, a principal with Cutler Anderson Architects, headquartered on Bainbridge Island, Wash., is an international award-winning architect known for his attention to detail and his environmental awareness.

Hes doing a Russian billionaires house in Moscow right now, said Dennis Awtrey.

Yet despite his impressive client list, Cutlers hourly rates arent astronomical, added Awtrey.

In keeping with the homes Northwest theme, the Awtreys opted to commission local artists and craftsmen whenever possible, hanging paintings by Pam Greene of Neahkahnie and hiring Bob and Hans Brook of Wheeler to build the cabinets.

Dennis, meantime, is no stranger to the Northwest, having played with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Seattle SuperSonics during his 12-year career in the NBA.

Long retired, the 6-foot-10 former center was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1970 and subsequently played for the Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics.

Awtrey made two trips to the NBA finals, winning the championship in 1979 with the Seattle SuperSonics. He was inducted into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 and the West Coast Conference Hall of Honor in 2011.

These days, Dennis can be found making granola from scratch in the Awtrey House kitchen or pouring wine for his guests in the great room.

 He and Peggy bought the Neahkahnie lot in 2005, shortly after finishing the remodeling of their home in Phoenix. Having visited a number of bed and breakfasts in France, they decided the Oregon property would make an ideal setting for a B&B.

In 2008, Dennis moved to Neahkahnie to oversee the homes construction and ultimately to serve as general contractor for the project, which was completed in May 2011.

Early on, the couple asked friends to stay at the house to help them iron out any kinks.

We would say, Tell us what were doing wrong, said Dennis. One said, Well, coffee in the rooms is great, but how about some cream?

It was good to start out slowly.

Now that their B&B is open for business, the Awtreys are meeting guests from all walks of life, said Dennis. Thats the best part of this business; the people are really interesting. 

For more information, visit awtreyhouse.com.