The Residence
The Residence
Designed by Seattle architect J. Lister Holmes in the 18th-century French tradition, the Residence was once the home of Prentice and Virginia Bloedel. Visitors may tour the first floor dining room, living room, and library during regular hours. An exhibit explains the early history of the land, as well as the conservation vision that inspired Prentice and Virginia Bloedel to create the Reserve. The fresh floral arrangements throughout the house are created by Bloedel staff using flowers from the Bloedel Reserve cutting garden. The back veranda overlooks the Bluff for a stunning view of the Puget Sound. From the back lawn, just past the impressive copper beech tree, a short flight of stairs leads to the trail that winds through the Birch Garden, the Bluff, and the Rhododendron Glen.
Visitors please note: Restrooms and water fountains are available at the Residence; the Residence closes 1-hour before the gardens close.
Residence Landscape Renovation
Bloedel Reserve is an ever-changing landscape, embracing evolving horticultural and cultural practices. As such, renovations to the Residence landscape are underway in the fall of 2024, beginning with the removal of the boxwood hedges (Buxus sempervirens) that line the front of the building. Climate-stressed in this location, these plants have proved to be disease prone and high maintenance.
Upon removal, we will let the garden beds stand bare for 1-month in preparation for a late fall planting scheme that honors past and present landscape design elements. This restrained plant palette highlights French lavender (Lavandula) bushes interspersed with perennials.
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