The 1905 Telegraph Office: Historic Charm, views, location Downtown
About this house rental
Located in Seward, this charming house for $505 per night is a fantastic choice for your next vacation. Downtown location, Beautiful Views from front your porch Historic Feel National Register Property Cable Office in Seward, Alaska, United States, is a building that served as a telegraph office that connected Seward with communications in the rest of the United States. The cable office was constructed in 1905 by the U.S. Army Signal Corps as part of the Washington–Alaska Military Cable and Telegraph System (WAMCATS). Telegraph service from the lower states first connected to Valdez, Alaska. In summer 1905, submarine cable was extended from Valdez to Seward. The first message over the line was to A. C. Frost, president of the Alaska Central Railway, who was in Chicago: 'This first message transmitted over Alaska Cable connects Seward from this day to the great city of Chicago.' Among initial regular users of the telegraph line was the local newspaper, the Seward Daily Gateway. In August 1905, owner Frank Ballaine began featuring the previous day's news from the Coterminous United States in his paper. Before the telegraph line, outside news arrived via steam ship days or weeks later. The office was operated by Army personnel. The front room of the building was open to the public who could send and receive messages. The central part of the ground floor served as the operator's station, while workers lived on the second floor. Service continued until an earthquake severed the line in 1934. By that time, radio communication had been established by the Navy and the telegraph line was not replaced. The government retained ownership until 1961. Since then, the building has served as a private residence and rented apartments. We are now offering lodging in this wonderful home. Completely renovated bathrooms, fresh interior paint and charming period touches throughout and a beautiful, historic exterior as well. The house is set up similar to a duplex, with the GOVT. CABLE OFFICE downstairs (2 bedroom/3 bath, kitchen, living room and a wonderful covered porch. The upstairs is the original lodging with a completely separate entrance. This is a 2 bedroom/1 bath. This is referred to as the TELEGRAPH HOUSE QUARTERS (also on VRBO). Both have some wonderful views and a 1905 historic feel. You may rent both the top and bottom (depending on availability) or try both on different occasions! Walking distance to the Sealife Center, dining and shopping and the waterfront. You'll love the location, the parking and the views right from your front porch! -Proprietors Tanguy and Marcella Libbrecht
Amenities
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Balcony / Patio
TV
Family friendly
Map of Seward, AK
Reviews
4.7/5.0
Outstanding(113 Reviews)
5.0
Again, Tanguy has aided us in creating great family memories and a comfortable stay. He worked with me in figuring out how to accommodate us and I truly appreciate it. Mostly everything we needed to cook and get cozy was provided, the view as always, soothing and the location unbeatable.
10.0
We found this easy to live.
5.0
This was the perfect location, size, and view for our family of 5. Just a block or two from restaurants, a cafe, a mini grocery, and most importantly - the water.
10.0
Beautiful historic home makes comfortable place to stay in Seward. Walking distance to waterfront, shopping and dining. Would stay again if ever back to Alaska!
5.0
Beautiful historic home makes comfortable place to stay in Seward. Walking distance to waterfront, shopping and dining. Would stay again if ever back to Alaska!
10.0
B.
5.0
B.
8.0
The host was friendly, communicative and helpful. We loved the location and the charm of this old house. Unfortunately, the beds were just as old. With the footboard, the bed was too short and very uncomfortable. Aside from that, our stay was pleasant.
10.0
We enjoyed our stay at the Telegraph House. Plenty of space for 2 couples. Clean and comfortable. Would recommend!
5.0
We enjoyed our stay at the Telegraph House. Plenty of space for 2 couples. Clean and comfortable. Would recommend!
5.0
Good location close to park, public library & museum, and sea life center. Easy walk to harbor. Big well-stocked kitchen plus a gas grill on the front porch. Fish market in town!
We were quite pleased.
4.0
The host was friendly, communicative and helpful. We loved the location and the charm of this old house. Unfortunately, the beds were just as old. With the footboard, the bed was too short and very uncomfortable. Aside from that, our stay was pleasant.
5.0
We found this easy to live.
5.0
Great location downtown just off the shore. Easy walking to just about everywhere in town. Host was very responsive. Also made great suggestion of a hike to see wildlife. Old house that had character.
5.0
This was as advertised. Decent size for our family of five and had everything we needed, except a washer and dryer. The place was clean and was located within walking distance of the water, several restaurants, shops and the Sea Life Center. Good communication from the host. Was a great launching point for our brief stay in Seward!
10.0
1905 home. Great history. Alot of memorabilia. Nicely furnished. Loved the nostalgia.
5.0
1905 home. Great history. Alot of memorabilia. Nicely furnished. Loved the nostalgia.
5.0
Great stay, close to everything and Sebastian was so great to work with!
4.0
This quaint property is located so close to the waterfront that you can almost taste the salt water. Plus it’s just around the corner from the Main Street area and the Sealife Center.
It’s got a well appointed kitchen and furnishings. We rented the entire first floor and, while perhaps not large enough for two couples (one bed is a double), it would be good for a family with kids as the sofa has a queen bed.
10.0
Nice bit of Alaska history. Clean, comfortable and great location. Host was wonderful!
5.0
Nice bit of Alaska history. Clean, comfortable and great location. Host was wonderful!
5.0
We really enjoyed our stay at the Telegraph House! The accommodations were nice and we really liked all the vintage items and articles. Thanks for the great place to stay in beautiful Seward!
5.0
Delightful historic home within walking distance of everything in downtown Seward.
10.0
Great location, spacious unit, helpful host(s).
5.0
Great location, spacious unit, helpful host(s).
5.0
We enjoyed our weekend in this cute, historic house in Seward. The location was excellent. The kids loved the short walk to the playground and the SeaLife center! The harbor area is just a very short drive away but also walkable if you wanted. The trail along the water is beautiful. We loved seeing all the older things decorating the home. We had everything we needed for our stay. If there are guests staying above you during your stay you will hear them, just something to keep in mind. The bigger bed in the back room has a pretty dated mattress... But it wasn't unbearable. Overall we'd recommend it and would stay again.
4.0
Charming historical home looked exactly as pictured online, really fun antique furniture and decor. The kitchen was well stalked with cookware, dishes, some condiments and a few cooking ingredients. The location is fabulous - within a short walking distance to downtown Seward and also the ocean. The owner communicated directions and key codes well so coming and going was easy. The bedding itself was comfy but the beds were not. Mattresses both were soft and weak and especially the queen bed sloped to the middle to where only one person could sleep in it so we had two end up in the full, which was only a bit firmer. Initially we were bombarded with chemicals from air fresheners throughout the house but once we found all of them and set them out on the porch and cracked a couple windows we were able to air out the house and it smelled fine without all those. And the towels smelled like stale smoke once they got damp. But other than those things it was a very enjoyable place to stay and we would consider staying there again.
5.0
A great stay in a historic building.
5.0
Quaint historic home and a perfect location in Seward!
5.0
Great location nice house with the charm of old time. Well equipped kitchen
5.0
Perfect location. Charming, historic home. Very roomy and comfortable. Nice amenities provided. Could walk all over downtown! Great shopping, coffee and restaurants! We loved it!
5.0
We enjoyed our stay here very much! Unique home with an interesting history.
4.0
Enjoyed our stay, perfect location. Need to be aware people may be renting upstairs
5.0
Perfect location for our 2 nights in Seward. Would recommend. Clean and cozy.
5.0
Nice place, accommodated our family very well. Clean and well kept.
10.0
This is a super 2 bedroom, 2 bath property in a convenient location in Seward. The exterior needs some upkeep and the yard needs some maintenance but the interior was charming and was a welcome change from hotels or cabins.
5.0
This is a super 2 bedroom, 2 bath property in a convenient location in Seward. The exterior needs some upkeep and the yard needs some maintenance but the interior was charming and was a welcome change from hotels or cabins.
5.0
Historic Stop in Seward
This is a super 2 bedroom, 2 bath property in a convenient location in Seward. The exterior needs some upkeep and the yard needs some maintenance but the interior was charming and was a welcome change from hotels or cabins.
4.0
We enjoyed the beautiful antiques, the location right in town, and the space.
4.0
Nice to stay at historical house!
We enjoyed the beautiful antiques, the location right in town, and the space.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Seward?
The average price for a rental in Seward is $311 per night. This rental is $194 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at The 1905 Telegraph Office: Historic Charm, views, location Downtown. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is The 1905 Telegraph Office: Historic Charm, views, location Downtown pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at The 1905 Telegraph Office: Historic Charm, views, location Downtown?
We found 6 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, balcony / patio, and tv.
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