A Queen Anne Masterpiece Hidden in a Park-Like Setting

The Bennett–Williams House:“The Crown Jewel” of The Dalles

Known historically as the Bennett–Williams House, this 1890 (NRHP records say 1899) Queen Anne Victorian is arguably the most significant residential landmark in the Columbia River Gorge.

Perched on a 1.38-acre lot that feels like a private park, it was built for Judge Alfred S. Bennett, a prominent lawyer and Oregon Supreme Court Justice.

This isn’t just a house; it’s a 6,334 sq. ft. piece of Oregon’s legal and social history. From the 4th-floor ballroom that hosted high-society soirées to the secret cupola platform where Judge Bennett used binoculars to track riverboat traffic, every corner of this estate tells a story.

With a recent $53,000 price drop, this “Crown Jewel” is now positioned as a rare opportunity for a luxury family compound or a high-end Bed & Breakfast.

Property Snapshot

• Price: $897,000 ($142/sq. ft. — well below replacement cost!) 📉

• Location: 608 W 6th St, The Dalles, OR 97058 📍

• Beds/Baths: 7 🛏️ / 4.5 🛁

• Square Footage: 6,334 sq. ft. 📐

• Acreage: 1.38 Acres on Mill Creek 🌳

• Key Asset: 3-car carriage house with a semi-finished ADU loft.

Architectural & Historic Highlights

• Master Craftsmanship: 11 ft ceilings, original mahogany and oak woodwork, and working pocket doors.

• The Ballroom: The entire 4th floor is a wide-open finished ballroom, rare for Victorian homes in this region.

• Modern Comfort: Unlike many historic estates, this has been fully retrofitted with Central HVAC, a major “quality of life” upgrade.

• Heritage Status: Individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), ensuring its legacy is protected.

Investment & “Due Diligence” Insights

If you are considering this as a Bed & Breakfast or Short-Term Rental (STR), here is the critical “due diligence” context for 2025:

1. Oregon Historic Tax Benefit: Because it is on the National Register, you may be eligible for the Special Assessment of Historic Property Program. This can freeze the assessed value of the property for 10 years, potentially saving you thousands in property taxes while you renovate or operate a business.

2. The Dalles STR Ordinance (2025 Update): The City of The Dalles recently updated its Short-Term Rental laws.

   • Proximity Rule: New STRs must be at least 300 feet from existing ones in residential zones.

   • Parking Exemption: Historic properties can apply for an exemption from the “one parking spot per guest room” requirement, which is a massive win for a 7-bedroom home.

3. Income Potential: The carriage house loft has separate power, making it an ideal “on-site manager” unit or a separate long-term rental to offset the mortgage.

A Legacy of the Gorge

The home’s secondary namesakes, the Williams family, were the owners of the iconic A.M. Williams & Co. department store. Their creative influence is still felt in the home’s vibrant interiors and salvaged decor from local landmarks like St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Would you like me to find the specific Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) application for the 10-year property tax freeze to see if this property is currently enrolled?

From Zillow