The distinguished 1888 James S. Waters House in Galveston, TX, epitomizes prestige and future-oriented living with its rare historical significance—having only changed hands once outside the original family in 137 years—providing unparalleled status appeal. Architecturally, its Victorian style dazzles with intricate woodwork, original stained glass, curved windows, and hallmark period features like six fireplaces and a grand library, all thoughtfully enhanced by modern comforts such as a chef’s kitchen. Located on a generously sized double lot in the East End Historic District, this 19th-century gem blends timeless elegance with contemporary upgrades, making it the perfect blend of legacy and opportunity for the ambitious. Priced at $1,200,000, it offers exclusivity, distinction, and enduring value.
Front Porch Retreat
A welcoming front porch featuring classic wooden columns and decorative railings, perfect for relaxing or socializing. The soft sage green siding pairs with white trim, giving a timeless look, while the deep brown double doors create a grand entrance. Stained glass windows and louvered shutters add character and vintage charm. The generously sized porch swing enhances family-friendly appeal, offering a cozy spot for reading or watching children play in the yard. Overhead, a sky-blue ceiling and lantern light fixture complete the inviting space, blending comfort, charm, and elegant details in a beautiful outdoor extension of the home.
Entryway and Staircase
A welcoming entryway leads into the heart of the home, featuring rich wooden floors and ornate wood trim that frames every door and stair. The wide corridor offers a spacious layout, making it easy for families with children to move through comfortably. Graceful details like a carved banister, antique door hardware, and a decorative console table add historic charm and character. Warm brown tones dominate the color scheme, balanced by soft white or pale gray walls, creating a bright, airy environment. The bench along the wall provides practical seating, ideal for putting on shoes or storing bags.
Library and Fireplace
A stunning home library surrounds you with rich, polished wood built-in bookcases and glass-fronted cabinets, perfect for displaying treasured collections or organizing family games and books. The ornate wood fireplace and mantle serve as an elegant focal point, beautifully complementing the warm hardwood flooring that extends throughout the room. High ceilings with intricate crown molding and classic tin tiles add grandeur, while ample natural light brightens the space, making it inviting for both children and adults. This room offers a cozy yet sophisticated setting for quiet reading, family gatherings, or evening relaxation by the fire.
Library Bay Window
A grand room featuring elegant built-in wooden bookshelves and intricate woodwork, this space is flooded with natural light from large bay windows adorned with ornate stained glass panels. The high, white coffered ceiling, accented by period lighting, adds an airy sophistication to the room. The warm wood tones create a cozy, inviting atmosphere ideal for families; spacious open floors make it flexible for gatherings or play. Delicate detailing on the windows and trim exhibit exceptional craftsmanship, while the central display table offers a focal point perfect for showcasing family projects or art. An ideal spot for reading or bonding together.
Grand Staircase Hallway
A striking entryway sets a welcoming tone with a robust, intricately carved wooden staircase as its centerpiece. Timeless architectural details include original woodwork, thick moldings, and elegant banisters that create a sense of history and warmth. The spacious hallway offers ease of movement, making it ideal for families and gatherings, while allowing clear visibility across the space for supervision and connection. Soft neutral walls complement the honeyed wood tones, brightened by natural light from generous windows. Touches like a classic candle-style lamp, traditional console table, and artwork add subtle sophistication to this inviting, family-friendly home passageway.
Fireplace Sitting Area
A warm, inviting space characterized by polished wooden floors and soft mauve walls, this area centers around an elegant period fireplace with intricate wood carvings and decorative tilework. Tall bay windows draped in sheer white curtains flood the room with natural light, creating a serene setting for family gatherings or quiet moments. A trio of delicate pendant lights adds a touch of vintage charm, while original wood trim and moldings highlight the home’s historic character. The open layout offers flexible options for arranging seating, making it ideal for reading, playtime, or intimate conversation.
Classic Kitchen Space
This kitchen boasts a bright and welcoming layout, highlighted by custom white cabinetry and a central marble-topped island that doubles as a family gathering spot. Soft blue walls provide a calming backdrop, complemented by gleaming stainless steel appliances and elegant glass pendant lighting above the workspace. Expansive windows flood the room with natural light, creating the perfect environment for cooking and socializing. Warm wooden floors add a touch of coziness, while built-in storage and generous counter space ensure functionality for busy family life. The spacious design encourages easy movement, making it ideal for families to cook and connect together.
Kitchen Island & Counters
Bright natural light streams through large windows, illuminating a spacious kitchen designed for family gatherings and everyday living. Crisp white cabinetry with elegant molding details pairs beautifully with sleek marble countertops, offering ample workspace for meal preparation. The central island, topped with a cooktop, invites family members to cook together or help with homework. Soft blue walls create a calming backdrop, while warm wood flooring adds a welcoming, homey feel. Contemporary pendant lighting fixtures and stainless steel appliances add a touch of modern sophistication, making this kitchen both functional and inviting for families of all sizes.
Pantry Shelving Corner
An inviting pantry corner features crisp white shelving that lines the pale blue walls, offering ample space for organizing pantry goods or displaying kitchen essentials. Classic cabinetry with paneled doors and silver hardware sits beneath a polished marble countertop that wraps around the L-shaped corner, maximizing the available workspace. A large window lets in abundant natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere perfect for busy families. The open shelves allow for easy access to items while contributing to a neat, tidy appearance, making this pantry both highly functional and aesthetically appealing for daily family life.
Butler’s Pantry Entry
A warm, inviting butler’s pantry acts as a graceful transition between the main kitchen and adjacent living spaces. Rich, dark wood cabinetry with glass-front upper cabinets offers both elegance and storage, while the polished marble countertop provides ample space for staging meals or family gatherings. Under-cabinet lighting bathes the area in a cozy glow, highlighting the intricate grain of the wood. This thoughtful design makes it easy to keep essentials organized and within reach, ideal for families who love to host or entertain. The open doorway reveals a light-filled kitchen beyond, finished with creamy cabinetry and classic fixtures.
Dining Room Elegance
A spacious dining room adorned with tall windows draped in delicate lace curtains, bathing the hardwood floors in soft natural light. Intricate molding on the ceiling and a vintage chandelier add a regal yet welcoming character to the room. The warm yellow walls paired with rich wood trim provide a cheerful and timeless atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings. The open layout seamlessly connects to an adjoining space, while durable flooring offers ample room for children to play or for entertaining guests. Classic architectural details create an inviting and memorable backdrop for both everyday living and special occasions.
Parlor with Tall Windows
This inviting parlor features stunning architectural details, including a vaulted, ornate white plaster ceiling and rich wooden trim throughout. The space is bathed in natural light from tall, arched windows adorned with delicate lace curtains, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere perfect for gatherings or quiet reflection. The walls are painted a soothing sage green, complementing the polished hardwood floors and enhancing the room’s classic, timeless appeal. Family friendly, the open layout allows for flexible use—ideal for play space or entertaining guests. Antique-style framed artwork and a graceful chandelier add elegant finishing touches.
Living Room Fireplace
This spacious living room showcases stunning period details, perfect for a welcoming family space. Elegant sage green walls are complemented by warm, natural hardwood floors and intricate wooden trim. A decorative fireplace with a mirrored mantle serves as the focal point, flanked by vintage wall sconces for ambient lighting. Large windows dressed with delicate lace curtains allow natural light to flood the room while offering views to the outside. The ornate plaster ceiling and classic chandelier add a touch of historical charm, creating an inviting atmosphere ideal for family gatherings or relaxing after a long day.
Bathroom Vanity and Storage
Bright and welcoming, this bathroom features a classic white vanity with a marble countertop, complemented by elegant brushed nickel fixtures. A large, ornately framed mirror is flanked by two sconces that add warmth to the light blue walls. The built-in cabinetry offers convenient storage for towels and toiletries, making the space family-friendly and functional. Details such as the period-style wooden door, glass-fronted upper cabinets, and intricate tile floors with subtle patterns evoke a timeless, vintage charm. The neutral and pastel color palette creates an airy, fresh atmosphere, perfect for both adults and children.
Living Room Bay Windows
This inviting living room showcases a spacious layout with beautiful bay windows that let in plenty of natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The warm wooden floors bring a sense of traditional charm, while the soft pastel pink walls keep the space light and welcoming. Architectural details such as the intricate wood trim around the windows and the classic crown molding add a touch of elegance. A vintage fireplace provides a cozy focal point, perfect for family gatherings. Delicate lace curtains offer privacy while maintaining a soft, family-friendly ambiance ideal for relaxing or entertaining guests.
Bright Bathroom Retreat
This inviting bathroom combines classic charm with modern comforts, making it ideal for both relaxation and family use. A deep pedestal bathtub sits beneath a softly filtered window, pairing beautifully with crisp white wainscoting and serene blue upper walls for an airy, tranquil vibe. Double vessel sinks rest on marble countertops, accented by vintage-inspired fixtures and a grand wooden mirror. Warm, rustic hardwood floors add character and durability—perfect for busy family routines. Generous built-in cabinetry provides ample storage, and the room’s high ceiling with a statement light fixture gives a spacious, luxurious feel.
Wraparound Porch
Expansive wraparound porch embraces classic American charm with its ornate railings, crisp cream tones, and stately columns accented by soft red bases. Elevated for breezy views, the porch offers ample space for seating or children’s playtime while maintaining a sense of openness and connection to the tree-lined street below. Detailed trim work along the railings and ceiling adds sophistication without feeling formal. The soft blue ceiling paired with natural sunlight creates a restful and inviting atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings, relaxed evenings, or watching the neighborhood come alive. This outdoor space encourages togetherness and relaxation for all ages.
Listing Agent: Tara Anderson of Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan via Zillow
