Ashton Villa

• An 1859 Italianate style residence, that served as the local Confederate and then Federal military headquarters for Texas during the Civil War.

Mediterranean style architecture. European materials.

Ashton Villa Mansion is a, 3 story, palace-like structure, built by a proud, wealthy hardware businessman, James Brown, who believed in showing his wealth. This royal residence thought to be the first all brick home built in Texas, was fit for royalty and took 4 years to build from 1861 to 1865. The showplace of this glorious Italianate Villa was and is the ornate, formal living room, called The Gold Room, located near an alcove, within the spacious every day living room. There is a grand, center stairway that connects the floors, with the customary landings on each floor.

Ashton Villa is sometimes called the "most haunted building in America" mostly due to it's most notorious resident Miss Bettie Brown, James Brown's daughter. Bettie Brown grew up in an atmosphere of abundance of wealth, material goods, and extreme privilege. She was referred to by many during her time as the "Texas Princess." She spent most of her time collecting beautifully expensive objects and hosting grand parties.