Seaquist House
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Reynolds-Seaquist House is a remarkable Victorian residence that is one of the best examples of Italianate architecture in the Texas Hill Country. Monumental in scale with 22 rooms, 15 fireplaces, a third-floor ballroom, wine cellar, and a water tower with shower room, it is an architectural landmark. Vacant and vulnerable, water, vagrants and mother nature threaten the long-term stability of this important Texas house.
Built in 1891 for E. M. Reynolds, a banker from New York, the house is evidence of the craftsmanship of local builder Richard Grosse. The asymmetrical sandstone mansion was further improved by its next owner, Oscar Seaquist, a Swedish bootmaker who came to Texas and eventually acquired the property in 1919. Featuring wrap-around porches, gables, turrets, alcoves, scroll-work, stained glass and towers, the house is pure architectural fantasy. Mason County is rallying to save the Reynolds-Seaquist House in hopes of restoring it to its former grandeur and opening it to the public for all to enjoy.
UPDATE: Thanks to the generosity of local donors, the Foundation was able to purchase the house in 2015. With the help of many dedicated volunteers over the last 8 years, the Foundation has completed the majority of the interior restoration, and the house is now open for tours. The group’s next big project will be the exterior restoration.
For more information, visit the Seaquist House Facebook page.
ADDRESS: 400 Broad St, Mason (Mason County)
DESIGNATION: NRHP
CONDITION: Saved!
RESOURCE TYPE: Residence
YEAR LISTED: 2014
HONOR AWARD: 2023
