Flavel House, Tea & Scones

Experience the leisure of a bygone era with a visit to the stately Flavel House. Now a museum, the house was built in 1885 for Captain George Flavel, Astoria's first millionaire and one of it's most prominent citizens. Today, this queen Anne-style home is a living tribute to the elegance of the Victorian period and the history of the Flavel family. Your guided tour begins at the pier and travels along Astoria's tree-lined streets. As you approach the Flavel House, you'll be immediately struck by the park-like grounds that cover an entire city block; many of the trees that surround the home were planted by the Flavels over a century ago. This beautiful setting was also the site of many Hollywood movies including the 1980's hit The Goonies and Short Circuit. One of the best-preserved examples of Queen Anne architecture in the Northwest, Flavel House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On the outside, this stunning mansion boasts a decorative exterior, three-story octagon tower, impressive balconies and verandas. Inside, the approximate 11,600 square foot mansion features elegant woodwork, stained glass windows, and in-laid hardwood floors. As you walk into the grand entry, it's like stepping back into the 19th century. The first floor features 14-foot high ceilings, a formal parlor, music room, library, dining room, conservatory, kitchen and a butler's pantry. Climb up the winding wooden staircase to the second floor and you'll see the main bathroom (with an enclosed tin-plated copper bathtub), five bedrooms and a sewing room. The attic floor features two bedrooms that were used by the family's servants. The three-story tower provided the Captain a panoramic view of Astoria and the Columbia River. After your tour, you're invited to sit and relax in the parlor over a cup of tea and taste scones. Later, you'll have the opportunity to visit the restored Carriage House Gift Shop and purchase a souvenir of your visit before returning to the pier.