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Port Townsend Historical Sites

History > Historic Homes

Name: Engler House (neo-Victorian)
Year Built: 1990
Location: 1016 Holcomb
Area: Uptown Port Townsend

Tired of condo living, Allan and Barbara Engler built this neo-Victorian home in 1990. With Mrs. Engler's help, local designer and firefighter Tom Aumock drew up the plans, which awere later executed by builder Buzz Fisher of Sequim. Pink fish-scale shingles distinguish the one-floor cottage, which boasts nine-foot ceilings throughout, exept for the living froom ceiling, which is ten feet high. The front entrance and library doors came from Port Townsend antique dealer, Nils Starkey.

Furnishings include treasures collected by the owners from around the world. In his basement workshop Allan Engler fashioned the intricate "gingerbread" decorations, which help establish a Victorian look. He also made the decorative stained glass pieces, a notable one being the skylight in the powder room. The front entrance and library doors, as well as the old five-globe street lamp in the front courtyard, were found at local antique shops.

The master bathroom is papered and boasts a huge shower and heated towel rack, showing that the combination of Victorian-era design and modern amenities can coexist harmoniously. The wallpaper border in the master bedroom exactly matches the bedspread. This charming home was chosen for this year's Historic Homes Tour because it provides an interesting contrast between the 19th century homes on the tour and this modern interpretation.

Some data modified from the National Register Information System. Many descriptions used by permission of the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce. All material copyrighted by PTguide.com.