Our Story

who we are

Located in the heart of Downtown Austin, Chateau Bellevue offers a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary elegance as one of the city's premier event and wedding venues. Owned and operated by the Austin Woman’s Club, this beautifully preserved space is now a stunning backdrop for modern celebrations — from weddings and galas to corporate gatherings and private events. With versatile indoor and outdoor settings, timeless architecture, and a central location, Chateau Bellevue provides an unforgettable experience for any occasion.

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A woman giving a speech at a podium during a luncheon event with elderly women seated at tables decorated with flowers and tableware. A large screen is behind her, and American flags are displayed.
Black and white photograph of a large, historic building with arched windows and decorative railings, surrounded by a garden with hedges and trees.

Our history

Chateau Bellevue, home to the Austin Woman’s Club, was originally known as the “Old North Castle” and was built in 1874 by the North family. In 1892, Major Ira Hobart Evans purchased the mansion for his family and added many of the distinctive features that define the Chateau today, including its stained glass windows and intricate wooden detailing.

A Union Army veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, Evans later made Texas his home and became a significant figure in the state’s development. He was the youngest Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, played a major role in expanding railroads across Texas, and was also a cofounder and director of Austin National Bank.

Under Evans’s ownership, Chateau Bellevue became a gathering place for social events, civic organizations, and even the Texas Historical Commission. In 1929, the Austin Woman’s Club purchased the property for $36,000, preserving it as both a meeting place for women and an important historic landmark. Today, the club continues its mission of protecting Chateau Bellevue as one of the last remaining examples of Victorian architecture in Downtown Austin.