You can find the William H.
Thompson House high atop the Mount Baker neighborhood, one in Seattle’s line of architecturally significant Queen Anne style treasures.
The house was built by Ernest MacKay in 1894 for an estimated price of $4,500. The next owner, William H. Thompson (of the law firm Thompson, Edsen and Humphries), lived in the residence from 1897 until 1917.
At 5 bed, 4 bath it was originally used as a single family dwelling but it was later used as a boarding house and sanatorium. It’s
now selling for $1,398,000. Being that there are quite a few photos to study, I’ll break this feature up into 2 parts. Part 2 featuring the home’s interior has
also been posted. Special thanks to Sally Beane of
RE/MAX for giving me a tour of the premises.
If you get a chance, go by the house and take in the sights. The house and the view are really something special.
|
|
|
An 1800′s era photograph of the William H. Thompson home. Two people pose on the wrap-around balcony while another spies the photographer from the front porch. Photograph courtesy Washington State Historical Society.
|
The same frame as captured today. Note that the 2nd floor balcony does not extend quite as far as it used to.
|
|
|
|
The north face of the home. The front entry and door are on this side of the residence.
|
A view of the northwest edge of the home. The first floor area on the right of the frame was originally the home’s kitchen.
|
|
|
|
Alternate view of the north end of the home.
|
This three story tower anchors the home’s exterior.
|
|
|
|
The top-most portions of the facade feature imbricated shingles.
|
The Queen Anne style residence features many decorative brackets.
|
|
|
|
The west face of the home with eight-over-one double hung sash.
|
Another angle of the tower with finial.
|
|
|
|
The windows along this east face feature some incredible views.
|
The north face of the home with one-over-one sash.
|
This house was featured in a recent issue of “The Week” magazine, under the “Hot Properties” section (I forget the exact name).
Me and my older brother used to cut the grass here in the mid-1970′s. Samuel
Ewing was the owner at the time. He lived in the 2300 block of 32nd ave s, and
my family lived across the street. Me and my brother would push our lawn mower
and related gardening tools the eight blocks up the street to make eight dollars.
we never went inside, I believe it was a boarding house at the time.
It’s nice to see that this house has retained its pre 1900 glory and remains one of
the jewels of Mt. Baker