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.

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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

• Edward Eldridge Homesite - 2915 Eldridge Avenue

• 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

• Pickett House – 910 Bancroft Street

• J.J. Donovan House – 1201 Garden Street

• Victor A. Roeder House – 2600 Sunset Drive

• Dr. William H. and Frances C. Axtell House – 413 E. Maple Street

• Alfred L. Black House – 158 S. Forest Street

• Morse House – 1014 Garden Street

• George Bacon House – 2001 Eldridge Avenue

• 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!