Our History

Love that endures the test of time

The Victorian Belle Mansion

Where time stands still and graciousness is a way of life.

The historic Victorian Belle Mansion was built in 1885 as a gift from David Cole to his wife, Amanda. Constructed of lumber milled entirely on the property, the original building cost came to $8,000, a large sum in those days.

Cole owned a chain of local hardware and lumber stores. The house is said to be one of the first in Portland to have running hot and cold water, central heating, interior electricity, and a windmill-powered water pump.

The house now holds historical artifacts from the 19th and early 20th centuries: antique furniture, art, vintage photographs, lithographs, and much more.

Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the mansion has much of its original interiors, along with numerous Povey stained glass windows

The Victorian Belle was a private home until the 1990’s, when it was converted into an event venue.

The Victorian Belle Mansion was featured in The Oregonian. This lovely piece perfectly illustrates the storied past of the Victorian Belle Mansion. From the article: "Historians believe the Cole House was the first Portland-area residence to have indoor electricity and hot-and-cold running water supplied by a windmill-powered water pump." Another first: Rooms were vented to a wood-burning stove to provide central heating. A voice-powered intercom, similar to tube systems found on ships, summoned servants.

The second floor hallway of the Victorian Belle Mansion

The Venue

The beautiful Victorian Belle mansion and gardens will take your breath away.

The Food

In-house catering with uncompromising quality and attention to detail. 

Did you know the Victorian Belle (AKA the David C Cole House) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places?  Join us Friday, April 5th for a guided tour of the Belle to learn about the mansion, her past owners & their (mis)adventures, and what makes this property unique in Portland!  Tickets $10 on our website victorianbelle.com/shows-events/ or at the door.  Bubbles & bevs available from 6:00 to 6:15
Guided tour from 6:15 to 6:45
Explore the mansion and grounds from 6:45 to 7:30  @nationalregisternps #victorianhouse #victorianmansion #portlandhistory #pdxhistory #victorianweddingvenue #pdx #portlandoregon #oregon
Reservations are now open for our Mother’s Day weekend afternoon tea!  We feature pastries from @littlebananabakery and tea from @smithteamaker for an absolutely decadent Victorian tea service!  Call (503) 298 6884 for reservations  Seatings at 2:30, 3:00 & 3:30 and last 60-90 minutes. Browse the mansion and gardens after your tea service at your leisure.  $65-$70. More info on our website at victorianbelle.com/tea/  #mothersdaytea #pdxhightea #pdxevents #victorianhouse #victorianhightea #gardenparty #portlandevents
We’re hosting the BEST non-traditional & alternative wedding show with @beyondtheveil_events ! Seriously you don’t want to miss it.  Saturday, March 30th from 1:00 to 5:00.  Tickets on our website at victorianbelle.com/shows-events/  #victorianweddingvenue #pdxweddingvenue #pdxevents #altwedding #nontraditionalwedding #keepportlandweird
Join us on Sunday, April 7th for our Historical Fashion Afternoon Tea! We’re excited to welcome a presentation of women’s fashion modeling styles from 1800 to 1960. The fashion show will follow tea service, after which you may explore the mansion and gardens!  Seatings at 1:30 and 4:00.
$70  Pastries by @littlebananabakery and tea from @smithteamaker  #hightea #pdxhightea #victorianhouse #victorianfashion #victorianteaparty #portland #portlandfashion #historicportland #portlandweddingvenue
In honor of Women’s History Month, we present Amanda Cole:  The historic Victorian Belle Mansion was built in 1885 as a gift from David C Cole to his wife, Amanda. Constructed of lumber milled entirely from the property, the original building costs came to $8000, a large sum in those days.  #victorianhouse #victorianwoman #1885 #womenshistorymonth #portlandhistory #portlandwomen #portlandweddingvenue

One of Portland's best wedding venues, the Victorian Belle Mansion is a private 2.5-acre estate located just 10 minutes from downtown, and 20 minutes from Portland International Airport (PDX).