A Visual Tour of Austin's Historic Bremond Block
Austin‘s Bremond Block is a historic group of 11 houses built between 1850 and 1910. These Victorian-style homes are part of one of the only remaining upper-class neighborhoods of its time.
John and Eugene Bremond, high-society Austinites in the banking and merchandising world, built these homes for themselves and their family members, and the houses are well maintained today for the viewing pleasures of passersby. The houses stand in various areas in downtown Austin, most on Guadalupe, 7th, and San Antonio Streets.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Today, local organizations and some businesses reside in the homes, which are all part of the National Register of Historic Places.
James T. Brown House
Built in 1858, the James T. Brown House is one of the first Bremond Block homes constructed. It’s a one-story home in the Greek Revival style, with a full-width front porch and revisions later made to the back end.
John Bremond House
The John Bremond House is the most extravagant of all of the Bremond Block homes, built in 1886 by George Fiegel. It boasts a cast-iron wraparound porch and balcony plus a mansard roof, and it still looks like it did in the late 1800s. The Texas Classroom Teachers Association now owns the property.
Phillips-Bremond-Houston House
Built in 1855, this was also one of the earliest of the Bremond Block homes constructed. Created for Dr. William C. Phillips before Eugene Bremond bought it in 1866, it too features a full-width porch and is in the Greek Revival style. A member of the Bremond family owned it until 1969.
Pierre Bremond House
The last of the collection to be built – in 1898 – the Pierre Bremond House is a Late Victorian-style home with a double gallery and tower and is of locally sourced tan brick construction. This house is another property owned by the Texas Classroom Teachers Association.
Eugene Bremond House
Built in 1873 for Eugene Bremond, one of the heads of the Bremond family, this home was expanded just four years later to reach the size it is today. It sits down the street from the North-Evans Chateau and is a classic Victorian with Southern touches, double columns, and a large wraparound porch.
North Flats-Howson House
Originally built in 1879 and renovated in 2007, this house is one of the Bremond Block homes constructed or altered by the North family, specifically Harvey and Catherine North.
Catherine Robinson House
Sitting next door to the Walter Bremond House, the Catherine Robinson House had a long construction phase, beginning in 1860 and being expanded multiple times before the 1891 completion. Originally owned by Pauline Bremond Robinson, the home was eventually passed down to her daughter, Catherine.
North Cottage
Built by Harvey North in 1879, this cottage was then passed down to his widow, Catherine, after Harvey’s death in 1881. It was originally constructed as a music studio for Athalia, their daughter, who was studying in Europe during the construction but died from pneumonia before she could reside in it. Today, it is an apartment building.
North Cottage, 706 San Antonio Street, Austin, TX, USA
North-Evans Chateau
The North-Evans Chateau is now home to the Austin Women’s Club. The club purchased it from Major and Ira Evans, who originally bought the cottage in the late 1800s from the North family. It sits next door to the North Cottage.
Walter Bremond House
The Walter Bremond House was unveiled as a one-story limestone building. In 1897, the home received an update with a second-story balcony, new 1.5-story addition, and an upgraded roof, which added to the home’s magnificence, built in the Second Empire architectural style of 19th-century France.
There is one home you must go and see for yourself: the William Franklin North Apartment at 702 San Antonio Street. While you’re in downtown Austin, also check out this list of 10 things to do or end your day at one of these downtown bars.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
