Bell House (Colonial Beach, Virginia) facts for kids
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Bell House
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Bell House, June 2012
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 821 Irving Ave., Colonial Beach, Virginia |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1883-1885 |
| Architectural style | Stick/eastlake |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000692 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 21, 1987 |
Bell House is a special historic home. It is also known as the summer home of Alexander Graham Bell. This famous house is in Colonial Beach, Virginia, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. It's a great example of old American architecture.
What is Bell House?
Bell House is a two-and-a-half-story building. It has five sections across its front. The house was built between 1883 and 1885. It was first built for Helen and Colonel J.O.P. Burnside.
Its Unique Style
The house shows off a style called Stick Style or Stick-Eastlake. This style was popular in the late 1800s. It uses wooden boards, or "sticks," on the outside walls. These boards create patterns. They make the house look interesting.
The house has a porch that wraps around it. This porch has fancy turned posts. It also has decorative sawn brackets. These are cut wooden pieces that look like lace. A central tower sticks out from the house. It has a pyramid-shaped roof. There is also a small balcony on the tower.
Who Lived Here?
The famous inventor Alexander Graham Bell owned this house. He is known for inventing the telephone. Bell inherited the property in 1907. He got it from his father, Alexander Melville Bell. His father had bought the house in 1886. Alexander Graham Bell kept the house until 1918. It was a place where he could relax during the summer.
Protecting History
Bell House is very important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This list helps protect historic buildings. It makes sure they are kept safe for future generations.
