Blue Gables, 1920s Craftsman, Near Walla Walla University and Wine Country

Blue Gables is a fully renovated 1920s craftsman in College Place, Washington, one block from Walla Walla University and ten minutes from the vineyards of Walla Walla wine country. With four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and sleeping for nine, it is built for the kind of trip where you want a real house: kitchen dinners after a day of tasting, kids in the loft, grandparents in the downstairs suite, and an evening in a fenced backyard strung with lights.
The renovation preserved the original craftsman architecture while delivering a kitchen, bathrooms, and fixtures that feel completely new. Gold-framed arched mirrors run through all three bathrooms. The teal range is the kitchen's focal point. Brass globe chandeliers hang in every room. It is the rare historic house where nothing needs a workaround.

The Space
Blue Gables sits on a quiet residential block in College Place, a small city adjacent to Walla Walla that is anchored by Walla Walla University and surrounded by wine country. One block north is the university's Fine Arts Center. Half a block away is the Stead Alumni Center. Ten minutes by car puts you at the first winery. The location makes Blue Gables one of the most versatile properties in the valley: it handles the graduation trip, the parents weekend, the alumni reunion, and the wine country getaway with equal ease.
Built in the mid-1920s, the house was fully renovated while keeping the craftsman trim, peaked gables, and wide plank flooring that give it its name and its character.
LIVING ROOM
The main floor living room has the kind of warmth that makes a large group want to stay in. A decorative fireplace with a tile surround and craftsman mantle anchors one wall, with built-in shelving flanking it on both sides. Wide plank floors, a large woven area rug, and a globe chandelier overhead. The leather sofa and accent chairs seat the group comfortably, and the Roku smart TV is ready when the day of tasting is done. This room connects directly to the dining room, keeping the whole main floor open for group use.
KITCHEN
The kitchen was fully rebuilt with white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances throughout: a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, electric range, and over-the-range microwave. The teal range is the room's standout detail, a piece of personality in an otherwise classic white kitchen. Counter space is generous enough for real meal preparation, and the kitchen door opens directly to the backyard for easy indoor-outdoor flow. Both a drip coffee maker and a Keurig are available for morning starts.
DINING ROOM
The dining room connects the kitchen to the living space. An oval white dining table seats six under a brass chandelier with lamp-shade fixtures, set over a scalloped jute rug. The sight line into the kitchen keeps the cook in the conversation. For groups larger than six, the living room easily accommodates overflow with additional seating.
BEDROOMS
Bedroom 1: Downstairs King Suite
The main floor primary suite is the most accessible and private bedroom in the house. A king bed, a private en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, quartz vanity, and a gold arched mirror. A Roku smart TV is in this room as well. For guests who prefer to avoid the stairs, or for the couple in the group who wants some separation from the rest, this is the right room.
Bedroom 2: Upstairs King
The first of two upper floor king bedrooms. Slanted craftsman ceiling, hardwood floors, brass hardware, curtain rod installed, and a natural woven area rug. Quiet and removed from the main floor activity.
Bedroom 3: Upstairs King
The second king bedroom on the upper floor, same finish and design as Bedroom 2. White bed frame, paired nightstands with globe lamps, and windows on the quieter side of the house.
Bedroom 4: The Twin Loft
Three twin beds under a slanted ceiling with multiple windows, a boldly patterned woven rug, and the character that kids immediately claim. It also works well as a flexible overflow room for groups who need the extra beds. The slanted ceilings and loft feel make it the most distinctive room in the house.
BATHROOMS
All three bathrooms were renovated with the same consistent design: white shaker vanities, quartz countertops, gold hardware and fixtures, and gold-framed ornate arched mirrors throughout. The en-suite downstairs has a walk-in shower with a built-in seat. The second downstairs bathroom has a shower and tub combo. The upstairs bathroom also has a shower and tub. All three are fully stocked for your arrival.
BACKYARD
The backyard is accessed through the kitchen door and is fully fenced, with overhead string lights, outdoor seating, and open lawn space for cornhole or other lawn games. It is the right size for an evening with the group after a day of touring: not so large it feels empty, large enough to hold everyone comfortably. Pets are welcome and the fenced yard makes supervision easy.
LAUNDRY
A full-size top-loading washer and dryer are located on the upper floor in a dedicated laundry area, convenient for multi-night stays.

Location
College Place, Washington sits at the western edge of the Walla Walla Valley, one of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated American Viticultural Areas. The valley is home to more than 120 bonded wineries producing estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, and Rhone-style blends. Wine Spectator, Food and Wine, and Sunset have all covered the region's rise over the past two decades. Blue Gables puts you ten minutes from the nearest pour and fifteen minutes from Walla Walla's dense downtown tasting room district.
The house is also one of the best-positioned properties for families with ties to Walla Walla University. The Fine Arts Center is one block north. The Stead Alumni Center is half a block from the front door. The main administration building and the WWU Church are two to three blocks away. For graduation weekends and parents weekends, this is the address that puts you on campus without a hotel.
On foot from the front door:

Roger's Bakery (0.5 mile north on College Ave): Maple bars, apple fritters, and fresh donuts made daily. A ten-minute morning walk worth making.
Andy's Market (0.5 mile south on College Ave): Full grocery store and deli. Everything for a backyard dinner or a winery picnic without the big-box drive.

Ten minutes by car:

Patisserie: French-trained pastry and espresso, downtown Walla Walla.
Maple Counter: Local favorite for breakfast and brunch.
Graze: Seasonal ingredients, neighborhood feel, relaxed atmosphere.
Downtown Walla Walla tasting rooms: The valley's densest concentration of wineries in one walkable district.

Getting here:

Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW): 15 minutes. Direct flights from Seattle and Portland.
Rideshare availability is limited in College Place and Walla Walla. A rental car is strongly recommended.


Perfect For

Families visiting Walla Walla University for graduation, parents weekend, homecoming, or alumni events
Multi-generational family groups who need a first-floor suite alongside upstairs rooms for everyone else
Wine country touring groups wanting to share one full house instead of multiple hotel rooms
Extended family reunions with kitchen access, a dining table for six, and a fenced backyard
Couples groups celebrating milestones: anniversaries, birthdays, or a private bachelorette retreat
Shoulder-season getaways to Walla Walla Valley wine country in spring or fall harvest season
Sports or fine arts families visiting WWU for performances, competitions, or campus tours


Guest Access
Blue Gables is an entire private home. The full property is yours for the duration of your stay. Check-in is at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 10:00 AM. The property is managed by Oasis Escapes, a dedicated short-term rental management company. Your host is available by message and responds promptly. Six vehicles can park in the paved driveway.

Good to Know
The staircase to the upper floor is steep, with railings on both sides. Guests with limited mobility or young children will be most comfortable in the downstairs suite. The fireplace in the living room is decorative and not for use. No candles, open flames, or burning of any kind is permitted anywhere on the property. The backyard is fully fenced, making it safe for pets and younger children. Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM out of respect for the residential neighborhood.