On land bought 1875 by Joseph Gustave Rountree (1838-80), who planned house before his death. Built 1881 by his young widow, Elizabeth Cornelia, with aid of her father, John Stillwell. The lumber was Florida pine, hauled from Rockport. Stone, quarried as caliche and hardened by the air, came fron nearby Mulas Hills. Structure has withstood major stoms and is still owned by descendants: Adele Rountree, Ann Marie Rountree Anderson and sons. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1971