The historic Victorian Belle Mansion was built in 1885 as a gift from David Cole to his wife, Amanda. Cole was a ship captain who later owned a chain of local hardware and lumber stores. The house is said to be one of the first in Portland to have running hot and cold water, central heating, interior electricity, and a windmill-powered water pump.

When David was away on business, Amanda would often wander alone through the halls of her gilded house. Who knows what secrets she took with her to the grave? The Victorian Belle staff believe she still lingers in her beloved home, often making her presence known with the unexplained movement of furniture.

Sword and Veil honors Amanda Cole with Ayla Réalta’s angelic vocals paying homage as the Singing Ghost of the Belle.

The house now holds historical artifacts from the 19th and early 20th centuries: antique furniture, art, vintage photographs, lithographs, and much more.

Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the mansion has much of its original interiors, along with numerous Povey stained glass windows. The Victorian Belle is located just 10 minutes from downtown Portland in the Kenton neighborhood.