Ashton Villa in Galveston, TX

Ashton Villa is located on 2328 Broadway in Galveston, Texas. It's the first of Galveston's Broadway mansions and also holds the honor of being the first brick house built in Texas. Ashton Villa was built in 1858/59.

The Villa was almost destroyed in 1970 but the Galveston Historical Foundation was formed and the estate was saved. The foundation restored the building and opened it to the public in 1975.

In the Villa visitors will find life-size paintings by artist Miss Bettie Brown. She was the mistress of the manor and the daughter of the house's first owner, James Moreau Brown. She had a reputation for being eccentric.

Legends and ghost stories galore surround Ashton Villa. Some believe that the spirit of Miss Bettie Brown haunts the house. Her ghostly apparition has been said to appear on the second floor landing of the house wearing a long turquoise gown. Some claim to hear the piano in the Gold Room played at night when no people are around.

Even with all these haunting rumors going around, the Ashton Villa is never presented or advertised to the public as a haunted house. Judgment in that regard is left for visitors to determine themselves.

Ashton Villa and its grounds have a gift shop, an information center and a Heritage Visitors Center. Children six and under are free, while adults pay $6. The student rate is $5.

The ballroom is available to rent for weddings, receptions, meetings, parties and luncheons. There's also a caterer's prep room, rest rooms and easily accessible parking.