Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
In a word, The Colonel’s House is imposing. Not fearsomely imposing, just matter-of-fact imposing. If it gave you an order, you’d follow it. And, that makes sense given that this grand home once served as the field officer’s quarters for the commanding officer at Fort Casey. At least, that’s how I found it. No drama, just quiet leadership.
This venerable house, an emblem of historical elegance, military precision and architectural perseverance, was originally constructed in 1904. Then simply called “Building Number One” the house’s imposing porch overlooks what was then the fort’s parade grounds, the enlisted men’s barracks, and has a breathtaking view of where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets Puget Sound.
Today, the house is part of a larger ensemble managed by Seattle Pacific University, which includes the Camp Casey Conference Center and the nearby Fort Casey Inn. Teen-agers attending a retreat or kids at a soccer camp are now the occupants of the parade ground.
A New Mission
The house now has a new role, a retreat for families and couples looking for a memorable vacation or family reunion.
Jake Carlson, the director at Camp Casey Conference Center, describes the site with evident passion: “You can’t help but come around the corner here on Engle Road and just be taken up in that sweeping view across the parade field and seeing Admiralty Inlet and the water.”
The beauty of the Colonel’s House extends beyond its structure to the wildlife and natural landscapes that surround it. Jake recalls, “I was giving a tour to a group here actually just last month. And while we’re standing right here in this building, we look out in the water and we see a gray whale. And that’s the kind of stuff that you’re like, Wow, okay, we’ve got whales, we’ve got bald eagles, which we got plenty of. We’ve got tons of deer.”
History, Convenience, and a View
Inside, the home is a seamless blend of historical charm and modern convenience. A recent kitchen renovation ensures that it meets contemporary needs while remaining true to its roots. “A lot of what folks will experience here in the house is original, Much of it. Not all of it. The kitchen being one of them. The kitchen has been updated so that it has all the appliances that you might need and come to expect in a modern home,” explains Jake.
The sun porch, a favored spot among guests, offers a space to unwind and enjoy the surrounding views. “What we’ve found from guests, is where they end up spending most of the time is on that sun porch because you just want to sit there.” Jake remarks.
You can inquire about staying at the Colonel’s House here…
But, you’ll also want to get out and explore. A flat and inviting beach is steps away, and Fort Casey State Park is adjacent to the camp, along with Admiralty Head Lighthouse. Just steps north of the camp is a series of trails taking you through an old-growth forest. And four miles to the north is the historic town of Coupeville with restaurants, shops, a museum, and its iconic wharf.
A Transformative Experience
More than just a place to stay, the Colonel’s House aims to provide a transformative experience. Jake hopes that visitors will feel connected to a larger narrative, one that encompasses the past and invites reflection on their role in the present. “We’re hoping that this space offers a transformational experience in the sense that when you’re in this space, you can feel its history,” he explains.
Despite its age, the house remains robust, a characteristic that Jake is quick to point out. “I think after 120 some years, you could say it’s pretty tough… You’re walking up the stairs and you hear the stairs making some noise. The house possesses the kinds of noises that old homes tend to possess.”
Visiting the Colonel’s House offers more than just a scenic getaway; it is an immersion into a story that stretches back over a century. Jake encapsulates this sentiment, emphasizing the unique experience the house provides: “And I hope what they experience is that they’re part of a story that’s much larger than themselves, but that also includes them, that they’re integral characters of that story.”
Dive Deeper
Whidbey and Camano Islands are filled with cultural and historic touchstones. Learn more.
Jack Penland lives on Whidbey Island with his wife, Diane. Even though they’ve lived here for more than 20 years, they keep finding new adventures, places to explore, and food to try.