Our History.

The Forsstrom House is a Craftsman styled Modified American Foursquare built c. 1916 in an ambitious remodel of an older single story 1894 Victorian home. The remodel was spearheaded by Alli Forsstrom and paid for by Dr. Forsstrom.

The property at 305 Grand was purchased in March 1909 from Capt. Archibald Cann. The home faced the Columbia River, hence the Grand Avenue address. The one storyVictorian house had typical late Victorian features as seen by period photographs. It was built by Henry Thompson, Clatsop County Treasurer and his wife, Lucy Alice „LuLu“ Warren, daughter of D.K. and Sarah Warren of Warrenton. Lucy had acquired the property in October of 1893 for the consideration of one dollar from her parents to build a home on.

The Forsstroms relocated to Portland in 1911 and took out a building permit at 23rd and Irving in Portland. However, they returned to Astoria in 1912 and later planned a house renovation in the modern Craftsman style. The house was rotated in an east-west orientation and moved on the double lot. The house was stripped of Victorian ornamentation and bay windows. However, the Victorian floor plan of the first floor remains! A full second story and staircase were added. The original river rock fireplace was retained from the original home. There are now 15 rooms in a rectangular 30 x 60 foot floor plan with two stories and a full unfinished basement. A studio apartment with a private entrance is located on the basement level.

Architectural highlights include mahogany moldings and trim work in the main salon and grand stair case, five glass prism windows, beveled glass doors, high ceilings, radiator heat, service entry and staircase, original hardware and outdoor pergola. Dr. Forsstrom spared no expense with lovely architectural details. The house is full of antique and vintage furniture and furnishings. The owners of the Forsstrom House are life long antique collectors. It is the perfect setting for elegant Edwardian era ambiance and entertaining.

The People