A Contract, a Dream, and 33 Windows

Tod Working
5 days ago
2 min read

As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary at Natchitoches Bed and Breakfast, we invite you to discover the charm of the Judge Porter House. This home is more than just a place to stay; it is a unique historical gem and a highlight of things to do in Natchitoches. The story of this home is truly a story of a contract, a dream, and 33 windows that have looked out over our city for over a century.

Whether you are visiting for our annual festivals or exploring the National Historic District, the Judge Porter House offers a captivating look into the area's history.

A Contract, a Dream, and 33 Windows: The Story of the Judge Porter House

History by the Numbers

In our archives sits a copy of the original handwritten contract from 1912, showing that this 3,000-square-foot masterpiece was built for exactly $1,620.00. To achieve this in just three months, Thomas Fitzgerald Porter recycled the sturdy 1800s lumber from the Blunt Lodge Hall to build the frame and the original heart pine floors we walk on today.

An Eclectic Masterpiece

The "Judge"—a title given to Thomas by a respectful community—designed this home for his wife Wilhelmina and their four children. It is a stunning example of eclectic Turn of the Century architecture, blending Queen Anne wraparound galleries with the colossal columns and brick pillars of the Colonial Revival style.

With 11.5-foot ceilings and 33 windows (15 of them over 8 feet tall!), the house was built for air, light, and easy access to the gallery.

A Chain of Caretakers

A historic home is only as good as the people who love it. From the Kirsh family’s two-decade stewardship to the vital restoration by Mark and Sharon Rachal in the late 80s, every owner has been a link in a chain that led to Tod Working purchasing the home in 1994 and officially opening our doors as a Bed and Breakfast in 1996.

For 30 years, Tod Working and Manager Angela Price (a 14-year veteran of the inn!) have worked to honor that original vision. Thomas and Wila may rest in the Historic American Cemetery nearby, but the legacy of a contract, a dream, and 33 windows has never looked better.

Join Us in Natchitoches

We invite you to come and be a part of this enduring legacy. Walk across our original heart pine floors, stand under the oaks the Judge planted, and see why the Judge Porter House remains a perfect destination for history enthusiasts.