Buying a Victorian Home - Historical Significance

Humboldt County is known for its picturesque natural scenery, historic towns, and unique architecture. The Victorian architecture in Eureka, Ferndale and Arcata has been known to catches many peoples eyes, and in some people, it starts a lifelong journey looking for the dream Victorian home to live in or restore.  This section of the website is dedicated to Victorian homes and buildings for sale.  These homes, many built in the late 1800s and early 1900s are still standing today.  Even historically significant rare jewels get listed in the Humboldt real estate market every once in awhile, starting around a million depending on the size, condition and historical significance, however that price could easily grow astronomically, depending on what exactly is being listed.   To get you acquainted with some of our historic buildings, a list of some of the more prominent buildings, builders and architects of some of the more famous examples of Victorian Architecture is available later in the article. Don't forget to check other cities, like Fortuna, Loleta.

Price Ranges for Victorian Homes in Eureka, Ferndale and Arcata

The price of a Victorian home in Humboldt County varies depending on several factors, including the size of the home, its condition, and its location. On the low end, you can find Victorian homes in need of significant renovation or in less desirable areas for around $200,000 to $300,000. On the high end, some of the most notable historic Victorian homes in the county can sell from $1 million - $2 million dollars. However, the approximate price range for a well-maintained Victorian home in a desirable area is around $550,000 to $900,000.

There is still a good market for buyers and sellers of high quality, modest, Victorian homes in Humboldt, so if you're in the market for a Victorian home, this is an excellent place to start your search.  With its well-preserved historic towns, numerous Victorian homes and unique architecture, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a Victorian you can fix-up, or a turnkey, beautifully restored home, Humboldt County can provide you with a match.  Even if you're looking for something extremely rare or special or something very significant historic value, you can potentially find it here as some of our most famous Victorian homes go on the market occasionally.

You will want to know ahead of your search: your budget, whether you are willing to do any restorations, or if it needs to be turnkey?  Finally, ask yourself if you want a house with significant historical value, or just a modest but nice Victorian home for your family? Depending on your answer to those questions, you'll end up with a smaller or larger house, or one with less unique features.

Towns with the Most Victorian Homes and Buildings

Several towns in Humboldt County have a large number of Victorian homes, including Eureka, the county seat, which has the largest concentration of Victorian homes in the county, many of them located in the historic Old Town district. Ferndale, a small town just south of Eureka has the second largest number of Victorians and is known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and has been designated a California Historical Landmark. Arcata, a college town located to the north of Eureka, also has several beautiful Victorian homes, particularly in the downtown area.

Notable Builders, Designers, and Architects

Humboldt is home to several prestigious and historic Victorian homes and buildings that are worth mentioning. The Carson Mansion, located in Eureka, is undoubtedly the most famous Victorian home in the county and is considered one of the most significant examples of Victorian architecture in the country. Other notable Victorian homes include the Pink Lady (which was recently on the market), a bright pink Victorian located in Eureka, and the Ingomar Club, a private social club housed in a beautiful Victorian mansion in Eureka. The Ferndale Cemetery, with its ornate and elaborate Victorian-era monuments, is also a must-see for anyone interested in Victorian architecture.

Many of the Victorian homes in Humboldt County were built by prominent local builders, designers, and architects of the time. Some of the most significant include Albert W. Smith, William H. Weeks, and Franklin George. Smith was a prolific builder who constructed many homes and buildings in Eureka and the surrounding area, including the Carson Mansion, one of the most famous and grandest Victorian homes in the county. Weeks was a prominent architect who designed many homes and buildings in Humboldt County, including the Ferndale Museum and several homes in Ferndale. George was another notable architect who designed the Vance Hotel in Eureka and several homes in the area.

List of Historic Victorians and The Builders / Designers

William B. Faville - Faville was a prominent architect in the early 20th century who designed several notable buildings in Eureka, including the Humboldt County Courthouse, the Eureka Theater, and the First Presbyterian Church.

George Ferris - Ferris was a prolific builder in Eureka who constructed many homes and buildings in the early 1900s. He is best known for building the Ferris Mansion, a beautiful Queen Anne-style Victorian located in the Henderson Center neighborhood of Eureka.

John M. Curtis - Curtis was an architect and builder who designed and constructed many homes and buildings in Humboldt County in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He is best known for building the Vance Hotel in Eureka, which is now a historic landmark.

James and Merritt Reid - The Reid brothers were a pair of architects who designed many buildings in California, including several notable structures in Eureka. They designed the Eureka Inn, a historic hotel in Eureka that is now closed, as well as the Pink Lady, a striking Victorian home also located in Eureka.

Julia Morgan - Although she is most famous for designing Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Julia Morgan also designed several buildings in Humboldt County, including the Women's Club building in Eureka and several homes in the area.

Bernard Maybeck - Maybeck was a prominent architect in the early 1900s who designed several buildings in California, including the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. He also designed several homes in Humboldt County, including the Elbridge T. Gale House in Eureka.

Ferndale Victorian Village - Step back in Time

Ferndale is well-known for its many well-preserved Victorian-era buildings, particularly in the downtown area. These are just a few examples of the many beautiful Victorian buildings that can be found in Ferndale. Whether you're strolling through the downtown area or exploring the town's many historic homes and buildings, there's no shortage of stunning Victorian architecture to admire in Ferndale. Here are some notable Victorian buildings in Ferndale:

The Ferndale Museum - Housed in a beautiful Queen Anne-style Victorian building, the Ferndale Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the town's history. The building itself is a work of art, with intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and other ornate details.

The Victorian Inn - This charming bed and breakfast is located in a stunning Victorian mansion that dates back to 1890. The building has been beautifully restored and features period furnishings and decor, making it a popular destination for visitors to Ferndale.

The Shaw House Inn - Another popular bed and breakfast in Ferndale, the Shaw House Inn is housed in a magnificent Italianate-style Victorian mansion that was built in 1854. The building has been lovingly restored and features many original details, including ornate woodwork and a beautiful wrap-around porch.

The Ferndale Meat Company - This historic building was once a butcher shop and now houses a popular restaurant and brewery. The building's original brick facade and Victorian-era details have been carefully preserved, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

The Ferndale Repertory Theatre - Housed in a stunning Victorian building that was once a church, the Ferndale Repertory Theatre is a beloved cultural institution in the town. The building's beautiful stained glass windows and soaring ceilings make it a stunning venue for plays and other performances.

We serve both Buyers and Sellers. Call us today at 707-677-1600 or read more: Seller Listing Package

Feel free to reach out and introduce yourself to us and let us know what you're looking for if you are home shopping or house hunting. If you're selling, we may also be able to help. Call us today and find out if our services can be helpful to you, or for more information on seller services, check out listing package details here: Listing Package for Sellers details page.

If you'd like to view any of these properties on this page in person, please contact our team here: contact form.  Please include the address of the property you are interested in seeing. Or for faster service, call the office directly at  (707) 677-1600 and talk with an agent today.