Ready to step back in time? Join me on a journey through Idaho’s most charming historic homes, each with its own quirks and stories.
From Boise’s grand old buildings to Pocatello’s cozy little gems, these homes aren’t just places to live, they’re windows into the past. Every house is like meeting an old friend, each one with a distinct personality.
You’ll find yourself imagining what life was like there, maybe even picturing yourself with a cup of tea on the porch (or, you know, pretending you’re the historical figure who once lived there).
1. Bishop’s House – Boise
This house doesn’t just sit in Boise, it reigns. With its towering turrets and intricate woodwork, it looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Its lush garden whispers tales of summer garden parties that might have once graced its lawns. Inside, the home is filled with the kind of charm that makes you want to twirl around in an Edwardian gown.
History buffs might find themselves lost in time here, while others are simply charmed by the visual spectacle. It’s a place where every corner has a story, and every story is a delight to discover.
2. Standrod House – Pocatello
Standing proud, this Tudor-style home offers a tempting glimpse into the past. Its steep gables and neatly manicured lawn suggest a life of quiet elegance.
Inside, you might find yourself daydreaming about afternoon teas in rooms that echo with laughter of days gone by. The atmosphere is both grand and inviting, a combination that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re drawn by its architectural grace or its inviting aura, this house has a way of making you feel right at home the moment you step inside.
3. McConnell Mansion – Moscow
This mansion exudes an air of historical grandeur that’s hard to ignore. With its ornate detailing and spacious porch, it’s as if the house is gently urging you to pause and take it all in.
Each room tells its own story, echoing with whispers of the past that make you linger a little longer.
The mansion’s charm is not just in its looks, but in the way it feels alive, as if it still remembers the families who have called it home.
4. W.A. Clark Mansion – Butte
This mansion in Butte is more than just a home, it’s a statement. Boasting a copper roof that glints in the sunlight, it’s a sight to behold.
The sprawling gardens add a touch of tranquility, offering a perfect spot to relax and reflect. Inside, the house exudes an old-world charm that invites exploration and admiration.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates beauty, this mansion promises an experience that is both enriching and inspiring.
5. Thomas Healy House – Boise
There’s something wonderfully inviting about this brick home. The ivy-clad walls seem to whisper secrets of the past, while the charming front porch beckons you to sit and stay awhile.
Cozy rooms provide a comforting embrace, perfect for unwinding after a long day. It’s a home that feels lived in and loved, where every nook and cranny has a tale to tell.
Whether you’re a fan of history or just someone looking for a warm and inviting place, this house offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
6. I.O.O.F. Hall – Silver City
This hall offers more than meets the eye. With its rustic façade, it stands as a testament to a bygone era. Step inside, and the old-world charm wraps around you like a familiar blanket.
It’s a place that feels as though it has witnessed countless stories, each one adding to its rich tapestry. The atmosphere is both mysterious and inviting, drawing you in to explore further.
For those with a keen sense of curiosity and a love for history, this hall promises an adventure that is both intriguing and rewarding.
7. James H. Brady House – Pocatello
The wrap-around porch is perfect for lazy afternoons, while the large windows invite ample sunlight to flood the interiors.
The house feels both grand and intimate. Each room has a unique character, offering a sense of discovery as you make your way through the house.
It’s an abode that welcomes you with open arms, making you feel like you’ve found your own little piece of paradise.
8. Basque Boarding House – Boise
This boarding house is like a time capsule of connection and community. Its traditional design makes you feel like you’ve wandered into a cozy piece of history, where everything just feels… warm.
Inside, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to strike up a conversation with a stranger or share a laugh over coffee. It’s not just a house, it’s a reminder of a simpler, friendlier time.
For anyone who craves a break from the fast pace of today, this place is like a little hug from the past.
9. Nathan Falk House – Boise
This mansion in Boise isn’t just a house, but a statement. From the grand entrance that practically rolls out the red carpet to the stunning woodwork that makes you feel like royalty.
Step inside, and it’s like walking through a living masterpiece. Each room has its own personality. The blend of history and beauty gives the place an air of inspiration, and honestly, it’s hard not to feel fancy just being there.
If you appreciate the finer things, this mansion is ready to give you the full VIP treatment.
10. Farnsworth TV Pioneer House – Rigby
This house in Rigby holds a special place in history. As the home of TV pioneer Philo Farnsworth, it boasts both vintage charm and historical significance.
The modest exterior belies the innovation that took place within its walls, a testament to the visionary spirit of its former inhabitant.
The vintage details add a touch of nostalgia, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. For those who appreciate innovation and history, this house offers a unique glimpse into the past.
11. Perkins House – Colfax
In Colfax, this colonial house stands as a beacon of historic charm. The serene landscape provides a picturesque setting, inviting you to enjoy the beauty of nature.
On the inside, the house exudes a sense of warmth and comfort, making you feel right at home. Each room offers its own unique story, creating a tapestry of history and charm.
For those who appreciate the beauty of the past and the peace of the present, this house offers a delightful escape from the everyday.
12. J.C. Fox Building – Idaho Falls
This building in Idaho Falls captures the imagination with its distinctive façade. Its rich history is evident in every detail, offering a glimpse into the past.
The building feels like a treasure trove of stories, each one adding to its charm and allure. It’s a place where history comes alive, inviting you to explore and discover.
For those who appreciate architecture and history, this building promises an experience that’s both enlightening and inspiring.
13. J.R. Simplot Mansion – Boise
Let’s talk about luxury done right. The Simplot Mansion in Boise isn’t just big. It’s the kind of place that makes you wonder if you’re underdressed just walking by.
The gardens look like they were designed for royalty, and the house itself is a mix of elegance and warmth that somehow works perfectly.
Every room feels like it’s waiting to impress you with some fancy detail. Honestly, if walls could brag, these ones absolutely would, and they’d have the right to.
14. John Green House – Fort Boise
Tucked away in Fort Boise, this place feels like it came straight out of a cozy daydream. It has that just-right mix of rustic charm and lived-in warmth that makes you want to kick off your shoes and stay awhile.
The inside wraps you up like your favorite sweater, and there’s this peaceful vibe that makes the outside world feel miles away.
It’s not flashy or over-the-top, just the kind of home that quietly says relax, you’re exactly where you need to be. Bonus: it probably smells like fresh-baked bread, even when it doesn’t.
15. Carnegie Library – Hailey
You don’t have to be a full-on bookworm to fall for the Carnegie Library in Hailey, but it definitely helps. The place has that old-school charm that makes you want to whisper, even when no one’s around.
With its classic design and shelves full of stories, it feels more like a cozy retreat than a library. Time slows down the second you walk in, and before you know it, you’re five chapters deep and forgetting what day it is.
Honestly, it’s less of a building and more of a quiet little time machine.