Galveston’s Most Stunning Houses

Mansions, Victorians and Historic Landmarks Make this Home Tour Special

By Sharon L. Taylor // Apr 3, 2016

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The 1913 McDonald-Blake House at 1922 Avenue P, part of the 42nd Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour

Explore Galveston’s past and unique architectural heritage at the 42nd Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour, slated for April 30 and May 1, 7 and 8, 2016. Eight homes open their doors to the public this year, including one East End mansion that’s never been featured on the tour, plus a thrilling rehabilitation in progress.

Included are: the 1893 James S. and Violet H. Waters House, a grand Victorian residence (1116 Church Street); the circa-1870 Charles A. and Catherine C. Albertson House (2017 Avenue N 1/2), a classic example of post-Civil War construction; the 1905 Charles F. Marschner Building, which was designated a Texas Historic Landmark in 1996 (1914 Mechanic Street); the Craftsman-style 1913 McDonald-Blake House (1922 Avenue P); the 1883 Levy-Bowden House, a Victorian townhouse (1227 Winnie); the 1887 Howard L. and Kate B. Mather House, a Victorian home that resembles a Swiss chalet (1601 Ball Street); a post-1900 Storm Tenant Cottage (1309 15^th Street); the dormered 1888 Benjamin F. Barnes Tenant Cottage (818 Church); and a rehabilitation in progress, the 1915 H.W. Hildebrand Tenant House (3624 Avenue R 1/2). For more information about these properties, click here.

As always, the Galveston Historical Foundation complements the tour with special events, such as the History on Tap Dinner at the 1893 Waters House (Saturday, April 30), Mid-Century Modern Tour & Happy Hour (Saturday, May 7), Mother’s Day Brunch (Sunday, May 8), Antebellum Bicycle Tours (Saturday, April 30 and May 7), Cocktails on the Coast at Beachtown (Friday, April 29), a Houston Grand Opera Preview (Sunday, May 1) and a Rehab in Progress Tour & Lecture at the 1915 Hildebrand Tenant House (Saturday, May 7). Click here for more details and to RSVP.

Tickets for the Galveston Historic Homes Tour are $20 for GHF members, $25 in advance for nonmembers ($30 after April 30). Your ticket grants admission to all homes for all four days, 10 am to 6 pm. Purchase online, call 409.765.7834 or visit Houston-area Randalls locations or The Shop At The Palace (1402 Broadway, Galveston). Tickets will also be available at participating homes on tour days. (Note that tickets for the special events, as well as Early Bird Tour Tickets, can be purchased online only.)