Edward Steves Homestead

House Museums
Self-Guided Tours

San Antonio Conservation Society

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Self-guided Tours Are Here!

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! We will, of course, also continue to offer our beloved guided tours. Please see our new schedule below.

Hours

The Homestead is open daily to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is closed major holidays.

Guided Tours

Guided tours led by a trained docent or staff member are available daily at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Please call 210-225-5924 or email fvarga@saconservation.org to confirm guided tour availability or to arrange for guided group tours and joint tour tickets.

Adults: $10.00
Seniors 65+, active military, students: $7.50
Children under 12: Free

Self-Guided Tours

Interactive, self-guided tours are available daily any time between 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Adults: $7.50
Seniors 65+, active military, students: $5.00
Children under 12: Free

Directions and Parking

509 King William, San Antonio, TX 78204
Map
Free parking is available on site.

Contact Us

Phone: 210-225-5924
Fax: 210-223-9014
House Museum Manager: Farrah Varga

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.

The River House

A one-story brick structure located at the rear of the Steves Homestead property, housed one of the early natatoriums, or inside swimming pools, in San Antonio. The pool was brick-lined and filled by an artesian well located on the property. Local tradition relates that Mrs. Steves swam every day at two o'clock no matter what the weather. Flooring has been laid over the pool, and the interior has been modified to provide a meeting room for Society and Foundation activities

The Steves Carriage House

Built in 1875. This two-story frame and stone building was used for storage during the construction of the Steves Homestead. Restoration of the building was started in August, 1976 and completed in November, 1977, with a matching grant from the U.S. Department of Interior administered by the Texas Historical Commission.

The Servants Quarters/Visitor Center

Part of the original Steves Homestead Complex, was built around 1877. This building housed the gardener and the stable boy who worked for the Steves. It was restored in 1983-84 with the help of a grant from the Texas Historical Commission. The Servants Quarters is now being used as a Visitors Center, where tickets are sold and tours originate.

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Categories: Historical Tours - House Museums

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