Castles in Texas

The Bishop's Palace (get tickets), also known as the Gresham House, is a National Historic Landmark in Galveston. The mansion was built in 1887 for Colonel Joseph Gresham and his wife Josephine. Colonel Gresham was a prominent entrepreneur in the rail transport industry and a member of the Texas Legislature.

Designed in the Chateauesque style, the Gresham House contains distinctive features like Sienna marble columns, fourteen-foot-tall ceilings, a mahogany stairwell with stained glass inlays, and a stunning wood fireplace. You can take a guided or a self-guided tour of the Gresham House at any time of the year. "Basement to attic" tours are also offered once a month so that guests can get a glimpse at parts of the house that are typically off-limits.

Find it at this Address: 1402 Broadway Street, Galveston, TX 7750, Phone: 409-762-2475

Check out the Maverick Carter House, known as one of the few 19^th century buildings left in San Antonio. Alfred Giles, the same architect who drafted up plans for the Schreiner Mansion in Kerrville, designed the building.

The Maverick Carter House was built for real estate investor William H. Maverick. The Carter Family received the home in 1914 and continues to occupy it to this day. The stately castle stands out amid the office buildings and churches that are situated on the same street in downtown Antonio. Occasionally the Carter family uses the home for special events and parties.

Find it at this Address: 119 Taylor Street, San Antonio, TX

Just a mere stone’s throw from Bellville’s city boundary is a veritable treasure trove of medieval treats and spectacular eats at Newman's Castle. This stunning castle, which is undeniably one of Bellville’s premier tourist destinations, features a fully functional 3000-pound behemoth of a drawbridge, a portcullis, and an incredible moat that has been rumored to shelter a gator or two. Newman’s Castle also features five lovely corner turrets, a charming courtyard, a towering perimeter wall, and some of the best views you’ll find of Bellville’s surrounding landscape.

Castle tours: The castle offers six tours a week, inclusive of a delectable lunch, which requires reservations to be made ahead of time. Don’t forget to stop by the bakery after your tour to pick up some treats to bring home with you.

Find it at this Address: 504 E Main Street, Bellville, Texas 77418, Phone: 979-865-9804

Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect fairy tale wedding venue or simply want to explore the grounds of a location straight out of a storybook, The Castle at Rockwall is an exceptional choice. This popular wedding venue has been the gateway to the dream wedding of countless brides with its glorious ten-acre grounds and magnificent castle.

Exuding unparalleled royal sophistication, the castle is 8,000 square feet large with luxurious interiors and eye-catching architecture. It is home to six unique suites care of its in-house accommodation known as The Chambers. Each opulent suite is outfitted with comfortable queen-sized beds, a large sitting area, and top-of-the-line multi-head massage showers.

Find it at this Address: 2071 Clem Road Ext, Rockwall, Texas 75087, Phone: 469-702-1222

For Photographers

The upscale Pemberton Heights neighborhood in Austin, Texas was once a quiet farm owned by Attorney General John Woods Harris. Now known as one of America's most posh neighborhoods, Pemberton Heights boasts the Fisher-Gideon House, a castle built in 1926.

Situated at 1415 Wooldridge Drive, the Pemberton Castle used to be the sales office for the Pemberton Heights neighborhood.

Now under private ownership, the castle is undergoing some renovations. In addition to its current owners, the Fisher-Gideon House has belonged to several famous Texans in the past. It's also rumored to be home to some famous ghosts.

The Elisabet Ney Museum is housed in a cream-colored castle in Austin, Texas. The castle, known as Formosa, was purchased by sculptor Elisabet Ney in 1892 and converted into an art studio. At Formosa, Ney rendered sculptures of Texas' most famous men, including Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston.

She also completed portraits of influential Europeans like Otto Van Bismarck and King Ludwig II of Bavaria. After Elisabet Ney passed away in 1907, her friends worked together to preserve her beautiful workspace. They turned the studio into a museum and founded the Texas Fine Arts Association in her memory. You can take a tour of the museum, attend special events, and join workshops and lectures at Formosa throughout the year.

Find it at this Address: 304 East 44^th Street, Austin, TX 78751, Phone: 512-974-1625