The Scofield House

Scofield House Bed and Breakfast

A Bit of Scofield House History

In 1902, Herbert C. "Bert" Scofield, built the grandest house in Sturgeon Bay. In 1987, it was restored to its former grandeur and became Door County's "most elegant high Victorian bed and breakfast."

The Scofield name has been prominent in Door County history since the 1850's. Bert's father, Charles, founded the Scofield Company and operated three saw mills in the county while becoming the largest manufacturer of shingles in the state. Charles served in the state legislature and was the first mayor of Sturgeon Bay, serving three terms.

Bert was also elected mayor in 1899 and 1901. His hardware business was quite prosperous, due in large part to his wife Augusta's participation in the business. Her refined tastes influenced the selection of merchandise. Fine Bavarian china, delicate crystal and sterling silver shared shelf space with more mundane household and hardware items. Cook stoves, washers, steam engines, tools, nails, seed and everything else needed by the lady of the house, shipyard, tradesman or farmer, was stocked by the Scofield Company.

The house that Bert and "Gussie" built reflected the affluence of the Scofield's. Beveled crystal and stained glass windows, door and window frames were heavily ornamented with hand carved oak bows, ribbons, swags and flowers. Gleaming hardwood floors are accented with borders inlaid with geometric patterns of four and five different woods. Today, guests are immersed in true Victorian ambience. From the old world craftsmanship, to the collection of superb antique furnishings, heirlooms and Scofield family memorabilia, images of a time past and things remembered become reality at the Scofield House.

History of Sturgeon Bay

Since the 1850s when the first settlers came to Door County, they chose the Sturgeon Bay area as their center of commerce. This has left the city with cultural influences that stem from all parts of the county.

The city is situated at the midpoint of the nearly 90 mile long Door County peninsula [Door County has more than 250 miles of shoreline and 10 lighthouses; more than any other county in the United States]. The city is named for the long, fish-shaped bay it borders.

The settlement grew as sawmills, stores, and quarries of limestone were developed. The area's potential was realized in the 1880s, when a canal linking Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan was completed. This allowed ships a shortcut, as well as eliminated the treacherous journey through Ports Des Morts [Death's Door] Strait, which is located between the northern tip of the Door Peninsula and Washington Island.

Sturgeon Bay continues to grow and prosper. Today naval ships, working ships, and luxury yachts are built for worldwide export, and the city supports a healthy tourist economy.

Sturgeon Bay provides an ideal location for a vacation, with its widest selection of speciality shops, fine restaurants and museums [all open year round], plus an easy drive to any of the Door County locations.