The 1886 John Bremond House: A Graceful Icon of Texas Victorian Architecture – FULL STORY
The John Bremond house in Austin is a 7000 square-foot house that was built in 1886 by John Bremond Jr., a prominent businessman, banker and volunteer firefighter who was the son of John Bremond, one of Austin’s first citizens and civic leaders. The house is one of 11 houses in the Bremond block. The houses were built from 1855 to 1910. I used to work catty-corner to this house and have walked past it countless times but have never been inside. It’s really quite something, as you can see. This photo was taken in the late 1970s but the house has been very well maintained and still looks like this. I’m guessing Mr. Bremond was pretty proud the day he moved in — and justifiably so. Photo courtesy the The Portal to Texas History.
Austin, Texas, is a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and unique architectural heritage. Among its many historic buildings, the John Bremond Jr. Mansion stands as a symbol of late 19th-century elegance and the prominence of the Bremond family in the city’s early development. This mansion, part of what is now called the Bremond Block Historic District, not only tells the story of one of Austin’s leading families but also serves as a window into the past, reflecting the social, economic, and architectural trends of its era.
The Bremond Family Legacy
The Bremond family, French immigrants who settled in Texas in the early 19th century, played a significant role in shaping Austin’s economic and social landscape. The family patriarch, Eugene Bremond, was a successful banker and businessman. His entrepreneurial spirit helped fuel Austin’s growth during the post-Civil War period, and his influence extended beyond business into civic affairs. However, it was his son, John Bremond Jr., who would come to build one of the most iconic residences in the city—the John Bremond Jr. Mansion.
The mansion was designed in the Queen Anne style, an architectural form popular in the United States during the late 19th century. Known for its asymmetry, intricate detailing, and eclectic mix of materials, the Queen Anne style was often used to convey opulence and grandeur. The John Bremond Jr. Mansion does this with aplomb, showcasing the wealth and refined taste of its owner.
Architectural Features
One of the most striking features of the John Bremond Jr. Mansion is its elaborate design, which perfectly captures the ornate characteristics of the Queen Anne style. The house is adorned with turrets, bay windows, and a wrap-around porch that offers an inviting space for relaxation while also acting as a visual focal point. The exterior of the mansion is marked by a combination of brick and wood, with detailed embellishments such as intricate woodwork, decorative brackets, and stained glass windows.
The interior of the mansion is equally impressive, with lavish finishes and detailing. High ceilings, carved wooden moldings, and elegant fireplaces grace many of the rooms. The use of rich materials like mahogany and oak adds to the luxurious feel of the home. The grand staircase, often a centerpiece in Queen Anne homes, greets visitors upon entry, symbolizing the mansion’s importance as a place for both living and entertaining.
The Bremond Block Historic District
The John Bremond Jr. Mansion is just one of several homes built by the Bremond family within the historic district that now bears their name. The Bremond Block consists of several other notable residences, including the Eugene Bremond House and the Walter Bremond House. Each of these homes reflects different styles and trends in architecture, from Greek Revival to Victorian, showcasing the evolution of architectural tastes over time.
The Bremond Block Historic District stands today as a unique urban enclave that provides a rare glimpse into the life and times of Austin’s elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a living testament to the city’s past, preserved amid the modern hustle and bustle of downtown Austin.
Historical Significance
The John Bremond Jr. Mansion and the surrounding Bremond Block tell the story of Austin’s transformation from a frontier town to a bustling urban center. The Bremonds were instrumental in this growth, contributing to the city’s development through banking, real estate, and civic involvement. The preservation of their homes allows us to understand the cultural and economic forces that shaped Austin during a pivotal period in its history.
The mansion itself is more than just a beautiful example of Queen Anne architecture—it represents the aspirations of a family who sought to leave a lasting legacy in their city. The Bremond family’s influence is still felt in Austin today, and their historic homes are a reminder of the city’s deep and storied roots.
Today, the John Bremond Jr. Mansion is a protected historic site, part of the Bremond Block Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The mansion, along with the other homes in the district, is privately owned and meticulously maintained, ensuring that this important piece of Austin’s architectural heritage is preserved for future generations.
The mansion and the district as a whole are popular destinations for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados. Guided tours of the area provide visitors with an opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur of late 19th-century life in Austin. The mansion’s enduring beauty and significance make it a cherished part of the city’s cultural
Conclusion
The John Bremond Jr. Mansion is more than just a house; it is a historic treasure that encapsulates the spirit of a bygone era. Its architecture, history, and connection to one of Austin’s most influential families make it an important landmark in the city’s heritage. As Austin continues to grow and evolve, the mansion stands as a reminder of the city’s rich past, offering a link between the modern metropolis and the elegance of its early days.
In preserving the John Bremond Jr. Mansion and the surrounding Bremond Block, Austin honors not only the architectural beauty of these homes but also the legacy of the Bremond family and their contributions to the city. The mansion remains a beloved symbol of Austin’s history, a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously, offering inspiration for generations to come.
The John Bremond, Jr., House posed the additional problem of restoration from use as a recreational facility, which left such features as hooks in the ceiling (used for punching bags) and multiple showers used by YMCA members. TCTA also has worked to restore the original interior detail of the Bremond homes, which had been modified through the years with such design trends as shag carpeting and orange paint.
To understand the scope of repair and restoration of the interiors of these houses, one must consider the large number of decorative details and the craftsmanship embodied in the original construction. From floors inlaid with 15 species of woods to finely tooled brass hinges and doorknobs; from plaster ceiling moldings and chandelier crowns to stained and etched glass windows; from gently arching stairways to Italian marble decorations; from the central skylight to breathtaking, hand-carved wooden fireplace mantels, these houses are resplendent with features that require the investment of time and skill in their preservation.
TCTA has worked to enhance many of the original features through the selection of wallpaper that suggests Victorian sensibilities, tasteful selection of paint and carpeting that complements the beauty of the woodwork and highlights the height and depth of each room, and the choice of elegant furnishings that reflects quality craftsmanship.
