The James House was the first bed and breakfast in the Northwest, and continues today with its fine tradition of warmth and hospitality. There are eleven rooms available for rent, ten with private baths. Each room is uniquely decorated with period antiques. Most rooms have expansive water views, and all rooms have telephones with modem port.  Fresh cookies are baked nightly, and sherry is available as an evening aperitif. Your stay also includes a full breakfast prepared by our professional chef. Breakfast consists of a main entree, seasonal fruit, fresh baked scones or breads, juice and your choice of beverage.

The interior of the house has been exquisitely maintained and reflects Mr. James' love of fine woods and his attention to detail. The staircase was hand carved from wild cherry logs brought around Cape Horn. The floors are individually cut pieces of cherry, oak, and walnut... pieced together into intricate parquet blocks. Most of the hardware and fixtures are in original condition.

The outside of The James House is as beautiful as the inside! From early spring until late fall, you can sit quietly and enjoy beautiful perennial gardens as well as breathtaking water and mountain views. Whether enjoying your morning coffee, reading a favorite book, or sipping on a late afternoon cocktail, you will find that this is indeed, a very special place! 

The Mount Rainier Room features a graceful antique mahogany queen size sleigh bed, has outstanding views of the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. Detached private shower bath. 
 

The Bay Room, a bright sunny room, is furnished in oak with a queen bed. The bay window with it's front water view, is a perfect place to relax and watch the boats sail by. Private shower bath.

The Olympic View Room features a beautiful hand painted garden mural. The queen bed is nestled under the bay windows to take advantage of the Olympic and water views. Private bath. 
 
 

The Master/Bridal Suite, the grandest room in the mansion has unsurpassed bay and mountain views. This romantic suite featuring a fireplace, sitting room and private balcony has been featured in many magazines, including Victoria, Victorian Homes, and Bride's Magazine.  Private bath with claw foot tub. 

The Chintz Room has beautifully hand carved antique oak furnishings featuring a queen bed and a private bath. With its great bay view and small private deck, enjoy the reflecting waters and fresh air of the Puget Sound. 
 

The Tapestry Room, a rich and inviting room, is furnished with an original cherry bedroom suite. It has a partial water view and a large private bath. 
 
 
 

Mary's Room looks over the garden and has a partial water view which can be enjoyed from a cozy window seat. Furnished in antiques and white wicker with queen feather bed. Private shower bath. 

 The Cascade has a large bedroom with queen bed, small sitting area, and fireplace. Adjacent to the bedroom is a large lounge area with queen sofa bed, and cable television. The suite has antique and wicker furnishings and looks out towards the water and side garden. Private bath. 
 

The Original Gardener's Cottage

The Original Gardener's Cottage has a private, secluded patio overlooking beautifully tended gardens. Furnished in wicker, this cheerful garden room has a queen bed, a twin day bed and cable TV. Private bath. 

The Olympic Garden Suite has a large bedroom with queen bed, small sitting area and antique parlor stove. Adjacent to the bedroom is a large lounge area with queen sofa bed, and cable television. The suite has cozy brick walls, antique and wicker furnishings with view out towards the water. Private bath. 

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The A Bungalow on the Bluff

A Bungalow on the Bluff offers a private romantic getaway for two with all of the amenities: spectacular water & mountain views, queen-size bed, wood burning fireplace, Jacuzzi tub, TV, VCR, telephone. Breakfast provided in suite. Lie in bed and enjoy the breathtaking view of the waters and mountains surrounding the historic seaport village of Port Townsend. 

Classic Country Inns of America
"The most substantial of the great houses was put up in 1889 by Francis Wilcox James...The House has a number of decorating blockbusters upstairs...Thanks to the high standards...The James House is once again the finest home in town." 

City of Dreams - A Guide to Port Townsend
"The first bed-and-breakfast inn in the Northwest, The James House is high Victorian both inside and out. Since its opening in 1973, it has served as the standard of the industry." 

Sunset Magazine
Voted "Best of the West" by readers and editors of Sunset Magazine, 1993. "This sturdy Queen Anne sits on a bluff with a view south down Puget Sound to Mount Rainier, from the Cascades to the Olympics." 

Guests Comments...

"Charm, graciousness and class – in the house and it's staff. Thank you!" 

"Absolutely fabulous. A treasured experience." 

"What a dream! We had the most wonderful week. The James House has spoiled me forever." 

"Back after 20 years! It's even lovelier than I had remembered!" 

"We are speechless! The perfect spot to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Thank you!" 

"A full moon over the bay, a great massage, wonderful breakfast – what a glorious two days we have had!" 

"Just delightful - all that we had hoped a B&B would be. It is like walking into one of my favorite storybooks." 

From the south (from Oregon, Olympia, etc.) Take Interstate 5 to Highway 101 and follow it north to Highway 20 into Port Townsend. 
From the Tacoma area Take Highway 16 over the Narrows Bridge toward Bremerton and follow the signs to the Hood Canal Bridge. Continue across the Hood Canal Bridge for approximately 4 miles. You'll see a sign for Port Townsend (1/2 mile ahead). Turn right toward Port Townsend (you're now on Beaver Valley road). Drive about 22 miles (through the town of Chimacum) and into Port Townsend. From the north or east (Seattle or north of Seattle) the map will help you to decide.
You may want to take one of three ferries:
1. The Keystone-Port Townsend ferry (if you are driving the length of Whidbey Island).
2. The Edmonds -Kingston ferry.
3. The Seattle-Bainbridge Island ferry (see below).
From SeaTac Airport  Using the ferry. Drive to Seattle (North on Interstate 5) and take the 4th Avenue Exit. Follow signs to the ferries. Be careful to watch, they are sometimes easy to miss. The drive from the airport to the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry takes about 25 minutes. From Seattle take the Bainbridge Island Ferry to Winslow on Bainbridge Island. The ferry ride takes about 35 minutes. The drive will take about 1 hour from the time you get off of the ferry to Port Townsend. As you get off the ferry, drive straight ahead. You'll go through a stop sign, through the town of Poulsbo and after approximately 13 miles you'll follow signs to the Hood Canal Bridge. Continue across the Hood Canal Bridge for approximately 4 miles. You'll see a sign for Port Townsend (1/2 mile ahead). Turn right toward Port Townsend (you're now on Beaver Valley road). Drive about 22 miles (through the town of Chimacum) and into Port Townsend.
Once in Port Townsend, To The James House Coming into town, go through the third stop light (at Kearney Street), and make the next immediate left (Washington Street) up the hill. Go 3 blocks. The James House is on the left overlooking the Whidbey Island ferry.