Cottonland Castle, Waco Texas

 

Cottonland Castle in Waco, Texas is a castellated property at 3300 Austin Avenue. 

Construction of the castle originally started at the end of the 19th century and continued (in the hands of a variety of owners) for a number of years.

Mainly used as a residence, although at one point owned by the Austin Avenue Methodist Church (see Waco History here for more details), Cottonland Castle fell in to disrepair but was listed for sale in 2019 by Ashley Burgess Weist of Kelly Realtors.  Ashley's listing explained;

'This magical German-style stone castle needs a new guiding hand to complete the work so lovingly begun by the current owner. The lucky buyer will one day be able to reveal the 9-foot oak front door (weighing 400 lbs), elaborate Honduran mahogany mill-work, fine quartersawn oak, intricate diamond-paned windows, eight fireplaces (one of carved French Caen stone and another of pink granite) and exquisite light fixtures all of which have been thoughtfully protected. There is still much to do to complete a renovation of this magnitude, however, once completed “The Castle” – as Wacoans fondly refer to it – will once again shine brightly!'

It was widely reported that Chip and Joanna Gaines (of Fixer Upper fame) purchased the property at that time and have since provided updates about the castle on their Magnolia.com website. 

With a prominent position on Austin Avenue, the castle is easily visible to passers-by and is recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark.  The accompanying sign outside the property reads;

'Stone contractor John Tennant began this house in 1890, when Waco's cotton-based economy flourished. In 1906 Tennant sold the structure to Ripley Hanrick, a cotton broker, but it remained unfinished. With plans drawn by architect Roy Lane (1884-1956), “The Castle” was eventually completed in 1913 as a residence for businessman Alfred Abeel (1845-1922). Limestone detailing decorates the sandstone edifice. Fine materials such as marble and mahogany embellish the interior. The house later became a focal point for the Castle Heights area.'

 

 

Contact Cottonland Castle

Cottonland Castle is currently being renovated by Chip and Joanna Gaines.

For further information, please visit their website magnolia.com

 

3300 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76710

 

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