$1,140,000 $6,120 est/mo Sourced by Back At You
1826 Sealy Street,Galveston, TX 77550
Galveston, TX 77550
Built in 1886–87 for prominent Galveston merchant Jacob Sonnentheil, the landmark Sonnentheil House is believed to have been designed by renowned architect Nicholas J. Clayton. Its elaborate façade blends Eastlake, Gothic, and Italianate influences.
The home’s equally impressive side elevation showcases a projecting window bay, arched openings, decorative frieze work, and the layered architectural influences found throughout the Sonnentheil House.
The home’s grand entrance features substantial paneled double doors, decorative millwork, and a graceful arched transom—an elegant introduction to its richly detailed Victorian interior.
The sweeping double gallery showcases intricate Eastlake-style ornamentation, including turned columns, geometric balustrades, delicate spindlework, and decorative arches.
Designed “from the inside out,” the home’s gracious floor plan is enhanced by soaring ceilings, intricately patterned hardwood floors, substantial original millwork, and an ornamental plaster archway.
The 1886 Grand Salon showcases intricate parquet flooring composed of contrasting woods, an elaborately carved fireplace mantel, soaring south-facing windows, and exceptional original millwork.
An elaborately carved newel post anchors the staircase, offering a close look at the exceptional woodworking found throughout the Sonnentheil House.
Brilliant stained glass framed by dark, intricately carved woodwork brings color and artistry to the grand staircase.
An elaborately carved newel post anchors the staircase, offering a close look at the exceptional woodworking found throughout the Sonnentheil House.
The west stair landing is illuminated by a magnificent original stained-glass window and a Dale Tiffany Studios chandelier, framed by richly carved woodwork and the home’s grand 1886 staircase.
The kitchen thoughtfully pairs modern functionality with period character, featuring custom wood cabinetry, patterned tilework, tall windows, and a vintage cast-iron stove.
The spacious kitchen combines modern functionality with historic character, featuring custom wood cabinetry, granite surfaces, patterned tilework, tall windows, and a vintage cast-iron stove.
Additional kitchen view highlighting the Viking refrigerator, central island, farmhouse sink, and expansive windows that fill the room with natural light.
The intimate library reflects the home’s Victorian character with rich wood wainscoting, decorative trim, tall draped windows, and an elegant transomed doorway.
Soaring ceilings, an ornate fireplace mantel, decorative plasterwork, and extraordinary custom parquet flooring distinguish the formal living room.
Another view of the formal living room showcases its generous proportions, tall shuttered windows, substantial woodwork, and intricate geometric parquet flooring.
Ornate plaster arches, sculptural corbels, and substantial crown molding illustrate the extraordinary craftsmanship preserved throughout the 1886 Sonnentheil House.
Original pocket doors, rare curly-pine millwork, patterned parquet flooring, and an ornate fireplace distinguish this intimate sitting room.
The formal dining room reflects the scale and elegance of late-19th-century Galveston, framed by substantial millwork, tall openings and beautifully preserved architectural details.
Walls of tall windows illuminate the kitchen and highlight the intricate woodwork that carries throughout the residence.
Custom cabinetry and modern functionality sit alongside one of the home's most memorable historic features: an ornate antique cast-iron range.
A charming vintage telephone booth adds another unexpected layer of nostalgia to the Sonnentheil House, reflecting a home that has evolved through generations while preserving its distinctive character.
A beautifully appointed bath pairs everyday functionality with traditional details that feel perfectly at home within this historic residence.
Decorative arches, carved brackets, original wood floors and stained glass create a dramatic passage through the home's upper level.
The spacious upstairs east bedroom features original wood flooring, tall windows, handsome paneled doors, and an intricately carved fireplace mantel with decorative tilework.
Designed “from the inside out,” the home offers exceptionally generous rooms, including this bedroom with soaring ceilings, original wood floors, an adjoining sitting area, and one of five fireplaces.
An elegant passage between rooms showcases original stained-glass transoms, substantial curly-pine trim, and the thoughtful interior planning for which the Sonnentheil House is known.
This grand bedroom reflects the scale of the 1886–87 residence, with high ceilings, original wood floors, and ample space for substantial period furnishings.
Original stained-glass transoms, richly finished millwork, and interconnected rooms illustrate the home’s exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive interior layout.
Traditional fixtures and carefully chosen finishes give this bath a sense of timelessness while remaining sympathetic to the historic character found throughout the residence.
Period-inspired details ensure the home's historic character carries seamlessly from its grandest rooms to its most intimate spaces.
Whimsical fire-truck bunk beds bring imagination and personality to a children's room, showing that even a home dating to the 1880s can be a place for new memories to be made.
A spacious double-sink bath combines modern-day functionality with traditional detailing that complements the home's late-19th-century architecture.
High ceilings, original hardwood floors, tall windows and a fireplace reflect the gracious proportions expected of one of Galveston's prominent late-19th-century residences.
The detached garage apartment provides two bedrooms, a full bath, kitchen, living area, and gated off-street parking.
An aerial view reveals the Sonnentheil House’s commanding scale, intricate roofline, double-gallery design, and prominent setting at the corner of 19th and Sealy.
One of Galveston’s most photographed historic residences, the 1886–87 Sonnentheil House is celebrated for its elaborate double gallery and masterful combination of Eastlake, Gothic, and Italianate detailing.
The rear elevation reveals the remarkable scale and intricate craftsmanship of the circa-1886 Jacob Sonnentheil House.
An extraordinary Victorian landmark, the Sonnentheil House blends Eastlake, Gothic and Italianate influences into one of Galveston’s most recognizable historic façades.
A ornate chandelier, decorative ceiling medallion and richly carved millwork capture the elaborate artistry of the Victorian era.
Elaborately embellished arches and carved brackets reflect the artistry and ornamentation of the Victorian era.
Ornate brass hardware offers an intimate glimpse into the exceptional craftsmanship found throughout this historic residence.
A decorative arched opening and intricately patterned lantern evoke the richness and romance of the home’s Victorian interiors.
Historic downtown dining unfolds among the grand commercial architecture that defined Galveston during its prosperous Victorian era.
The nearby Grand 1894 Opera House carries forward the same Gilded Age spirit that shaped the Sonnentheil House and historic Galveston.
Celebrated downtown restaurants occupy architectural landmarks from the era when Galveston stood among the South’s most prosperous cities.
Description
Built in 1886-87 for German immigrant and Galveston merchant Jacob Sonnentheil, this residence is among the island's most recognizable historic homes. Believed to have been designed by renowned architect Nicholas J. Clayton, it blends Eastlake, Gothic, and Italianate influences with elaborate double galleries and intricate craftsmanship. Extensive exterior work has been completed in recent years, further preserving this landmark property. Planned "from the inside out," the expansive interior features formal living and dining rooms, a library, breakfast room, spacious bedrooms, five fireplaces, two elevators, hand-cut patterned parquet floors, original plasterwork, rare curly-pine millwork, antique light fixtures, and original stained glass. The detached garage apartment offers two bedrooms, a full bath, kitchen, living area, and gated parking. All within easy walking distance of The Strand and Postoffice Street's galleries, restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
Details
| MLS # | 52784430 |
|---|---|
| Listing Type | For Sale |
| Style | House |
| Sub-Type | Resale |
| Status | Active |
| Year | 1886 |
| Days On Site | 12 |
| Listing Provided By | RE/MAX Leading Edge | Caroline Spagnola |
Features
| Bed(s) | 3 |
|---|---|
| Bath(s) | 6 Total |
| SQ Feet | 4,852 |
| Garage | 2 |
| Story(s) | 2 |
| Acreage | 0.24 |
Exterior
| Lot Features | Corner Lot |
|---|
Parking
| Garage Yes / No | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parking Features | Attached, Garage |
Taxes
| Tax Annual Amount | 17327 |
|---|
Area Information
| State | TX |
|---|---|
| County | Galveston |
| City | Galveston |
| Zip Code | 77550 |
| Area | 33 |
| Subarea | East End |
| Community Name | Galveston Townsite |
| Listing VS Median (in Galveston Townsite) | |
Price: $1,140,000 low | high Med: $327,450 sqft: 4,852 low | high Med: 1,883 $ / sqft: $235 low | high Med: $175 On site: 12 low | high Med: 34 | |
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Learn More About This Property
| State | TX |
|---|---|
| County | Galveston |
| City | Galveston |
| Zip Code | 77550 |
| Area | 33 |
| Subarea | East End |
| Community Name | Galveston Townsite |
| Listing VS Median (in Galveston Townsite) | |
Price: $1,140,000 low | high Med: $327,450 sqft: 4,852 low | high Med: 1,883 $ / sqft: $235 low | high Med: $175 On site: 12 low | high Med: 34 | |
Listing Updated: August 31, 2026 at 4:12:58 PM PDT
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18756 Stone Oak Parkway Ste 300
San Antonio, TX 78258
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North West San Antonio 210.483.0000 | Laredo 956.722.4822 | Coldwell Banker Commercial International Gateway 956.937.2867
Land & Ranch 210.483.7500 | Bandera 830.850.6700 | Global Luxury 210.483.5700 | Coldwell Banker Commercial Alamo City 210.483.6250
North Central San Antonio / Stone Oak 210.483.7070 | Harper Property Management 210.483.7040 | Relocation Services 210.483.7121
North West San Antonio 210.483.0000 | Laredo 956.722.4822 | Coldwell Banker Commercial International Gateway 956.937.2867
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