The History of the Berclair Mansion
Tucked into the quiet town of Berclair, Texas, stands a mansion that seems to have been pulled from another time.
A House Built to Endure
Built in 1936 by ranching heiress Etta Terrell, the Berclair Mansion was a marvel of its time. Inspired by a desire for safety and longevity after experiencing a childhood house fire, Etta ensured the home was constructed using over 60 tons of steel and concrete, making it one of the earliest and largest steel-framed residences in Texas.
Designed in a neoclassical style by architects Westfall and Wade of Corpus Christi, the two-story 10,000 square feet home features 22 rooms, including ten bedrooms, a formal parlor, and a spacious dining room. The mansion was filled with antiques collected from around the world—some dating back centuries—reflecting the Terrell family's wealth and worldliness.
Where Time Stands Still
Etta lived in the home with her four sisters until her passing in 1956. The last sister remained until 1968. After her death, the mansion remained closed for decades, preserved exactly as it was left—furniture, fixtures, and all.
In 1999, the Berclair Mansion was donated to the Beeville Art Association, which now oversees its preservation and opens the doors to the public for guided tours and special events throughout the year.
Today, the Berclair Mansion stands not only as a rare architectural gem in South Texas, but as a time capsule—offering visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle, design, and stories of a remarkable era.
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