The Citadel, Historic Brenham Estate, Lists for $6M

A Great Gatsby-era social club-turned-residence in Brenham is up for grabs.

Janet Dreyer of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty’s Country Properties Group listed an estate called the Citadel for $6 million last week. The Washington County Appraisal District assessed its 2023 value at $942,000. It is classified as a commercial property and currently operates as an event venue.

Situated amid the picturesque landscape of bluebonnet country, at 3401 US Highway 290 East, the Citadel sits atop 48 acres, about 75 miles northwest of Houston, not far from the antiquing destination Round Top.

It was designed and constructed in 1924 by the Houston-based architect Alfred C. Finn, who is known for designing the San Jacinto Monument and Rice Hotel. The Citadel became the Brenham Country Club before being converted into a single-family home during the Great Depression. Failed gubernatorial candidate Johnnie Mae Hackworth bought it in the 1940s.

Extensive renovations and modernizations have taken place over the estate’s century lifespan. The main residence spans nearly 7,300 square feet across two floors with a classic style accentuated by verandas on both levels. The verandas were refurbished by current owner Edward Smith III and his family.

The quaint home has only two bedrooms, but it has two full bathrooms and four half baths. Amenities include a grand ballroom, an original 1920s in-ground pool and a guest house, as well as a four-car garage and an apartment-like office spanning 1,100 square feet.

The sprawling grounds encompass terraced land previously employed as a vineyard. Expansive lawns harken back to its history of rural country-club fun, with a horse arena and skeet-shooting stations.

As an event space it is available for holiday getaways, corporate events and weddings.