The Judge Porter House Legacy

A Historical Gem in Natchitoches

Discover the charm of the Judge Porter House Bed and Breakfast, a unique historical gem among the things to do in Natchitoches. Built in 1912, this beautifully restored home features elegant accommodations with four bedrooms, two parlors, and a guest house. Located in the National Historic District, the house is surrounded by majestic oak trees and offers a captivating look into the area's history. Whether you're visiting for the annual Fall Pilgrimage or simply exploring the district, the Judge Porter House provides a memorable experience—a perfect destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

The Foundation (1912)

The story of 321 Second Street is a masterclass in early 20th-century ingenuity. Built in 1912 by Thomas Fitzgerald Porter (born 1861) and his wife Wilhelmina "Wila" (born 1866), the house is an architectural masterpiece of the eclectic style common for the Turn of the Century. The home’s design is a beautiful blend of influences: the two-story gallery that wraps around two sides of the house suggests a strong Queen Anne influence, while the colossal columns resting on brick pillars reflect the Colonial Revival style.

According to the original handwritten contract—a prized piece of our archives—the 3,000-square-foot home was completed in just three months at a total cost of $1,620.00. To achieve this, the Judge dismantled and recycled the seasoned 19th-century timbers of the Blunt Lodge Hall, which previously sat on the property. This ensured the very "bones" of the house, including the original heart pine floors, were rooted in Natchitoches history long before the first brick was laid.

Design and Detail

Inside, the home features soaring 11.5-foot ceilings and five original fireplaces. The Judge strategically designed the home with 33 windows, 15 of which stand over eight feet tall. These were built to serve as passageways, allowing the family to step directly from their rooms onto the wraparound gallery to catch the evening breeze under the lofty live oaks hand-planted by the Judge himself.

A Century of Stewardship

The house has been meticulously cared for by only a few families over its 114-year history:

• The Porter Family (1912–1963): Built by Thomas and Wila; held by their daughter Louisa Elizabeth "Betty" Porter until 1963.

• The Kirsh Family (1963–1987): Charles E. Kirsh and family preserved the home as a landmark for 24 years.

• The Rachal Restoration (1987–1994): Mark and Sharon Rachal undertook a monumental restoration of the 1912 structure.

• Tod Working (1994–Present): After purchasing the home in 1994, Tod restored the property to its full glory, officially opening the Judge Porter House Bed and Breakfast in June 1996.

Today, the Judge Porter House stands not just as a monument to the past, but as a living testament to over a century of meticulous care—a legacy we are honored to continue as we welcome the next generation of travelers into the heart of Natchitoches history.