Discover the History & Opulence of The 1874 Guest House – Galveston’s Gorgeous Gem
Plan your stay in this stunning stately home with incredibly elegant guest rooms and a timeless beauty that transports you to bygone era

Galveston Island, known for its sandy beaches and family attractions, is not just a popular vacation spot for sun-seekers, but also a delight for architecture enthusiasts. As you wander throughout the historic downtown, you’ll encounter many stunning stately homes with ornate details and timeless beauty evoking a bygone era. One such gem is The 1874 Guest House in the East End Historic District that has been lovingly restored to its former grandeur. This magnificent house survived the ravages of time and nature to stand as a symbol of Galveston’s rich history, now inviting visitors to stay in its breathtakingly elegant guest rooms.

Originally built as the Robert J. Hughes House, The 1874 endured challenges throughout the years, including the Great Storm of 1900 as well as Hurricane Ike, but its unique architectural charm and historical significance has been preserved.
In 2016, the mother-daughter duo behind the Houston-based Alayna Louise Interiors, Mary-Louise Stonecipher and Jordan Stonecipher Vaughn, purchased the weathered Italianate home and took on the monumental task of restoring it. Their vision was to return the house to its former glory, ensuring it once again stood as one of Galveston’s grandest residences, now reimagined as a boutique hotel.
Inspired by the architecture of New Orleans and Charleston, the pink mansion includes five suites, tranquil gardens and a swimming pool, two parlors and a lovely dining room in which the innkeeper serves a daily European breakfast, as well as an afternoon social hour complete with a fabulous charcuterie spread and cocktails.
Restoring such a historic home was no small feat. The eight-year process was a labor of love, filled with both obstacles and discoveries. The home had to be raised for the second time in its history to lift it out of a floodplain, and during the renovation, the team uncovered fascinating relics, including glass bottles and an intact cistern buried underground. They were also able to salvage an original gilded mirror, now hanging in the women’s parlor, that features two dark lines, one with the markings of the 1900 year flood and the other noting the waterline from Hurricane Ike.

“As you can imagine, during eight years, we faced many challenges,” notes Mary-Louise. “From the monumental task of raising the home to insure it would never flood again, to reimagining ‘her’ potential, there were daily tests of my patience, confidence, and sanity… but I continued to remind myself of my commitment and original goal, which was to save an important historical structure from its soon fate of demise.”
The 1874 Guest House offers an unforgettable luxurious stay and features five uniquely-designed suites, each a blend of antique charm and artistic, opulent flair. With treasures from local and international travels, each enchanting suite is a sensory delight.
“The eight years, while long and challenging, allowed Jordan and I many trips across the U.S. and abroad to gather inspiration and antiques for the home,” shares Mary-Louise.
Each suite boasts beautiful wallpapers that influenced the design of the rooms, each one differing in style and mood. Guests can choose from a cheerful suite with bright yellow shiplap and a sitting room, a grand suite with a four-poster canopied bed fit for royalty or suites that hold fireplaces, clawfoot tubs or private balcony access.
Tucked away separately from the main house, the carriage house suite is an ideal choice for those seeking more privacy. Plus, it’s jaw-droppingly stunning. Decorated in vibrant pink and green hues with a striking tropical wallpaper, a dramatic lattice ceiling adds an over-the-top flair to the space. The suite features a king-size canopy bed, en-suite bathroom and kitchenette.
On the lower level of the property, you’ll find plenty of screened porch seating for lounging as well as The Greenhouse, a whimsical shop full of unique garden-inspired fine artwork.
Visitors can experience the beauty of the 1874 Guest House, stepping into a piece of Galveston’s past while enjoying all the comforts of the present.

“Upon the opening of The 1874 Guest House, a wide range of emotions were present, but mostly a sense of pride and relief — pride in the monumental task Jordan and I have endured and completed, and relief that we could finally see The 1874 become reality,” shares Mary-Louise regarding the long and laborious process of restoring the home. “A sense of loss was also felt, as the home had been personified over the years and turning ‘her’ over to someone else was like sending a child off into the world, but now, seeing her shine, sharing her with others and hopefully evoking feelings of love for her history and beauty in all the guests who visit, makes the almost decade of work completely worth it.”
Whether a history enthusiast or simply in search of a luxe getaway, this lovingly-restored mansion offers a charming corner of seaside Texas where history meets hospitality and timeless elegance.
Learn more and book your stay at the1874.com.