1859 Ashton Villa
1859 Ashton Villa
4.5
About
Built by James M. Brown, Ashton Villa was the first of many. Not only was it the first house to ever be built on Broadway Boulevard, but it was also the first mansion to be built on the island and one of the first private brick residences in Galveston. Construction of the house began in 1858. It was a gift for his wife, Rebecca Ashton Stoddard. The family moved into the home on New Year's Eve day, 1859. Ashton Villa was saved from demolition in 1970. Galveston Historical Foundation took charge of restoring the house, and after four years of work and research, it was opened to the public in 1974. Although it retains only a few pieces of original furnishings, her architectural details are still intact, as well as many of the paintings executed by Mr. Brown's daughter, Betty. The City of Galveston transferred ownership of the house to GHF in Galveston Historical Foundation. It is currently available as . special event rental.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
49 reviews
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TheLeongOhana
United States7,575 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
Compared to my previous visits this villa is now available for special events only and not open to the public. The previous visitor center was moved to the Strand.
It was well maintained (home and landscaping) and in good condition. It was one of the first brick buildings erected in Galveston.
At the end of the garden, a historic statue commemorating The Emancipation Declaration effectivity date and the subsequent Juneteenth holiday. It was not on the original proclamation site as it was moved here.
It was well maintained (home and landscaping) and in good condition. It was one of the first brick buildings erected in Galveston.
At the end of the garden, a historic statue commemorating The Emancipation Declaration effectivity date and the subsequent Juneteenth holiday. It was not on the original proclamation site as it was moved here.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
litllitllauren
Gorham, ME5 contributions
May 2011
Came from Maine with my sister..was excited to see the Ashton Villa as we had read so much about it. Was told that the Historical Society of Galveston is no longer allowing public tours. Very discouraging. Unless there is structural damage to the Ashton Villa it should be enjoyed by all. This is a large piece of history being denied to the public. Was told that only parties for the elite will be held there. So sorry folks without sufficient funds you will be denied access.
Written May 20, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BBtraveler19806
Humble, TX234 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
Another great Victorian Mansion, if you can I advise going to Pier 21 and seeing "The Great Storm" you will get so much more out of the homes tours. You will understand why you only see half a fence and why the lower level of the home is now underground.
Written December 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rita H
Waco, TX47 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
A part of the fiber and history of Galveston. Monument to the grandeur of Galveston's past. History buffs and antique lovers will be impressed. Children, maybe not so much.
Written March 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TroyceW
1 contribution
Sadly, the Historical society only has this open for reserved tours for Halloween. Take it as its a great house with the fascinating history of Miss Betty Brown, who was a bit of the Auntie Mame of Galveston. We miss touring it other times of the year, but at least there's a chance during the October ghost tour season.
Written June 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karenh112016
Lake Jackson, TX2 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
Beautiful home , we had a magical experience . Loved every moment. We knew the first moment we saw it that was where we wanted to have our daughters wedding, and it didn't disappoint . The planning process was effortless as well. Thank you Galveston historical society for helping save these treasured home for people like us to enjoy and celebrate life's precious moments.
Written October 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa B
Texas1,519 contributions
Sep 2015 • Family
This is a beautiful home on the exterior. Not much on the inside. Its more of an information site. The people were not very friendly or helpful and seemed to want to be left alone. Its worth a quick look.
Written August 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
itchybergerac
Glasgow, UK86 contributions
Enjoyed this attraction during our visit to the area last year. The name of it caught my eye but unfortunately there was no history to do with 007.
Written May 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hippie558
Austin, TX77 contributions
Dec 2012 • Friends
Great house and the tour guide had wonderful tidbits of information on the Great Storm and the day--to-day life of the people that lived there. I actually bought a book on the history of Galveston it was so fascinating....
Written August 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LPR19
Fort Worth, TX31 contributions
Feb 2013 • Business
Take your time to enjoy this beautiful home! It's remarkable how they built such gorgeous homes in Galveston! We enjoy the tour over and over plus driving down the city streets looking at all of the colorful homes that have been updated since the last hurricane. Fun to do!
Written May 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you still catch the Cool Tours bus at this location?
Written March 11, 2015
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