Can you visit the Littlefield House?

No, the Littlefield House is not open to the public. It is currently closed off and used as space for the University Events office, other offices, and campus-related events.

What is the history of the house?

The house was designed and built in 1894 (with some sources stating 1893) for Major George Washington Littlefield and his wife, Alice, at the edge of the original Forty Acres at the University of Texas at Austin. Major Littlefield eventually left the house and $1 million to the university.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Littlefield House in Austin

Littlefield House

This striking 1894 Victorian mansion is the oldest building on UT Austin's main campus. Though closed to the public, its ornate towers, wraparound porch, and legendary ghost stories make it a captivating outdoor stop.

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What does the house look like?

It is a red-brown Victorian-style house featuring deep red brick, red sandstone, granite, tile, and an iron wraparound porch. It also has two towers—one round and one square—rising above its multicolored slate roofs, and is the sole survivor of a neighborhood once filled with grand Victorian mansions.

Are there any interesting stories or legends about the property?

Yes, the house is rumored to be haunted, with reports of moving objects, nightly screams, the feeling of being watched, running on the staircase, piano music playing upstairs, and an apparition of a deceased housekeeper. Additionally, the grounds feature a 35-foot-diameter deodar cedar that was shipped from the Himalayas at Littlefield's request.

What to know

Built in 1894 for Major George Washington Littlefield and his wife Alice, the Littlefield House stands as a remarkable historic landmark on the University of Texas at Austin campus. Some historical records also date its construction to 1893, making it recognized as the oldest building on the university's main campus. Situated at the corner of 24th Street and Whitis Avenue, it sits right on the edge of the university's original "Forty Acres." Today, it is celebrated as the sole survivor of a neighborhood that was once filled with grand Victorian mansions. The house is a stunning example of Victorian architecture, featuring a deep red brick facade, red sandstone, granite, tile, and a distinctive iron wraparound porch. Its design elaborates a simple central-hall plan, punctuated by two prominent towers—one round and one square—that rise above multicolored slate roofs. On the surrounding grounds, visitors can spot a massive 35-foot-diameter deodar cedar tree, which Major Littlefield had specially shipped from the Himalayas. Upon his passing, Major Littlefield left the house and a generous $1 million sum to the university. He also left money and property to construct the nearby Littlefield dorm, named after his wife Alice, to serve as a residence hall for freshman women. Although the historic house is closed to the public and not open for tours, it remains active as an administrative space, currently housing the University Events office and hosting campus-related events. Despite its official administrative use, the house is famously rumored to be one of the most haunted buildings on campus. Local lore includes stories of an apparition of a deceased housekeeper, phantom piano music playing upstairs, the sound of running on the staircases, and nightly screams. There are also persistent rumors of slave quarters located in the basement, adding a mysterious, eerie layer to this architectural treasure.

Visitor tips

The house is closed to the public, so plan to view and photograph its stunning architecture entirely from the exterior.
Look for the massive, 35-foot-diameter deodar cedar tree on the grounds, which was imported from the Himalayas.
Combine your visit with a walk around the surrounding UT Austin campus, as the house is located at 24th and Whitis.

Nearby context

Situated on the vibrant University of Texas at Austin campus, the Littlefield House is surrounded by collegiate landmarks. Just a short walk away, you can pay respects at the Barbara Jordan Statue or catch a performance and grab a drink at the historic Cactus Cafe, making this corner of the campus a rich blend of history, art, and student life.

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