Alfred Giles Home Visiting Hours, Tickets, and San Antonio Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

San Antonio, Texas is famed for its rich blend of cultural heritage and striking architecture, with the Alfred Giles Home—most notably represented by the Edward Steves Homestead—serving as a prime example of late 19th-century architectural innovation. Designed by Alfred Giles, a British-born architect who left an indelible mark on Texas’s built environment, the home stands in the picturesque King William Historic District. Here, visitors discover Victorian and Second Empire styles, intricate craftsmanship, and the social history of one of Texas’s most significant immigrant communities. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and nearby attractions to enrich your journey through San Antonio’s historical landscape (San Antonio Conservation Society; Wikipedia - Edward Steves Homestead; San Antonio Magazine).

Table of Contents

Alfred Giles: Architect and Legacy

Alfred Giles (1853–1920) was a British-born architect whose visionary designs profoundly impacted Texas architecture. Giles combined European styles—such as Victorian, Italianate, and Second Empire—with local materials and climate-responsive features. His personal residence near Comfort and his work across San Antonio, including the Edward Steves Homestead, are celebrated for their limestone facades, high ceilings, ornate woodwork, and elegant mansard roofs. Giles’s work not only defines the skyline of the King William District but also reflects the aspirations of San Antonio’s post-Reconstruction elite and German immigrant community.


Visiting the Alfred Giles Home

Location

The Edward Steves Homestead, the most accessible example of Alfred Giles’s residential work, is located at 509 King William Street in the heart of the King William Historic District. The district itself is a treasure trove of 19th-century architecture, easily accessible from downtown San Antonio and an essential stop for history and design enthusiasts.

Visiting Hours & Ticket Prices

  • Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Mondays and major holidays.
  • Admission: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/military, $5 for children ages 6–12, and free for children under 6. Group and school tours are available by appointment.
  • Tickets: Purchase online via the San Antonio Conservation Society, at local visitor centers, or through authorized tour operators. Advance reservations are recommended during peak seasons and event days (San Antonio Magazine).

Guided Tours & Special Events

Guided tours, led by knowledgeable docents, delve into Giles’ biography, architectural details, and the social history of the home. Special events throughout the year—such as the King William Fair—offer open houses, live music, and community engagement. Check event calendars for themed tours, seasonal celebrations, and educational programs (San Antonio Conservation Society).

Accessibility

The Edward Steves Homestead is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and accessible restrooms. Due to the historic nature of some neighboring properties, accessibility varies. For accommodations, contact San Antonio Conservation Society or tour organizers in advance.


Architectural and Historical Significance

The Alfred Giles Home, exemplified by the Steves Homestead, merges European elegance with Texas practicality. Key features include:

  • Second Empire Style: Mansard roof, limestone facade, ornate cornices, and arched windows.
  • Interior: Original hardwood floors, carved mantels, high ceilings, stained glass, and period furnishings.
  • Technological Innovation: At the time, the home included indoor plumbing, gas lighting, and central heating.
  • Historical Context: Built in 1876 for lumber merchant Edward Steves, the home reflects the prosperity and social dynamics of 19th-century San Antonio, especially among German immigrants.

Preservation efforts, led by organizations like the San Antonio Conservation Society, have restored and maintained the home and its outbuildings, ensuring historical integrity (Wikipedia - Edward Steves Homestead).


Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit with these local highlights:

  • Villa Finale: A museum home filled with decorative arts.
  • Steves Homestead: The signature Giles home and museum.
  • San Antonio Botanical Gardens: Features structures designed by Giles.
  • Beethoven Maennerchor: Historic German social club with dining and music.
  • Local Dining: The Liberty Bar, Hot Joy, and The Friendly Spot offer local cuisine (San Antonio Magazine).
  • San Antonio River Walk: A short stroll from the district, offering scenic paths and additional attractions.

Practical Visitor Tips

  • Photography: Exterior photography is allowed; interior photography policies vary—ask staff upon arrival.
  • Transportation: Street parking is available but limited on weekends; public transit and bicycle access are convenient.
  • Accessibility: Check with tour organizers for specific accommodations if mobility is a concern.
  • Reservations: Recommended for tours, especially during events or weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Alfred Giles Home (Steves Homestead) visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Closed Mondays and major holidays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: $10 adults, $8 seniors/military, $5 children (6–12), free for children under 6.

Q: Is the home accessible to visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the Steves Homestead is wheelchair accessible. Other properties may have limited access—check ahead.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, daily guided tours are offered; group and school tours by appointment.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Most areas allow photography; restrictions may apply to certain rooms or exhibits.

Q: Are there other historic sites nearby?
A: Yes, including Villa Finale, Beethoven Maennerchor, and the San Antonio River Walk.


Conclusion & Recommendations

The Alfred Giles Home, particularly as showcased by the Edward Steves Homestead, is a cornerstone of San Antonio’s architectural and cultural history. While regular public access is primarily through guided tours and events, the surrounding King William District offers ample opportunities to explore Giles’ legacy. By planning ahead, securing tickets, and exploring the district’s many attractions, visitors can enjoy a comprehensive glimpse into the city’s 19th-century heritage.

Preservation efforts continue to keep San Antonio’s historical narrative alive, and by visiting, you play a role in supporting ongoing educational and cultural initiatives. Download the Audiala app for tour schedules, audio guides, and exclusive content, and follow us on social media for the latest updates.



Visit The Most Interesting Places In San Antonio

59Th Medical Wing
59Th Medical Wing
Acequia Madre De Valero
Acequia Madre De Valero
Alameda Theater
Alameda Theater
Alamo Cenotaph
Alamo Cenotaph
Alamo Mission In San Antonio
Alamo Mission In San Antonio
Alamo Portland And Roman Cement Works
Alamo Portland And Roman Cement Works
Alamo Stadium
Alamo Stadium
Alamodome
Alamodome
Alexander Halff House
Alexander Halff House
Alfred Giles Home
Alfred Giles Home
Altgelt-Isbell House
Altgelt-Isbell House
Arneson River Theater
Arneson River Theater
Arsenal Magazine
Arsenal Magazine
Artpace
Artpace
Aztec Theatre
Aztec Theatre
Basilica Of The National Shrine Of The Little Flower
Basilica Of The National Shrine Of The Little Flower
Battle Of The Alamo
Battle Of The Alamo
Bexar County Courthouse
Bexar County Courthouse
Biesenbach House
Biesenbach House
Brackenridge Park
Brackenridge Park
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Brooke Army Medical Center
Brooke Army Medical Center
Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
Bullis House
Bullis House
Cameo Theatre
Cameo Theatre
Casa Navarro State Historic Site
Casa Navarro State Historic Site
Casino Club Building
Casino Club Building
Cathedral Of San Fernando
Cathedral Of San Fernando
Central Catholic Marianist High School
Central Catholic Marianist High School
Charline Mccombs Empire Theatre
Charline Mccombs Empire Theatre
Christ Episcopal Church
Christ Episcopal Church
Christopher Columbus Italian Society Hall
Christopher Columbus Italian Society Hall
Christus Santa Rosa Health System
Christus Santa Rosa Health System
Clegg, L. B., House
Clegg, L. B., House
Coker Cemetery
Coker Cemetery
Cos House
Cos House
Davenport Cemetery
Davenport Cemetery
Denman Estate Park
Denman Estate Park
Dionicio Rodriguez Bridge In Brackenridge Park
Dionicio Rodriguez Bridge In Brackenridge Park
Eagar House
Eagar House
Edward Steves Homestead
Edward Steves Homestead
Elias And Lucy Edmonds House
Elias And Lucy Edmonds House
Emma Tenayuca
Emma Tenayuca
Engleman-Muench House
Engleman-Muench House
Ernst Homestead
Ernst Homestead
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Freeman Coliseum
Freeman Coliseum
Frost Bank Center
Frost Bank Center
Garcia-Garza House
Garcia-Garza House
Gayle And Tom Benson Stadium
Gayle And Tom Benson Stadium
George Chabot House
George Chabot House
German-English School
German-English School
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
Guenther House
Guenther House
Gustav Blersch House
Gustav Blersch House
Hays Street Bridge
Hays Street Bridge
Hemisfair Arena
Hemisfair Arena
Henry B. González Convention Center
Henry B. González Convention Center
Hot Wells
Hot Wells
Institute Of Texan Cultures
Institute Of Texan Cultures
Jay E. Adams House
Jay E. Adams House
Josephine Theatre
Josephine Theatre
Kelly Field
Kelly Field
Kress Building
Kress Building
La Antorcha De La Amistad
La Antorcha De La Amistad
La Villita
La Villita
Little Church Of La Villita
Little Church Of La Villita
Madison Square Presbyterian Church
Madison Square Presbyterian Church
Majestic Theatre
Majestic Theatre
Maverick-Carter House
Maverick-Carter House
Mcdermott Convocation Center
Mcdermott Convocation Center
Mcnay Art Museum
Mcnay Art Museum
Menger Hotel
Menger Hotel
Menger Soap Works
Menger Soap Works
Mission Concepcion
Mission Concepcion
Mission San Francisco De La Espada
Mission San Francisco De La Espada
Mission San José
Mission San José
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mitchell-Sampson-Oge House
Mitchell-Sampson-Oge House
Monte Vista Historic District
Monte Vista Historic District
|
  Morgan'S Wonderland
| Morgan'S Wonderland
Murchison Tower
Murchison Tower
Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium
Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium
O. Henry House Museum
O. Henry House Museum
Old Edward Steves (Stevens) House
Old Edward Steves (Stevens) House
Old S. J. Brooks Home
Old S. J. Brooks Home
|
  Old St. Mary'S College
| Old St. Mary'S College
Oscar And Rachel Berman House
Oscar And Rachel Berman House
Our Lady Of The Lake University
Our Lady Of The Lake University
Pershing House
Pershing House
Petty House
Petty House
Presidio San Antonio De Bexar
Presidio San Antonio De Bexar
Rechel-Stumpf House
Rechel-Stumpf House
Robert E. Lee Hotel
Robert E. Lee Hotel
Roosevelt Park
Roosevelt Park
Roy And Madge Hearne House
Roy And Madge Hearne House
Ruby City
Ruby City
Ruiz-Herrera Cemetery
Ruiz-Herrera Cemetery
San Antonio Botanical Garden
San Antonio Botanical Garden
San Antonio International Airport
San Antonio International Airport
San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden
San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden
San Antonio Municipal Auditorium
San Antonio Municipal Auditorium
San Antonio Station
San Antonio Station
San Francisco Di Paola Catholic Church
San Francisco Di Paola Catholic Church
San Pedro Springs Park
San Pedro Springs Park
Sartor House
Sartor House
Schulze-Schilo House
Schulze-Schilo House
Shops At Rivercenter
Shops At Rivercenter
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
|
  Spanish Governor'S Palace
| Spanish Governor'S Palace
|
  St. John'S Lutheran Church, "The Rooster Church"
| St. John'S Lutheran Church, "The Rooster Church"
|
  St. Louis Hall At St. Mary'S University
| St. Louis Hall At St. Mary'S University
|
  St. Mary'S University, Texas
| St. Mary'S University, Texas
|
  St. Philip'S College
| St. Philip'S College
Sullivan Field
Sullivan Field
Sunken Garden Theater
Sunken Garden Theater
Temple Beth-El
Temple Beth-El
Texas A&M University–San Antonio
Texas A&M University–San Antonio
Texas Transportation Museum
Texas Transportation Museum
The Crockett Hotel
The Crockett Hotel
Thiele House And Thiele Cottage
Thiele House And Thiele Cottage
Tmi — The Episcopal School Of Texas
Tmi — The Episcopal School Of Texas
Tobin Center For The Performing Arts
Tobin Center For The Performing Arts
Tower Life Building
Tower Life Building
Tower Of The Americas
Tower Of The Americas
Toyota Field
Toyota Field
Travis Park United Methodist Church
Travis Park United Methodist Church
Trinity University
Trinity University
United States Army Medical Command
United States Army Medical Command
United States Army Medical Department Museum
United States Army Medical Department Museum
University Of Texas At San Antonio
University Of Texas At San Antonio
University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio
University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio
University Of The Incarnate Word
University Of The Incarnate Word
U.S. San Antonio Arsenal
U.S. San Antonio Arsenal
Visitor Center At Mission San José
Visitor Center At Mission San José
W. B. Teagarden House
W. B. Teagarden House
William And Mary Ann Richter House
William And Mary Ann Richter House
Witte Museum
Witte Museum
Wolfson House
Wolfson House
Woodlawn Theatre
Woodlawn Theatre
Yturri-Edmunds House
Yturri-Edmunds House
Zion Lutheran Church
Zion Lutheran Church