In 1892, Manresa Castle was built as a private residence for Charles Eisenbeis, more commonly known as the city’s first mayor. It is located in the beautiful city of Port Townsend. At the time, it was the largest residence ever built in the city, with 30 rooms. After Charles’ death, the house remained unoccupied for 20 years asides from its caretaker.
In 1927 the building was bought by Jesuit priests, who gave it the name “Manresa Castle.” Currently, it is a hotel and offers services such as elegant wedding services and versatile meeting rooms. Also in Washington: The Ann Starrett Mansion, which is also located in Port Townsend, is known for being the iconic pink palace.
Maine - Olson House
What used to be an old farmhouse is now a public house museum operated by the Farnsworth Art Museum. Extraordinary artwork occupies the house, but perhaps Andrew Wyeth’s 1948 painting "Christina’s World" is the most famous. The painting, along with other works by Wyeth, was influenced by the home itself and the farmstead setting.
The house is a prime example of Greek Revival architecture and was originally a 14-room colonial farmhouse. It was the Wyeth's Summer home, and held a special place in Andrew Wyeth's heart. Also in Maine: The Victoria Mansion is an Italian villa-style mansion that displays how the high-status demographic lived before the Civil War.
Colorado - Margaret “Molly” Brown’s Home
Many celebrities have elaborate mansions all over the country, but Margaret “Molly” Brown’s home is a little different from the rest. Not only is it famous for being her home, but the Victorian architecture also became a museum. However, the threat of urban renewal put the house in danger of being taken down. In 1970, a successful plea was made to save the home, and thankfully, we can still visit it today.
Also in Colorado: The Sleeper House, aka The Sculptured House, is located in Golden, Colorado. Its futuristic, elliptical structure made an appearance in a Woody Allen film in 1973, which gave it its fame.
Oregon - The Pittock Mansion
Oregon Trail pioneers Georgiana and Henry Pittock lived in this reputable mansion for only a short period of time (1914-1919) before they, unfortunately, passed away. The two were huge influences in the development of the city years prior to living in the house. For example, Henry worked several years as a publisher of the Portland Oregonian.
After the house was put on the market in 1958, it stood empty for years. It was badly damaged in the Columbus Day Storm of 1962, and residents implored the city to buy it and turn it into a public space. In 1965, it opened as a museum. Also in Oregon: The Watzek House, built in 1935, is a modern home that is clearly years ahead of its time, stylistically.
Utah - The Beehive House
Located in Salt Lake City, this home was built in 1854 for Mormon leader Brigham Young. This house is uniquely named after the beehive structure on the top of the house. Eventually, the house became too small for Young’s overwhelming family size, but it still holds as one of the most unique pieces of architecture to this day.
After it ceased being a private residence, the home operated as a boarding house for young women, run by the Mormon Church. In 1961 the house was restored to its original look and opened as a museum. Also in Utah: Iconic Butch Cassidy’s childhood home is a popular tourist attraction, as his parents were some of the state’s first Mormon settlers.