Colonel Benjamin H. Epperson built the House of the Seasons 154 years ago. Epperson was born in Mississippi in 1826 and traveled to Texas to settle in 1847. He was a prominent lawyer, political leader, entrepreneur, and confidant of Sam Houston. He made his way to Jefferson in 1872 and built the House of the Seasons for his family. This beautiful three-story structure is an example of the transitional period between Greek Revival and Victorian architectural styles. It gets its name from the large stained-glass panels in the cupola where each color depicts a season of the year. In addition, there is a dome featuring beautiful murals. The dome can be viewed through a well-like opening in the ceiling of the first floor. Furnishings in the home are lovely examples of the 1870s. In 1974, the house underwent a major restoration by Epperson’s daughter, Jeannie, who purchased many of the furniture pieces.

After Colonel Epperson’s death, the house was sold in 1906 to Marion Taylor Glass, a farmer and grocer. Dr. and Mrs. McNutt bought the house from the heirs of the Glass family in 1941. Dr. McNutt established Four States Cooperative University and Jefferson College, conducting classes in the two front parlors and on the front porch.

The original architect of the house was probably Arthur Gillman of New York City and Boston. The restoration architect was Wayne Bell of Austin. Interior designer, Anna Brightman, was Dean of the School of Interior Design at the University of Texas in Austin.

Richard Collins purchased the home in 1973 and spent three years restoring it. The current owner is the Calvert K. Collins Family Foundation.

Many famous visitors including President George W. Bush and Laura Bush; former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson; former Cabinet Secretary Jack Kemp; former Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison; numerous congressmen and state officials; and authors Pat Conroy, Cassandra King, and Fannie Flagg have visited this stately home.