Photographs by Bellingham Media Group
Staging by Sandra Hurtley and Solveig Johnson
Some homes speak in whispers—of stories long lived and lives well loved. The Shields home, nestled in the heart of Ferndale, is one of those rare places. With its roots planted in 1905, this stately residence at 2234 Main Street consists of more than just beautiful architecture—it is a cherished piece of Whatcom County’s living history.
Designed by prominent Pacific Northwest architect Alfred Lee, known for Bellingham’s historic City Hall, the 3,842-square-foot home is set on nearly an acre of park-like grounds. With its graceful lines and timeless craftsmanship, it feels less like a structure and more like a storyteller—one who has watched the community grow and thrive.
In 1963, the home found its way into the care of Harlin and Dorice Hovander, part of the pioneering Hovander family. Dorice, a visionary agriculturalist and civic leader, championed the creation of beloved local parks like Hovander Homestead, Silver Lake, and Samish Lake Parks, as well as the Roeder Home. Under her guidance, the Shields home became a place of rootedness and reverence—a symbol of stewardship and thoughtful preservation.
Later, her daughter Molly Zimmerman and husband Lloyd Zimmerman took the torch, honoring the home’s original character while bringing it gently into the present day. Their work wasn’t about reinvention—it was about refinement. With a deep respect for history, they skillfully redesigned and expanded the exquisite spa bathroom to include a vaulted ceiling, a romantic slipper tub, heated floors, step-in tiled shower, and all new plumbing and electrical. The result is an elegant blend of old-world charm and modern luxury.
The kitchen, too, was reimagined with the same reverent touch—remodeled and updated with new plumbing and electrical, yet designed to feel timeless. The custom cabinetry, new appliances, beverage bar and pantry added modern conveniences with a nod to the home’s character. These improvements speak to a quiet kind of excellence: the kind that doesn’t announce itself, but rather enhances the home without altering its essence.
Even the details carry meaning. The garden fence, built with pickets replicated after the original Hovander Homestead, stands as a tribute to the family’s enduring legacy and connection to the past.
Across the grounds, you’ll find echoes of another era: a sweet playhouse, a garden gazebo, and “The Barn,” a shop that once housed Whatcom Brewery—the first of its kind in the county since Prohibition, according to Lloyd. With a bonus room and mother-in-law suite, the possibilities for multi-generational living or creative pursuits are endless.
Now, for the first time in over half a century, this remarkable property is being offered for sale. With every room thoughtfully preserved and every update made with intention, the Shields home is ready to welcome its next steward—someone who values legacy, beauty, and the enduring grace of a home built to stand the test of time.
More than a house, it is a story that tells of a legacy of craftsmanship, continuity, and community.
For more information on the Shields home, contact Chris Boyd, Compass Real Estate 360.319.6433 or Kristal Grimstead 360.441.2202
