The Claiborne House
312 S. Alley St. in Jefferson, Texas
The home's namesake, Captain V. H. Claiborne, the youngest of ten children, was orphaned at an early age and raised by his brothers. Finding success against these odds, his early adventures included heading to California for the “gold rush,” serving as a Confederate soldier, and building a large packing plant while stationed in Jefferson to supply beef and bacon to the troops.
Deciding to build a life in Jefferson after the Civil War, Claiborne married the daughter of a prosperous businessman and early pioneer to the area. In 1871, he moved his family into this lovely modified Greek Revival home. Its design features crystal chandeliers, original hand-crafted molding, heart-of-pine floors, and original four-panel doors.
Current owners, Jerry and Ann LeBlanc, moved from New Orleans to enjoy Jefferson’s charm and nostalgia.
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Mason-Denton Home
702 E. Delta St. in Jefferson, Texas
In 1852, this sprawling Free Classic Victorian home, with its wide wrap-around porch, originated as a small Greek Revival cottage. Not content with its location, in 1916, Judge William Mason had the home pulled by oxen to its current site. Over the years, many additions and improvements enlarged the home—often providing families with room rental income.
In 1923, James Denton, a drug store proprietor, arrived with his family from Indiana and bought the home for $2500. The residence remains in the family today.
Jan and Jim Gensler own and live in the property--enjoying many fond memories of the past.
Old Mulberry Inn
209 E. Jefferson St. in Jefferson, Texas
Louisiana plantations from the 1850’s inspired the Neoclassical architecture of the Old Mulberry Inn. Located on “Quality Hill,” as the area was originally known, the 14-room, 7-bath main house features heart-of-pine floors, porch-steps on every side, and a spacious veranda overlooking a wide lawn. Two adjacent cottages, circa 1860, expand the overnight accommodations.
A cupola (also known as the lantern) rises thirty feet above the home, above the great hall. An artist-rendered sky scene caps the lantern. This filters light into the center of the home during the day and radiates a soft glow at night.
The property brings to life Alexander Smith’s famous quote, “Trees are your best antiques.” The acreage has towering pecan trees, massive Bois D’Arcs, and of course, the ancient mulberry for which the homestead is named. This venerable tree is more than 200-hundred-years old and is currently being verified as possibly the oldest of its kind in Texas.
Innkeepers, Glen and Lana Manchester, have been delighted to see their property featured in
The New York Times, Southern Living, the L.A.Times Magazine, Houston Chronicle, and the travel sections of other major Texas newspapers.
Turner Cottage
210 E. Henderson St. in Jefferson, Texas
Built in the 1880’s, the Turner Cottage features charming Folk Victorian detailing including both Queen Anne and Gothic Revival inspirations with turned spindle porch supports, jigsaw corner brackets, and porch railings with turned spindles. This house is an unusual example of a gable front and wing style Folk Victorian residence having a front gable attached to a pyramidal form rather than a side-gabled wing.
Surprisingly, the home was originally built as a commercial feed store! Later, due to its location next to the Wright Russell Cotton Compress, the store was converted into the manager’s residence.
The current owner, Pamela Rapier continues renovations to add modern comforts while retaining the charming and quaint cottage style. In keeping with the history of this residence, Rapier also runs a successful home-based business.