Fordyce Roper House, Ashland
The Fordyce Roper House, also known as the Southern Oregon Hospital, stands as a testament to Ashland's rich architectural heritage and storied past. Constructed in 1886 on East Main Street, the house was one of twelve fine residences erected that year, boasting the distinction of being the most expensive among them. Originally built for Fordyce and Julia Roper, the house showcases the distinctive characteristics of the Eastlake architectural style, characterized by its intricate woodwork and ornate details.
Fordyce Roper, a miller hailing from Kern County, California, relocated to Ashland in 1884 and purchased the Ashland Flour Mill. As one of Ashland's wealthiest citizens, Roper played a significant role in the community and served as a member of the State Normal School Board of Regents. In 1899, the property changed hands when it was sold to Jane Sather from San Francisco, who later donated it to the University of California. Subsequently, H. G. Enders, a prominent Ashland developer, acquired the house and leased it to serve various purposes, including as Southern Oregon Hospital and later as Ashland's sanitarium.
In 1910, the Fordyce Roper House underwent a significant transformation when it was relocated uphill to its current location, marking the beginning of Ashland's commercial district development on Main Street. Despite enduring several disastrous fires and changes in ownership, the building has retained its historic charm and architectural integrity. In 1983, the property was purchased by its present owners, who embarked on a meticulous restoration project to refurbish it as The Winchester Inn, a beloved bed and breakfast establishment popular among Ashland theatergoers due to its proximity to Festival theaters.
Today, the Fordyce Roper House stands as a cherished landmark in Ashland, offering guests a glimpse into the town's rich history and providing a welcoming retreat for visitors to the area.
Fordyce Roper, a miller hailing from Kern County, California, relocated to Ashland in 1884 and purchased the Ashland Flour Mill. As one of Ashland's wealthiest citizens, Roper played a significant role in the community and served as a member of the State Normal School Board of Regents. In 1899, the property changed hands when it was sold to Jane Sather from San Francisco, who later donated it to the University of California. Subsequently, H. G. Enders, a prominent Ashland developer, acquired the house and leased it to serve various purposes, including as Southern Oregon Hospital and later as Ashland's sanitarium.
In 1910, the Fordyce Roper House underwent a significant transformation when it was relocated uphill to its current location, marking the beginning of Ashland's commercial district development on Main Street. Despite enduring several disastrous fires and changes in ownership, the building has retained its historic charm and architectural integrity. In 1983, the property was purchased by its present owners, who embarked on a meticulous restoration project to refurbish it as The Winchester Inn, a beloved bed and breakfast establishment popular among Ashland theatergoers due to its proximity to Festival theaters.
Today, the Fordyce Roper House stands as a cherished landmark in Ashland, offering guests a glimpse into the town's rich history and providing a welcoming retreat for visitors to the area.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ashland. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Fordyce Roper House on Map
Sight Name: Fordyce Roper House
Sight Location: Ashland, USA (See walking tours in Ashland)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ashland, USA (See walking tours in Ashland)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ashland, Oregon
Create Your Own Walk in Ashland
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ashland is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ashalnd Introduction Walking Tour
A cultural destination in Southern Oregon's picturesque Rogue Valley, the city of Ashland is surrounded by stunning natural spaces. There's more than one reason to visit here, including world-famous Shakespeare productions and expansive 100-acre urban parks. Other popular things to do include indulging in the region's agriculture and spending the day out shopping and dining in a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Ashland Historical Houses Walking Tour
From graceful Victorian-era residences to imposing public edifices, the architectural marvels in Ashland provide insight into the city's development over the years. Downtown Ashland is marked by traditional architecture, set within a quaint valley, that retains an overarching rural ambiance. Boasting a plethora of old dwellings, it represents a remarkable example of exceptional preservation... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles