Austin, Texas story
The Victorian Sanctuary
Imagine a quiet sanctuary of Victorian elegance, tucked right on the edge of Austin's bustling downtown. The Bremond Block Historic District is one of the few remaining upper-clas…
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Imagine a quiet sanctuary of Victorian elegance, tucked right on the edge of Austin's bustling downtown. The Bremond Block Historic District is one of the few remaining upper-class Victorian neighborhoods from the mid-to-late nineteenth century in all of Texas. Bordered by West Seventh, West Eighth, Guadalupe, and San Antonio streets, this square block features eleven historic homes.
Six of these residences were built or expanded for the families of Eugene and John Bremond, prominent brothers in Austin's social and banking circles. Here, you'll find homes like the B. J.
Smith house, dating back to the 1850s, and the Hale Houston house, built before 1860. Framed by large live oaks, these homes remain beautifully preserved in almost unaltered form. It is like stepping directly into a time capsule of nineteenth-century high society.
As you walk, let the history of these elegant streets guide your steps.
Updated June 2026