Some houses are remodeled. Some are renovated. Some are actually rebuilt, like a Queen Anne Victorian in Port Townsend.
It probably looked a bit different when it was built in 1900, but the rebuild of this 3 bedroom, 4 bath historic home is so complete that from the outside it is hard to tell how old it is. The style is iconic, just like many of its neighbors in Port Townsend. The materials, the paint, and particularly the solar panels make it look like stylish new construction. They're asking $2,250,000 for the 4,496 square foot house that's as much a museum exhibit as it is a place to live.
Stepping inside proves the age of the structure and the extent of the updates. The 11 foot ceilings might seem like wasted space in today's homes, but if they heated the home with the fireplace, a bit of extra loft would keep some of the inevitable smoke out of people's eyes. The era is probably better to see in the subtlety. The staircase sweeps into the living room, but not as a grand, ostentatious entrance. There are plenty of windows, but they don't dominate the walls; instead they do a good job of letting in the light. Dormers are functional, not just added for appearance.
Besides the solar panels, the kitchen and bath are the places were modernity are most evident. A new, yet refined set of kitchen cabinets and counters are surrounded by a stone tile floor. The bathrooms have a claw foot tub, and one has a jetted tub. The claw foot could be a hundred years old, but looks much newer. The jetted tub would've been shocking back then. In every case, the decorators and designers found a period-appropriate balance between old and new.
Location is everything, though. Being in uptown Port Townsend with views of the water is uncommon; and also a long commute - which may not be a concern if you can afford such a house.
· 336 Fillmore St, Port Townsend [Windermere]