Where to Find Cool Historical Houses In Bellingham
If you’re like me you’ll just be driving and notice a house with a cool sign that says, “1886” or “1890” or have someone’s name on it and it’s just like, “WHOA!” I decided to try and list out some of the historical homes in Bellingham that are fun to visit and SHEESH this got into a bigger and bigger project. The City of Bellingham is really the place to go for all things historical — I even used City Hall’s Microfiche and microfilm before. So! let’s do a little time traveling through Bellingham and begin our quest for the Coolest Historic Houses in Bellingham!
The Eldridge Historic District: A Victorian Wonderland
Nestled on a bluff overlooking Bellingham Bay, the Eldridge Historic District is a picturesque neighborhood brimming with homes dating from 1885 to 1910. Strolling through its tree-lined streets feels like stepping into a Victorian-era postcard. Here are some standout gems:
Austin House – A grand Neo-Classical beauty, recently restored to its former glory.
Bolster House – This Queen Anne stunner, built in 1890, showcases the elegance of brick construction.
Canfield House – A charming Queen Anne residence from 1892, offering a glimpse into the area's past.
Charles Cissna House – Completed in 1908, this spacious Bungaloid-style home was once the height of fashion.
Eckhardt House – A Queen Anne masterpiece featuring a turret porch and ornamental latticework.
Hamilton House – Built in 1904 by furniture magnate T.S. Hamilton, this home exudes craftsmanship.
Handschy House – A 1904 shingle-style residence, reflecting the prosperity of early Bellingham.
Keyes House – This 1893 Victorian structure boasts scalloped shingles and tall bay windows.
Loggie House – An eclectic mix of styles, this home was the lifelong residence of artist Helen Loggie.
Mason House – A two-story Queen Anne home from 1897, featuring exquisite stained glass windows.
Neterer House – Built in 1904 by Judge Jeremiah Neterer, this Bungaloid-style home reflects early 20th-century sensibilities.
Pettibone House – Dating back to 1887, this home remains largely unchanged, offering a true window into the past.
Schramm House – An architectural curiosity combining Russian-American influences with classical lines.
Siemons House – Built in 1903 by a family of lumbermen, this classic box-style home is both sturdy and stylish.
Van Zandt House – A testament to Victorian extravagance, this home showcases the versatility of wood craftsmanship.
The Eldridge District is a living museum, where each home tells a story of Bellingham's rich history.
Beyond Eldridge: More Historic Marvels
Pickett House – 910 Bancroft Street
Built in 1856 by U.S. Army Captain George Pickett, this is Bellingham's oldest house. Constructed with lumber from the nearby Roeder-Peabody Mill, it stands as a testament to the city's early days.
J.J. Donovan House – 1201 Garden Street
This 1890 Stick/Eastlake and Tudor Revival home was once the residence of industrialist J.J. Donovan. Its architectural elegance reflects the prosperity of Bellingham's past.
Victor A. Roeder House – 2600 Sunset Drive
Completed in 1910, this Arts and Crafts-style home features intricate woodwork, Steuben lighting fixtures, and even a secret passageway. It's open to the public and often used for events.
Dr. William H. and Frances C. Axtell House – 413 E. Maple Street
Built in 1902, this Classical Revival home was a hub for political and social gatherings, reflecting the progressive spirit of its owners.
Alfred L. Black House – 158 S. Forest Street
Also known as the Wahl House, this 1903 Queen Anne-style mansion boasts 10 bedrooms, a ballroom, and a wraparound porch. It's a true architectural gem.
Robert I. Morse House – 1014 Garden Street
This 1895 Queen Anne-style home, affectionately known as the "Blue Mansion," was built by hardware store owner Robert Morse. Its turreted roof and ornate details make it a standout.
George Bacon House – 2001 Eldridge Avenue
Designed by Henry Bacon, architect of the Lincoln Memorial, this 1906 home features Classical Revival elements and a grand portico.
T.G. Richards and Company Store – 1308 E Street
Built in 1858, this is the oldest brick building in Washington State. Originally a storehouse during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, it later served as a courthouse.
Lottie Roth Block – 1106 W. Holly Street
Constructed in 1891 using Chuckanut sandstone, this Romanesque Revival building was initially an office/retail space before becoming apartments.
Addresses for Your Historic House Hunt
Austin House – 1504 Washington Street
Bolster House – 2820 Eldridge Avenue
Canfield House – 2215 Williams Street
Charles Cissna House – 1810 Eldridge Avenue
Eckhardt House – 2300 Utter Street
Hamilton House – 1905 Eldridge Avenue
Handschy House – 2331 Elm Street
Keyes House – 2230 Henry Street
Loggie House – 2203 Utter Street
Mason House – 1621 Eldridge Avenue
Neterer House – 1700 Eldridge Avenue
Pettibone House – 1711 Eldridge Avenue
Schramm House – 2601 West Street
Siemons House – 2617 Eldridge Avenue
Van Zandt House – 1717 Eldridge Avenue
Dr. William H. and Frances C. Axtell House – 413 E. Maple Street
T.G. Richards and Company Store – 1308 E Street
Lottie Roth Block – 1106 W. Holly Street
Check out all the details of Eldridge’s District on City of Bellingham’s website!
In Summary — Go Enjoy some Local History!
So, grab your walking shoes and embark on a delightful journey through Bellingham's architectural history. Each of these homes offers a unique glimpse into the city's past, this is just a tiny scratch on the surface of historic homes, and who knows—you might just find your dream historic home along the way!