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Our home was originally located on the corner
of West Houston and Rosillo Streets. Built by the Frances Bracie
family in the late 1800's. Its San Antonio location was then considered
well "out of town". It was an area of small vegetable
farms, populated by families who had emigrated from Belgium.
By the time we saw the house in 1996, it was
as derelict as some of the vagrants who slept their. Completely
boarded up, railings askew, damaged by fires, water and termites,
this dowager had not aged gracefully. The previous owners requested
a demolition permit. Luckily the city had denied the initial request.
However, as the Victorian was not located in an area protected
by historic covenants, eventually it would have been torn down
or allowed to decay until she fell.
Pancho Villa was an occasional guest in this
house while he was on good terms with the United States government.
Some of the senior residents of the original neighborhood have
memories of his visits here. By World War II, the Victorian had
been converted into apartments. The gracious halls were divided
and became the kitchens and bathrooms. Families of young soldiers
stationed in San Antonio for training lived here. Many of them
have come by to see "their house" and to tell us their
favorite stories.
In March 1997 we moved the Victorian six miles
(in small pieces) to this location . After that, more than a
simple facelift was required. She has been totally renovated
inside and out. In all cases, the original woodwork, windows
and trim were used while antique style lumber, flooring and
trim were custom milled to retain the authenticity.
Be sure to look for before and after pictures
hanging in the hall. The Victorian, is the largest building
(other than the Plaza Hotel) successfully moved in San Antonio
History.
Alamo Street Victorian Inn
A Premier Victorian San Antonio TX Bed and Breakfast
Inn
951 South Alamo Street · San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone - 210-212-5533
Toll Free - 800-630-3722
E-mail -
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