The 1885 Rose Cottage is a charming historic carriage house nestled in Galveston's East End Historic District. It sits securely within the private, fenced, and gated courtyard garden of a landmark Galveston mansion. Both the main house and carriage house are designated Galveston Landmarks and survivors of the 1900 Storm.
This listing is for the ground floor apartment. There are two separate apartments, one upper floor and one lower floor. The entire carriage house may be booked by reserving both units. Max 2 guest per apartment. No guests under the age of 21 are permitted. No pets. Free parking.
We are very close to the cruise terminals. MSC is a quick 7 minute walk, it is 1/3 mile away. All other terminals are within 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile. You can see and hear the ships from the property.
Designed by renowned Galveston architect Nicholas J. Clayton (known for iconic works like the Bishop's Palace on Broadway), the property has been featured in multiple historical home tours, annual Christmas tours, and most recently, two garden tours.
This listing is for the downstairs apartment, a spacious 730-square-foot unit with its own private exterior entrance. (An identical upstairs apartment exists, but each apartment is fully separate.)
We have a deep passion for antiques and thoughtful design. Nearly all furnishings, artwork, and décor have been carefully curated from antique auctions and estate sales across Texas.
**Bedroom**
The bedroom's centerpiece is a custom-painted vintage French Provincial headboard flanked by matching nightstands. A dramatic bed canopy—crafted from the top of an antique French armoire—adorns the wall above, while a sparkling crystal chandelier adds elegance. Blackout curtains ensure restful sleep. A large hand-painted armoire serves as the closet. Guest robes, extra blankets, and towels are provided inside the armoire. Two luggage racks are provided. ,A sound machine and two USB chargers sit bedside. Additional storage includes a full-sized closet in the living room with hangers, plus an iron and ironing board.
**Kitchen & Dining**
The fully equipped kitchen includes a full-size refrigerator, gas range, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Enjoy a stocked tea and coffee bar with tea kettle, Keurig coffee maker, coffee pods, creamers, sugar and assorted coffee syrups. The kitchen is stocked with all essentials such as dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, pots/pans, bakeware, toaster, wine opener, bar glasses, and more. We provide an assortment of snacks and bottled water upon check-in.
The dining area features an antique English pub table beneath a sparkling crystal chandelier. Several antique cabinets display books and vintage décor in the seating area. South-facing windows fill the space with wonderful morning light.
**Bathroom**
Relax in the walk-in shower stocked with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, plush towels, hair dryer, and a lighted makeup mirror. The custom vanity is crafted from an antique French dresser, topped by a beautiful antique mirror. Two bathrobes await in the bedroom armoire.
**Guest Access & House Rules**
Registered guests enjoy exclusive use of the lush courtyard garden seating areas. Unregistered guests, pets, and visitors are not permitted on the grounds or in the apartment. Maximum occupancy: 2 guests (age 21+ only; no exceptions).
The main house, its porches, and front gardens are private and reserved for the owners. Courtyard seating is available anytime, but please keep noise low after 9 PM as a courtesy to any upstairs guests and close neighbors.
This is a 100% non-smoking property. No smoking, vaping, candles, or incense allowed anywhere inside the apartment or on the grounds, decks, porches, or patios. Thank you for helping us maintain this special space!
**The Grounds & Garden**
Our lush, landscaped gardens burst with roses, perennials, and tropical plants chosen to attract butterflies—you'll likely spot them fluttering about. The garden has been featured on the East End Fall Garden Tour and Clean Galveston Spring Garden Tour. Two articles about the garden were published in Neil Sperry's Texas Gardening magazine (2023 and 2024). The main house is affectionately known as the "Rose House" for its spectacular spring display of pink climbing Peggy Martin roses draping the front fence.
Unwind in the serene slate courtyard under a large grapevine- and rose-covered pergola, with the soothing sound of a 12-foot fountain. A Blanc du Bois grapevine trails along the upper balcony railing of the carriage house, bearing seasonal clusters of grapes. Just outside the downstairs apartment door, a cozy white wicker sofa sits tucked beneath the second-floor balcony.
**Other Things to Note**
We're ideally located near the cruise terminals: MSC is just 1/3 mile away (walkable or a quick 2-minute drive), with ships visible from the property. Other terminals are within 1 mile. Uber and Lyft are readily available.
We're only 1/2 mile from UTMB Hospital and Shriners Children's Hospital.
Many top island spots are an easy stroll away: Sunflower Cafe, Shy Katz, Coastal Grill, The Original Mexican Cafe, and more. The Strand, downtown restaurants, shops, art galleries, Mardi Gras, and Dickens on the Strand are all within walking distance.
We look forward to hosting you!
**Registration Details**
GVR-14610
Guest access
Registered guests may access the courtyard and seating areas at any time. The front yard garden and all porches attached to the main house are for the homeowners use only.
Other things to note
Street parking is readily available right outside the gate of the property. A parking pass will be provided at check in. Extended cruise parking is not available. This is due to being in the historic district with limited residential street parking. There are multiple cruise lots within a few blocks that are safe, secure and covered if needed.
Registration Details
GVR-14610