A seven-bedroom manor in Galveston, TX, recently hit the market for $1,379,999.

The historic, 8,000-square-foot home at 1702 Post Office Street was originally built in 1905 by the architect George B. Stowe for businessman John D. Hodson.

But possibly the most interesting resident believed to have occupied this East End District mansion was a woman known as Madame Rose.

“During the Prohibition era, Madame Rose ran an empire of bordellos on Post Office Street,” says current owner Brian Bertsch. “She didn’t use this mansion as a brothel, but it was her headquarters for entertaining and hosting Galveston’s elite—which included ship captains, actors, and elected officials.”

A fascinating history isn’t all that remains from Madame Rose’s former lair, though.

“As a side business, she ran a speakeasy on the garden level east wing,” Bertsch says, adding that the home has multiple “secret hiding spots and hidden panels” that were used for money and alcohol.

Upgraded abode

Although the mansion has undergone a number of upgrades in recent years—including a roof replacement and all-new electrical and air conditioning systems—much of the .24-acre property has been preserved. This includes a lavish entryway and original features throughout.

“The home has 14-foot-high ceilings—the ones in the lobby are made of irreplaceable and rare tiger mahogany,” Bertsch says. “In the kitchen, there’s a giant pantry that held an early refrigerator, which would have cost more than a car at the time. There are also a few remaining 100-year-old Kohler toilets.”

In addition to the home’s impressive interiors, it was built to withstand the tropical storms that frequently rip through Galveston.

“It was built like a literal fortress, with a mindfulness towards hurricane proofing,” Bertsch says. “It has awe-inspiring, 16-inch thick concrete walls and an 18-inch-thick foundation pad that was raised 10 feet off the ground to mitigate potential flooding.”

Further wonders await in the backyard, which is home to two of the island’s oldest and tallest Princess Palm trees.

“The west yard also has an orchard with lime, lemon, and pomegranate trees,” Bertsch says. “Every day here feels like living in a tropical resort.”

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