Last week we took a much needed escape to Port Townsend, Washington. It was one of those unplanned, spur-of-the-moment trips. We didn’t really have the time to get away, considering our long list of “to-do’s”, but sometimes it is just necessary to take a time out for the sake of one’s sanity. That said, the two friends we brought along with us are no “saner” than we are so, needless to say, we had a hilarious time! One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to and personal tour of Manresa Castle in Port Townsend.
Fantastic right?
Then we stepped into the gorgeous lobby . . .
which leads into a front parlor sitting room . . .
. . . filled with fabulous antique furnishings.
Next stop on the main floor is a dance hall. Notice Mr. Dainty Dancer, AKA The Photo Bomber? Take a good look at him. At the end I’m going to ask you to tell me how many times you can spot him in this post.
After our tour of the main floor we headed upstairs in this antique and somewhat shaky elevator. Mr. OTN, and our friends Debbie and John are scared but trying to put up a brave front.
What does that say? Guest Elevator? Or is it Ghost Elevator? Goodbye guys! I’m taking the stairs! Haha! Just kidding.
We were given a peek into several of the rooms, all of which are available for nightly stays, and all with a view of either the water or the garden courtyard.
This bedroom is reported to be home to a few ghosts. Haha! I don’t believe in ghosts, do you?
This gorgeous bedroom is on the turret corner of the castle and has a wonderful sitting area. I’ll take this one please!
Heading down the hallway Mr. OTN asked our tour guide what these stairs led to and she told him it was the attic. “What’s up there?”, we ALL wanted to know. “Oh nothing, just some old furniture and stuff.” What? Just old furntiture and STUFF? Well, being that we had spent the entire car trip to Port Townsend hitting the junk stores you’d better believe we asked it we could go up and take a look!
Oh my goodness? What is this circle of chairs? Our tour guide told us that this is where the ghost hunters come to wait for ghosts. So silly!
What are you doing up there John?
John the dainty dancer, AKA The Photo Bomber, AKA The executioner? Oh my!
And yes, he was the only one who was willing to climb the ladder to the top of the turret to take this picture of Port Townsend and the harbor below.
Heading back downstairs we finished up with a tour of the restaurant.
Some more gorgeous windows.
I couldn’t resist throwing in a couple more pictures of these beautiful leaded glass windows,
and the amazing woodwork seen throughout the castle.
Here is one more view of Port Townsend from the front porch.
And a final look back. Wait . . . what’s that in the upper window?
Oh whew! It’s just our tour guide and her friend waving goodbye.
I hope you enjoyed the tour. For a link to the history of Manresa Castle you can click HERE. To check out the rooms and rates click on the link Manresa Castle.
Oh no! I almost forgot! How many times DID you see our photo bombing friend?
Blessings to you,
FrugalCraftyHome
VMG206, BeBetsy,TuesdaysAtOurHome
FunkyJunkInteriors, ClassyClutter, SixSistersStuff, It’sOverflowing, BeDifferentActNormal, TooMuchTimeOnMyHands
Looks like a fun place to visit. You took so many great photos to share. Good job!
Hi Patti, that’s a great spur of the moment trip. That’s such a beautiful castle. It looks more warm and personal than most castle I’d seen. I guest the just ghost stories add more spice to it especially in this season. I thought the story about circle of chair in the attic is interesting, spooky and yes, a bit silly. I think Mr. Photo Bomber made the trip more fun. Who would have the courage to sign himself up as executioner? And to take photos where no one dared to? 🙂 Thanks for the fun virtual tour.
Ha ha I counted him 6 times! That was a great tour- I enjoyed it. Those are my kinds of trips- we do them randomly and it always seems to turn out so good! That’s a beautiful castle and the furnishings are too. My mind is on your side of the country since my son is entertaining a job in Portland, Oregon and flying out there today. This looks like a great coastal city.
I believe I saw Mr. PhotoBomber 6 times! Thanks for sharing your pics; I really enjoyed seeing the antique furniture, stained glass windows and woodworking as well. I really would love to have that antique sideboard/buffett!
What a beautiful shot from the top of the turret!…gorgeous home with obviously “lots of visitors”…Glad you had a great time!
That sofa is TDF!
Isn’t it gorgeous?
Hi Patti!!!
What a great trip!!!
I’m in Vancouver, BC and I showed my Mr. your pictures and he said that it looks like
we found a great place to go for a weekend!! Now that’s what I want to hear!!!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful day with us!!!
Pam
That’s great Pam! We found that the off season prices are very reasonable and the town of Port Townsend is so much fun! Blessings to you, Patti
It’s always good to get away, even if just for a short time. Great tour of the beautiful castle. Looks like you all had a fabulous time!
Mary Alice
I’m am torn between wanting to stay here because I love the décor or being a little scared of the possibility of running into a ghost. I would definitely do a tour. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful home!
Sherry
How FUN!! I love old buildings!! I say I don’t believe in ghosts either…. so why does it give me the heebie-jeebies to see pics of haunted bedrooms? LOL!
Oh my goodness, how breathtaking! Thanks for sharing your photos! I feel like I’ve had a mini vacation. 🙂
Hello, we stayed at the Manresa Castle not too long ago and the power went out and we were given a behind the scenes tour in the dark. I saw a picture of the chairs in a circle in the attic. Just wondering if you knew that at one point the castle housed monks and one committed a sin and he moved to the attic where he hung himself from that very spot. The noose is there for a re-inactment that was on scariest places on earth. I know you said you don’t believe in ghosts, but I thought I would mention it. Also, people who stay in the room with the sitting area often say they can hear footsteps above them in the night, but never hear anyone going up the stairs to the attic. As you know those are some loud creaky steps. Nice pics by the way.