The Bateman-Rowell House was built in 1862 by Quincy Bateman, a prominent citizen who owned nearly half of downtown Jefferson. The house was purchased in 1884 by A.H. Rowell, a cotton buyer who owned a plantation in Alabama before migrating to Texas. Mr. Rowell was one of three brothers to come to Texas with the Culberson family. The home remained in the Rowell family until George and Michele Otstott purchased it in 1988. Renovation took three years and was completed in 1992.

With a three-quarter front porch, which is typical of Victorian Texas architecture, the structure is surrounded with walks and entrance steps made of antique handmade bricks sought out from all over the country. This home is the only one in Jefferson with its remaining outbuildings. Behind the house is a gazebo, guest house, milking barn and dairy, chicken house and coop, and the first three-hole outhouse built in Jefferson.

Antique furnishings are throughout the house. According to Mrs. Otstott, “We tried to find furnishings made before 1890 as we felt if someone was to travel across the country to Jefferson, they would not bring new furniture.” Many of the pieces were made before the home was built. Family pieces and items collected from the Otstott’s travels in Europe add to the authenticity of the home. Among the furnishings are many antique prints, such as original Audubon prints in the dining room.

With six working fireplaces and original mantles, much of the glass in the windows and the flooring is original to the house. Also original to the house are all the doors, hardware, and shutters as well as many of the gasoliers (gas chandeliers) which have been converted to electricity.

The front of the home is divided by large entry hall with a double parlor, men’s and women’s, to the left and a dining room and bedroom to the right. An outstanding feature of the home is the wallpaper in the entry. It is handmade and produced by Zuber et Cie of Paris, France, consisting of thirty-two panels utilizing one thousand six hundred and seventy-four blocks individually applied by hand. “Scenic America” was first printed in 1834 and painted by Zipelius and Ehrman in over 300 colors with views of West Point, New York Bay, Boston Harbor, the Natural Bridge in Virginia, and a dance of the Winnebago Indians.

The L-shaped porch or loggia was enclosed and features floor-to-ceiling windows, antique wicker furniture, and prints, plants, and a four-foot bird cage. This area overlooks the antique rose garden and entertainment center on the property. To the right of the loggia, are the game room and library featuring Audubon prints and items from the Napoleonic era.

In addition, the home has a sunroom converted from the old sleeping porch, a large state-of-the-art kitchen filled with antique copper, a guest bathroom, and a large master bedroom with dressing area.

Major collections in the home include Hummel figures, English and French pill boxes, Royal Doulton character jugs, carved wooden Welsh love spoons, nutcrackers, and Chihuly pieces.