Portland, Oregon · National Register of Historic Places
A Victorian landmark, welcoming guests since 1890.
Built by John Palmer in the Humboldt neighborhood and crowned with a corner turret and hand-carved cedar woodwork, the John Palmer House has sheltered a family, a conservatory of music, and generations of travelers — each leaving the ornate parlour a little more storied than before.
The House
Every room carries a hundred and thirty years of story.
Constructed on Lots 10 and 12 of the Multnomah Addition, the house was built board by board in cedar — square nails, V-edge shiplap, and a wraparound porch meant for slow evenings. It has been a family home, a music school, and a bed & breakfast; today it stands as one of Portland's most photographed Victorians.
Queen Anne Turret
A conical-roofed corner tower with a brass finial, original to Palmer's 1890 design.
See the full history →Three Historic Rooms
Each named for a chapter of the house's past, one with a private en-suite bath.
View the rooms →Garden Weddings
Small ceremonies and receptions beneath the old shade trees, as hosted for decades.
Plan your event →From the Archives
“A house built to be lived in loudly.”
For nearly three decades the parlour rang with violin and piano lessons as the Multnomah Conservatory of Music. Later, the Sauter family opened the doors as a bed & breakfast, filling the garden with wedding receptions. The house's story is still being written — you're invited to add a chapter.
Explore the timelinePlan Your Visit
Stay, celebrate, or simply come see the carving.
Book a Room
Daily and extended-stay rates for all three guest rooms, breakfast included.
Request dates →Host a Wedding
Intimate ceremonies for up to 60 guests in the garden or wraparound porch.
See event details →Get Directions
Find us on N Mississippi Avenue in Portland's Humboldt neighborhood.
Contact & map →