We had the privilege to enjoy Caswell House for our best friend’s wedding reception a few weeks ago. The house was beautifully decorated for Christmas and had so much charm and character. They have done a wonderful job of keeping its condition well maintained and the history alive. It was the perfect size for their intimate, micro wedding and number of guests. The upstairs balcony is perfect to go cool off and enjoy the sights of downtown Austin lights. Only downside is there is only 1 guest restroom on each level. Once drinks start flowing, lines can get kind of long. There is another restroom in the “bridal room” however out of respect for the bride and groom, guest chose not to use if possible. Other than that, it was a beautiful, perfect reception location!

Don't be confused. There are two Caswell Houses in Austin, Texas, not one. But only one is open for public tours and weddings and special events. The Daniel H. and William T. Caswell Houses are two historic homes that were completed near the turn of the 20th century. They are located at 1404 (Daniel) and 1502 (William) West Avenue. Both were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and designated as Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks in 1984. Daniel's house, built in 1899, has been home to the Austin Junior Forum for 45 years. William's house, built in 1904, is used for office space. Daniel came to Austin from Nashville, Tennessee, in 1895, purchased a cotton oil manufacturing company, bought and sold cotton, built a cotton gin, became a civic leader and built his family home on the far northwest corner of the city. Combining Gothic, Chateauesque and Renaissance features, the 2 1/2-story rusticated limestone house covers 4,560 square feet, features a round turret with a conical roof, a two-story wraparound gallery, a pointed arched Palladian window, gabled pavilions on four sides and a view of Shoal Creek from its hilltop site. William, Daniel's second son, and his family lived in the 1502 house for over 50 years, until 1976. He became one of the leading cotton exporters in the United States and developed the tennis center which bears his name at 24th and Lamar Boulevard. His house was constructed of rusticated ashlar limestone in the Classic Revival style with a second-story balcony that affords an excellent view of the Texas State Capitol. Creating a further picturesque quality is the irregular roofline with a profusion of gables, dormers and chimneys. From the central entrance bay is a one-story rounded portico supported by one-story composite columns projecting beyond the two-story gallery. A slightly larger one-story rounded porch projection with identical detail extends the southeast corner of the gallery. The Daniel Caswell House can be viewed from 1 to 3 on Tuesday and 11 to 1 on Saturday, whether you want to arrange for a wedding or special event or not.

My husband and I went to the turn-of-the century Caswell House on a Saturday afternoon. The beautiful house is on the National Register of Historic Places, Texas Historic Landmark and listed as a City of Austin Historic Landmark. The house is available for rental for special events (weddings, parties, etc.). The interior is elegantly decorated.

I went to Christmas at the Caswell Beers and Bites affair. I found the event on line. It is part of a full schedule of holiday fund raising events held early November. For Beers and Bites, they had brewery vendors in so one could sample up to 10 different beers. There was also simple bites to go with. One could also get a glass of wine (my favorite - of course - since it was Mondavi Cabernet.). The staff and volunteers put on a very nice event. The home itself was beautiful. One could go Christmas shopping. There was also many holiday trees and decorations. There was also a silent auction. There was three floors to wander on. Caswell House is a Victorian Home It was built int he 1900s. It is close to the State Capitol. It is now owned and operated by the Austin Junior Forum.

I got married at The Caswell House almost eight years ago. Beautiful architecture and a wonderful place for out of town guests to visit.