The Bell House

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Address

821 Irving Ave, Colonial Beach, VA 22443

Listed hours

Private residence — exterior viewing only from the street

A National Register of Historic Places landmark and Virginia Historic Landmark. Built in 1883 for Colonel J.O.P. Burnside (son of Civil War General Ambrose Burnside), the house was purchased by Alexander Melville Bell in 1886 as a summer retreat. His son, Alexander Graham Bell — inventor of the telephone — inherited it in 1907 and used it until 1918. Local legend holds that Bell flew experimental kites and 'flying machines' from the widow's walk balcony. The beautiful Victorian Stick Style structure still stands majestically on Irving Avenue.

Listed hours can change. Check with the business before travelling.