Seattle has a rich and complex history, shaped by the cultures, innovations, and architectural advancements that flourished over the last century and beyond. From early boomtown days to the development of cutting-edge industries, the city has always stood at the forefront of American progress. This history has left behind a lasting legacy that you can witness today in the city’s architecture. Seattle boasts a long list of notable historic homes that stand as elegant testaments to the craftsmanship and architectural styles of bygone eras, offering us a glimpse into the lifestyles of those who shaped this city.
Below, we explore a handful of Seattle’s most iconic homes.
Stimson-Green Mansion
1204 Minor Avenue
The Stimson-Green Mansion is a striking example of the grand homes built during Seattle’s early 20th-century boom. Built in 1901, the mansion was designed by architect Kirtland Cutter for the lumber baron C.D. Stimson and his family. A seamless blend of English Tudor Revival and Swiss chalet styles, this mansion is known for its ornate woodwork, stained glass windows, and opulent design that spoke to the grandeur of Seattle’s early elite. Today, the mansion serves as an event venue but still retains the original elements that reflect the Stimson family’s wealth and influence.
The Stimson-Green Mansion is a striking example of the grand homes built during Seattle’s early 20th-century boom. Built in 1901, the mansion was designed by architect Kirtland Cutter for the lumber baron C.D. Stimson and his family. A seamless blend of English Tudor Revival and Swiss chalet styles, this mansion is known for its ornate woodwork, stained glass windows, and opulent design that spoke to the grandeur of Seattle’s early elite. Today, the mansion serves as an event venue but still retains the original elements that reflect the Stimson family’s wealth and influence.
The Garden House (Turner-Koepf House)
2336 15th Avenue South
Seattle’s Garden House, also called the Turner-Koepf House, is a Victorian-era home built in 1883, making it one of the oldest residential buildings in the city. The house served various roles throughout its history, including a nursery and residence for prominent Seattleites like Charles and Mary Turner. Located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, this home remains an enduring symbol of Seattle’s early residential development, boasting a blend of turn-of-the-century Italianate and Queen Anne architecture. Today, the home is owned by Historic Seattle, with plans to renovate it fully to host cultural events and community gatherings.
Seattle’s Garden House, also called the Turner-Koepf House, is a Victorian-era home built in 1883, making it one of the oldest residential buildings in the city. The house served various roles throughout its history, including a nursery and residence for prominent Seattleites like Charles and Mary Turner. Located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, this home remains an enduring symbol of Seattle’s early residential development, boasting a blend of turn-of-the-century Italianate and Queen Anne architecture. Today, the home is owned by Historic Seattle, with plans to renovate it fully to host cultural events and community gatherings.
Parker-Ferson Mansion
1409 E Prospect Street
Located on Seattle’s famed Millionaire’s Row, the Parker-Ferson Mansion showcases early 20th-century grandeur. Built in 1909, this Neo-Classical Revival home was designed for Stephen Ferson, a key figure in Seattle’s shipbuilding industry. The home’s imposing columns and detailed cornices reflect the Gilded Age’s opulence, while its placement among other Millionaire’s Row residences underscores the wealth and prestige of its inhabitants. Like others on this historic street, this mansion provides insight into the lives of Seattle’s turn-of-the-century elite.
Located on Seattle’s famed Millionaire’s Row, the Parker-Ferson Mansion showcases early 20th-century grandeur. Built in 1909, this Neo-Classical Revival home was designed for Stephen Ferson, a key figure in Seattle’s shipbuilding industry. The home’s imposing columns and detailed cornices reflect the Gilded Age’s opulence, while its placement among other Millionaire’s Row residences underscores the wealth and prestige of its inhabitants. Like others on this historic street, this mansion provides insight into the lives of Seattle’s turn-of-the-century elite.
Pierre P. Ferry House
1531 10th Ave E
The Pierre P. Ferry House is a stunning example of the American Craftsman style, designed in 1903 by the renowned architect John Graham. This home belonged to Pierre P. Ferry, a prominent lawyer and Seattle socialite. Its symmetrical design, red brick facade, and classical details, like the ornate columns and detailed doorways, embody the elegance of early 20th-century architecture. Today, the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, continuing to be one of the best-preserved examples of the era.
The Pierre P. Ferry House is a stunning example of the American Craftsman style, designed in 1903 by the renowned architect John Graham. This home belonged to Pierre P. Ferry, a prominent lawyer and Seattle socialite. Its symmetrical design, red brick facade, and classical details, like the ornate columns and detailed doorways, embody the elegance of early 20th-century architecture. Today, the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, continuing to be one of the best-preserved examples of the era.
Satterlee House
4866 Beach Drive Southwest
Situated in West Seattle, the Satterlee House was built in 1906 and is an early—and among the few remaining—example of the Seattle “box” home, which pulls inspiration from the American Arts and Crafts and Foursquare schools of architecture. Its hipped roof, intricate woodwork, asymmetrical facade, and second-floor bay windows make it a unique architectural gem. It was home to Alfred and Carrie Satterlee, early Seattle pioneers who played a significant role in the development of West Seattle. The house has changed hands over the years but remains a symbol of the neighborhood’s storied past.
Situated in West Seattle, the Satterlee House was built in 1906 and is an early—and among the few remaining—example of the Seattle “box” home, which pulls inspiration from the American Arts and Crafts and Foursquare schools of architecture. Its hipped roof, intricate woodwork, asymmetrical facade, and second-floor bay windows make it a unique architectural gem. It was home to Alfred and Carrie Satterlee, early Seattle pioneers who played a significant role in the development of West Seattle. The house has changed hands over the years but remains a symbol of the neighborhood’s storied past.
The Tracy House
18971 Edgecliff Drive SW, Normandy Park
Designed by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright, The Tracy House is a testament to Wright’s Usonian vision. Built in 1955, this “jewel box” house is in Normandy Park, a small community just south of Seattle. The Tracy House exemplifies Wright’s philosophy of blending buildings with their surroundings. Constructed from concrete blocks and featuring extensive horizontal lines, the home is modest yet incredibly significant, representing Wright’s later, more accessible architectural designs.
Designed by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright, The Tracy House is a testament to Wright’s Usonian vision. Built in 1955, this “jewel box” house is in Normandy Park, a small community just south of Seattle. The Tracy House exemplifies Wright’s philosophy of blending buildings with their surroundings. Constructed from concrete blocks and featuring extensive horizontal lines, the home is modest yet incredibly significant, representing Wright’s later, more accessible architectural designs.
Ward House
520 E Denny Way
The Ward House, built in 1882, is the oldest surviving house on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. George Ward, a Seattle shipbuilder, once owned this Second Empire, Italian villa-style home. Its Mansard roof, ornamental brackets, and dormer windows make it a rare example of this architectural style in the city. Today, it is one of the few remnants of Seattle’s early residential architecture, offering a window into the city’s past.
The Ward House, built in 1882, is the oldest surviving house on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. George Ward, a Seattle shipbuilder, once owned this Second Empire, Italian villa-style home. Its Mansard roof, ornamental brackets, and dormer windows make it a rare example of this architectural style in the city. Today, it is one of the few remnants of Seattle’s early residential architecture, offering a window into the city’s past.
Sam Hill House
814 E Highland Drive, Capital Hill
The Samuel Hill House dates to 1909, and the famous entrepreneur and philanthropist Samuel Hill. The house is a spectacular Classical Revival made even more noteworthy by its all-concrete construction. Set amongst a thick, verdant canopy of trees, the property casts an imposing footprint, including a rooftop spa and garden overlooking it all. As one of Seattle’s most significant historical figures, Samuel Hill left a mark on the region’s infrastructure and architectural landscape, with this home a testament to his legacy.
The Samuel Hill House dates to 1909, and the famous entrepreneur and philanthropist Samuel Hill. The house is a spectacular Classical Revival made even more noteworthy by its all-concrete construction. Set amongst a thick, verdant canopy of trees, the property casts an imposing footprint, including a rooftop spa and garden overlooking it all. As one of Seattle’s most significant historical figures, Samuel Hill left a mark on the region’s infrastructure and architectural landscape, with this home a testament to his legacy.
Ready to Discover More About Seattle's Rich Residential Landscape?
Seattle’s historic homes are more than just architectural marvels—they directly link to the city’s rich and diverse past. As you explore these stunning residences, it’s easy to imagine the lives of the people who lived here, shaping Seattle into the dynamic city it is today. If you're in the market for one of Seattle’s historic luxury homes or you’re planning to sell one, contact Jeff Reynolds today to start your Seattle real estate journey. Allow Jeff’s experience and expertise to help you navigate this sought-after region and ensure a successful and lucrative transaction.
*Header photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
*Header photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons