This is an encore of one of our most popular day tours. The highlight of the day will be stepping back in time to 1916 at the privately-owned Westhome, a superb and unique vestige of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. This mammoth stone-clad castle was designed by Minneapolis architects Kenyon and Maine for attorney Chester Congdon, completed in 1916 after two years of construction as the centerpiece of his apple orchards.

The 30,000 square foot house is a symphony in rough-hewn timbers and stone. It features hand-hammered metal hinges, hardware, and lighting fixtures, leaded glass doors and windows, painted murals, various sizes and colors of brick and tile by important art tile manufacturers, and built-in or commissioned furniture by leading interior design firm William French of St. Paul, as well as a master suite completely outfitted with Gustav Stickley furniture. This makes the house an extraordinary example of early 20th century trends in architecture and interior design. Congdon Castle, as it is commonly called, remains in the family and is remarkably preserved, from its lookout tower with sleeping porch down to its indoor swimming pool and the smallest details of kitchens and bathrooms.

Tour includes roundtrip bus transportation from Seattle, guided tour and buffet luncheon, time to enjoy the patio and grounds, and a tour of other significant residential districts and buildings in Yakima with expert guide Kelsey Doncaster, including the Mission Revival Northern Pacific Depot by Reed & Stem and the exquisite Art Deco A.E. Larson Building (1931).

Supported by Seattle Office of Arts & Culture

Photo: Westhome (Congdon’s Castle) / Credit: Lawrence Kreisman.

Cost:
$200 general public / $175 members / $100 students
Includes coach transportation, lunch and guided tours (some interiors).

Refund policy: Full refunds (less $25 service fee) will be made for cancellations made prior to August 1. There are no refunds for cancellations after August, unless your space(s) can be filled with another participant. Historic Seattle reserves the right to cancel this trip with full refund if the minimum number of participants has not enrolled by July 1.

Registration for this event has closed due to limited capacity.