James House

Built in 1889, the James House is one of Port Townsend's grandest historic homes and has the distinction of being the first bed and breakfast in the Pacific Northwest. An exquisite Queen Anne style mansion (it's included on the National Register of Historic Places), it was built on the bluff to take advantage of the sweeping views overlooking Puget Sound and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains.

Yesterday's Elegance Renewed

Owned by Carol McGough since 1990, this former hospital administrator turned hotelier also purchased and remodeled the adjacent property into a Bungalow and Hideaway on the Bluff in 1996. These two suites both have beautiful water and mountain views, and each have a private garden entry and sitting area.

The ten rooms located in the main house all have private baths, queen beds, and are furnished with elegant antique furniture. Most have water and mountain views and yours may also come with a balcony with private garden views. Request a room in the front and you'll be treated with unobstructed expansive water views with breathtaking mountain vistas to match (our favorites are the Master Suite and the Mt. Rainier Suite).

Common areas for guests to relax with a book or for intimate conversation include the library and formal parlor. On stormy days, the roaring fireplace surrounded by Victorian antiques, comfortable armchairs and couches, plus beautiful oil paintings on the walls creates a private escape that harkens back to the days long before the ferries made regular scheduled runs to the mainland.

The Comforts of Homemade Cuisine

Complimentary sherry is served as an evening aperitif (and you may bring your own alcohol). The homemade cookies (baked daily) add to the warmth of this gracious mansion, but even better is to wake up and smell the delicious aromas of breakfast wafting up the stairs.

Trained at Vermont Culinary Institute, the James House chef prepares a complimentary full hot breakfast served in the formal dining room. Made with herbs grown on the premises, and fresh Northwest seasonal ingredients when possible, it is a hearty affair served with coffee or your favorite tea.

Explore the Gardens & Beyond

Outside, the James House is surrounded by beautiful perennial gardens from early spring until late fall. A picturesque place to relax with an afternoon beverage, Mardi and I find watching the comings and goings of the ferries after a busy day of antiquing through this waterfront town to be the quintessential romantic getaway memory.

Centrally located within the national historic district, the property is within walking distance of all the attractions of Port Townsend. A fitting start would be the historic walking tour through the uptown area (ask to borrow a copy of a walking guide at the front desk).

Nearby, Fort Worden State Park offers trails for hiking, bunkers for exploring, beaches for strolling and beachcombing plus incredible picturing taking opportunities as the sun sets down by the lighthouse. And too, if your visit happens in the summer, check out the concerts at the park in McCurdy Pavilion.

Back in town, Mardi and I enjoy renting a kayak and exploring the Port Townsend waterfront. On foot, there's gallery hopping, book browsing and many coffee shops with outside tables for sipping an iced beverage and people watching.

I love all things Victorian so I book an annual stay here and that takes care of me for he year.