Overview
Explore the Ann Starrett Mansion in Port Townsend, Washington—an ornate Queen Anne–style landmark with exquisite craftsmanship, a romantic origin story, and famously friendly hauntings.
Location
Where It Is
- Port Townsend, Washington (east of Port Angeles)
- Easy trip via ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles, then a short drive
- Ocean views from upper levels; steps from historic shops, pubs, and boutique hotels
Local Lore
- One of the Pacific Northwest’s oldest port towns
- Known for underground tunnels and ghost stories that add to its spooky charm
History
Origins
- Built in 1889 by contractor George Starrett for his wife Ann
- Celebrated as the “Queen of Queen Anne” for its highly ornate Victorian revival style
Ownership & Use
- Starrett family descendants lived here until 1986
- Restored by later owners and recognized as a historic building
- Operates as a boutique hotel
Architecture & Design
Size and Layout
- Approximately 6,000 sq ft
- 11 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms
- Officially two storeys, plus a finished basement suite
- Finished level under the eaves converted into a two-bedroom suite with skylights and port views
Signature Feature: The Dove Tower & Floating Stair
- A floating spiral staircase rises inside the Dove Tower—a rare engineering achievement for the era
- At the top, hand-painted frescoes by New York artist Greg Chapman, modeled after Ann
Stained Glass Solar Calendar
- Surrounding stained glass functions as a solar calendar
- During solstices, light bathes the frescoes in a ruby glow, creating a dramatic, romantic effect
Interior Detailing
- Embellished Victorian décor with heavy drapery and ornate moldings
- Hand-painted ceilings and abundant stained glass
- The tower foundation level is now an exposed-brick suite with five original brick walls
Exterior Detailing
- Steep-pitched dormers, double gables, and abundant gingerbread trim
- Intricate spindle work and curvilinear gable ornaments showcase master woodcraft
- Property includes access to a carriage house and historical horse stables
“Dove Tower” vs. “Turret”
- Dove Tower: vertical structure with its own foundation continuing to the ground
- Turret: projects from a wall without its own foundation
- The mansion’s prominent round structure is a Dove Tower, not a turret
Building Science Notes
Durable Weather Detailing
- Window heads and façades incorporate built-in coverage and projections to shed water
- Traditional joinery and thoughtful exterior detailing contribute to longevity
Early Mechanical Innovation
- Reportedly the first house in the Pacific Northwest with forced-air heating, highlighting its forward-thinking design
Hauntings & Paranormal Activity
Ann (The Hostess)
- Frequent sightings of a red-haired woman moving from room to room
- Described as welcoming and peaceful, believed to be Ann Starrett
George (The Builder)
- No reported apparitions, but guests note a calm, masculine presence, often attributed to George
The Nanny (The Protector)
- Considered the most active presence
- Occasional playful smacks on the head reported when guests are rude or critical
- Reflections sometimes seen in the mirrored armoire of the nanny’s quarters
Market Curiosities
For Sale Status
- Reported as being on the market for years at about $1.5M USD
- Price appears modest relative to size, craftsmanship, and local comparables, leading to speculation that haunting lore may deter buyers
Takeaways
Why It Matters
- A rare, intact example of Queen Anne architecture with meticulous detailing
- A love story captured in art, light, and structure
- A case study in historic preservation, building durability, and story-driven design
Visit or Share
- Planning a Port Townsend trip? Consider a stay at the mansion’s boutique accommodations
- Have experiences or photos from the Ann Starrett Mansion? Share your stories and architectural sightings!
