Westhill

Westhill is an important one of the few remaining Greek Revival residences built by Austin's master-builder, Abner Cook. In addition to its significance as an excellent example of the Greek Revival style, this house is set apart from other houses of its period by its unusual design accommodating the steeply sloping hillside. Although the surroundings, which once complemented the house with terraced grounds and broad expanses. has now been developed, Westhill s original elements have Abner Cook.

Born in Rowan County, North Carolina, in May, 1814, Abner Cook spent his early years in Macon, Georgia, and Nashville, Tennessee. In 1839, the same year that the city of Austin was platted and designated the Capital of Texas, Cook settled in the city and remained there until his death February 21, 1884. Very little is known about Cook's life or training, but he began in Austin by running a lumber mill. Later, operating a brick kiln and quarry, he became a building con-tractor and eventually acquired a good deal of wealth in real estate and city property. Cook is known as Austin's most significant builder of the mid-19th century, for as Austin citizens began to replace their temporary buildings with fine houses and permanent stone businesses in the 1850's, Abner Cook built several outstanding Greek Revival houses, commercial and public buildings. Among the notable examples still standing are the Governor's Mansion, a National Historic Landmark, the Neil Cochran House, listed on the National Register, Woodlawn (Pease Mansion), listed on the National Register and the Old State Blind Institute (the first building of the "Little Campus" complex, listed on the National Register.

Cook built Westhill, as the house is known in early records, for Mary and Reuben Runner about 1855 and they later sold the house to Nathaniel Townsend in 1858. In 1863 Frederick Chandler, a prominent early lawyer in Austin with the firm of Hurd, Chandler and Carlton, bought the house. Westhill then passed from the Chandlers to their daughter, Mrs. Henry Shelley and her husband and they continued to own the house until 1909. From 1909-1917 the house served as rental property, but in 1917 May Thompson bought the house. Mrs. Thompson's daughter, Evelyn, inherited the house from her mother and lived in the residence until her death in 1969 at the age of 91.

The present owners, Mr. and Mrs. Travis Williamson, bought the house in 1969 and continue to use the house as a private residence. After several years of interior changes for renters and maintenance neglect, the Williamson family undertook extensive restoration of the house and returned it to excellent condition.