History
This elegant three-story mansion, located in the King William Historic District on the east bank of the San Antonio River, was built in 1876 for Edward Steves, founder of the Steves Lumber Company. Alfred Giles, prominent San Antonio architect, is thought to be the designer of the ashlar limestone structure which features a concave mansard roof with decorative iron cresting and exhibits characteristic of the French Second Empire and the Italian Villa styles. In 1952, the property was donated to the San Antonio Conservation Society by Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Vaughan in memory of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Steves, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Steves. The Steves Homestead has been maintained since 1954 as a historic house museum.
Specialties
Guided tours of the Homestead, led by a trained docent or staff member, are available Monday through Friday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Please call 210-225-5924 or email fvarga@saconservation.org to confirm daily guided tour availability. We're pleased to announce that self-guided tours of the Homestead are now available! Tour the house at your own pace and on your own schedule with our interactive self-guide and enjoy feeling at home in this beautiful Victorian family residence. Be sure to bring your Smartphone to access additional photos and family history!