You can also simply relax in our parlor in front of the fireplace. In warm weather you can read a book, enjoy a glass of wine or cup of tea, or even take a nap on our wrap around veranda.

History of the Kirk House

Born in England near the Scottish border in 1840, Peter Kirk began to exhibit his early business

acumen running the family iron business.

When the process for manufacturing steel was discovered in 1856, Kirk responded by founding Kirk Bros. And Co., and by 1865 was successful enough to build his estate, Bankfield. Kirk's reputation for hospitality grew as rapidly as his business. In 1884 he patented the first iron (instead of wood) tie for train tracks, known as a "sleeper" and immediately shipped 160,000 of these to Bombay, India.

In 1886, prompted by reports of iron deposits in the Snoqualmie Mountains, Kirk came to Seattle to establish the Great Western Iron & Steel Company. Lime is an essential component in the production of steel. At the time most productive lime kilns were located on San Juan Island. So began Peter Kirk's love affair with the island. After sending for his wife and eight children, the Kirk's set up housekeeping first at their mansion, Fir Grove, in Kirkland (just east of Seattle) before moving to the islands full time.

Kirk first built a 500 acre hunting estate called Deer Lodge at the north end of the island. But following the tragic deaths of his daughter and then his beloved wife, Kirk could no longer remain in such a large home. In 1907 he built a small, elegant home just outside the growing town of Friday Harbor. It was there, in this peaceful setting, that Kirk spent what he says were the best years of his successful life. He died peacefully in the house in 1916. Funeral services were held in the parlor.

The house was bought in 1992 with the intent of maintaining it as a single family home. Upon consultation with local architect David Waldron, it was decided that the renovations required to accommodate a family with small children would seriously compromise the historical and architectural integrity of the house. Therefore, it was decided to make the house a bed & breakfast.

The original floor plan was adapted to meet the needs of guests with minimal interruption to the flow pattern. The original kitchen and dining room were converted into deluxe guest rooms, existing bedrooms had private baths added and Kirk's office, once a screened porch, became a kitchen. Every effort was made to retain or incorporate original materials and details.

The exterior of the house has seen little revision. Sitting ontwo-thirds of an acre, the house is joined by a garage and what was originally a stable or tack room. The latter has been remodeled to serve as the owners' residence. The shingles and woodwork were originally brown as depicted in an undated photo of the house. Currently, the house colors are two shades of historically correct pale green with white trim and woodwork. The roof-line has a definite Japanese influence. A veranda wraps two sides of the house and supports pillars with the recurring Japanese lines. The foundation of the house is island-quarried granite or limestone.

Reserve the Kirk House for Special Events

Book our beautiful parlor for baby and wedding showers, birthday or anniversary parties, etc. We are happy to assist with planning by providing names of caterers, rental places, etc. Contact us for rates.

       Christmas, 2006