Our History

David B. Fotheringham was just 27 when he moved to Spokane Falls in 1883 with his wife, Mary. He soon established himself as one of the area's most prominent building contractors and a community leader. In 1891, at the age of 35, he was elected as Spokane's first mayor. In that same year he built his home in Browne's Addition, where he lived off and on with his family until 1915. Fotheringham also built the Patrick “Patsy” Clark Mansion to the west, as well as other notable homes, schools, office buildings, hotels and the distinctive Spokane County Courthouse.

This late Queen Anne-style residence has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since July 30, 1976 and has been a Primary Site in Browne's Addition National Historic District since July 8, 1985. There are tin ceilings in many rooms and hard and soft wood floors throughout. At one time the house contained an Otis elevator that ran between the first and second floors. The curved glass window and newel post lamp that adorn the foyer, the carved fireplace with its unusual tile façade and the intricate ball and spindle fretwork in the parlor entry and on the open staircase are original.

The Fotheringham House became a Bed and Breakfast in 1984. Decorated with period European and mid-Victorian American walnut furniture, the home retains its Victorian charm. In 1993, the exterior was lovingly restored, including the installation of a new slate roof and the addition of a six-color, Painted Ladies color scheme. 1996 saw the restoration of the turret, which had been removed in the 1950's under odd circumstances. The owners, having experienced roof leaks in the turret, had given instructions to a roofing contractor to repair the leaks while they were away for a short vacation. They returned home to find the problem solved, the contractor beaming with pleasure and the turret lying on its side on the front lawn!

The gardens are a well-known feature of the home. Found among the flora are Victorian era cutting flowers, hostas, ferns, roses, lavender, irises, coral-bells, bleeding heart and more. A shade garden sits beneath the spruce tree and adjacent seating areas allow guests to enjoy the beautiful grounds, fountains and the bird sanctuary.

The Fotheringham House received the Residential Historic Preservation Award from the Eastern Washington Historical Society in 1994 and 1997, the Inland Northwest Home Award for Restoration from The Spokesman Review in 1995 and 1997, and the Washington State Award of Merit for Rehabilitation from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation in 1998.

OUR GARDENS

YOUR HOSTS