Make plans now to attend the 2013 Annual Spring Gala benifiting the Heritage Society of Washington County. Diner, drinks and dancing will prevail as the beautiful Heritage Belles are honored in the festive tradition. Get tickets by calling 979-836-1690.

When it’s time to throw a party in Washington County, residents recognize the Giddings Stone Mansion as one of the most convenient and beautiful venues in the area. Located in the heart of Brenham, the Mansion boasts a stately view from one of the highest hilltops in the region.

The Giddings Stone Mansion is the perfect venue for weddings, receptions, parties, events, and meetings.

The interior can accommodate 200 people for a stand-up buffet style event  and 150 for a seated dinner.  Many couples take advantage of the spacious porches for additional seating.

In addition to the stunning interior space, the grounds are perfect for outdoor parties and can accommodate a 1,000-person tent. Triple hung windows throughout the house allow easy passage between the inside of the house and the gated porches. This arrangement is perfect for allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and spectacular views.

Beautiful architectural details are the perfect backdrop for your special event.

Most hosts use the cozy kitchen area to hold and serve food prepared by off-site caterers. Downstairs you will find the gentlemen’s parlor, the ladies’ parlor, a dining room, and a large meeting space.  The beautifully carved cantilevered mahogany staircase leads to the second story, where you will find six rooms, including the office and original furniture of JD Giddings. Rooms can be closed off to serve groups of 10 up to 200. There are two restrooms downstairs and three restrooms upstairs for your guests’ convenience.

The Giddings Stone Mansion is a property of the Heritage Society of Washington County, formed in 1976 for the purpose of preserving both the Giddings Stone Mansion and the Giddings Wilkins House, built in 1843 by JD Giddings. The Giddings family chose the site of the mansion because it was the highest known point in the area, an advantage for avoiding mosquitoes, which carried malaria during the 1800s. The Mansion claims to be the first home west of the Mississippi to have central heat and electricity. The porches were built using imported brick from St. Louis. The Doric columns were added in 1896.

Little Known Fact: Mr. JD Giddings and his brother, DC Giddings, came to this area from Pennsylvania when their younger brother was killed in the battle of San Jacinto. As part of his war settlement, the youngest brother was entitled to land in this area of Texas. The older brothers were attorneys and bankers and came to claim the land here in Texas. They are known for several entrepreneurial endeavors in the area, the most well-known accomplishment being the railroad they built between Brenham and the town of Giddings.

Contact the Heritage Society of Washington County and learn more about this beautiful venue.  Details and information can also be found on their website.

Call: 979-836-1690

Email: mansionbrenham@gmail.com

Mail: P.O. Box 1123, Brenham, TX 77834

Visit!: 2203 Century Circle, Brenham, Texas 77833

Tours

The Heritage Society of Washington County loves to share the two beautiful Giddings properties! Their docents will be happy to meet you and show you through these grand old homes.  Group tours of 10 or more are given Monday-Friday for $10 per person with a minimum charge of $50.00 for small groups of 2-4.  If you plan a weekend in Brenham, they can frequently accomodate a private tour with sufficient notice.  If you are interested in touring one or both houses, complete the information below, contact them by phone, or email for dates and availability.

Directions to the Giddings Stone Mansion

From Houston: Take Hwy 290 West from Houston to Business 290 Brenham. Turn left on Stone Street, and an immediate left on Heritage Drive. Follow the road up to the Giddings Stone Mansion.

From Austin: Take Hwy 290 East from Austin to Brenham. Turn right on Market Street, right on Stone Street, and an immediate left on Heritage Drive. Follow the road up to the Giddings Stone Mansion.

From San Antonio: Take I10 to Flatonia, pick up FM 609 to La Grange, then travel Hwy 71 to Hwy 290 East to Brenham. Turn right on Market Street, right on Stone Street, and an immediate left on Heritage Drive. Follow the road up to the Giddings Stone Mansion.

The Heritage Society of Washington County has acquired a new home! The historic Ross-Carroll-Bennett house has long been a Brenham landmark and favorite of historians and tourists. David and Bill Bennett, sons of the late Howard and Lucy Bennett, have recently donated the property to the Heritage Society.

The house will be featured in the annual Holiday Home Tour and Trunk Show November 16-18. Although it was a highlight of home tours dating back to the 1970’s, the house has not been on the tour since 2008. It is fully furnished with period antiques, many of which were original Ross Carroll furniture.

The 3-story white Victorian was built in 1898 by Mr. and Mrs. John Ross. Their daughter, Mrs. J. V. Carroll, subsequently lived in the house and raised her family there. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett bought the home in 1970 and did much of the restoration themselves.

Built of cypress wood scored to simulate stone blocks, the house has 10 rooms, including 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. For information on the Holiday Home Tour and Trunk Show,  call 979-836-1690. Tickets are available at the Giddings Stone Mansion, 2203 Century Circle, tour headquarters and site of the Trunk Show.

Pictured are the front entry hall, parlor, dining room, downstairs circular alcove, master bedroom and circular alcove, and the upstairs “pink bedroom.”

ENTRY HALL:  The paneling on the stairway and hall wainscoting are sections of curly pine and rare reeded panels. The 5-framed mirror, pier mirror, and bustle bench are Ross Carroll furniture. The marble top credenza with petticoat mirrors is 19^th century English. The large burnished copper electrolier features 4 gas lights with chain regulator and 4 electric lights.

PARLOR: The rosewood Empire sofa is and the square rosewood grand piano are Ross Carroll pieces as well as the tapestry, which was found nailed over the rafters in the attic, where the Ross family hosted parties and dances. The house was actually constructed around the grand piano, which was also in the attic until 2010. It was necessary to remove attic windows to get the piano out of the attic. It was then restored by Howard Bennett and placed in the parlor.

Antiques added by the Bennett’s include the 1830’s rosewood butler’s table, velvet tete-a-tete, Grand Sonnerie French clock, and early Victorian balloon back chairs, French Louis XVI brocade chairs, and 1855 Rococo Rival chair.

DINING ROOM: Leaded stained glass windows have jeweled inserts, cut and beveled. The dining room table, chairs, buffet, china cabinet, and server are Queen Anne and original Ross Carroll furniture, as are several pieces of china and crystal.

DOWNSTAIRS ALCOVE: This circular alcove off the family parlor is framed by fretwork designed to resemble a peacock and features an 1880’s fall-front desk, thought to be an original Brenham piece, small organ, and picture of Mrs. Ross.

UPSTAIRS PINK BEDROOM: The 3-piece matched walnut bedroom suite is 1870’s Renaissance Revival, and, as well as the Lincoln rocker and fainting couch, are Ross Carroll pieces.

MASTER SUITE:  The bed, marble top dresser and armorer are Bennett furniture. Other noteworthy pieces are the child’s wicker settee, 1760’s walnut table, Chippendale dressing table, hand painted “Gone with the Wind” lamp, and the green velvet lounge, known as a “Hussy Bench.”