This remarkable estate is recognized as the first and oldest residence in Eastland, originally constructed in 1876 by C.U. Connellee, widely known as the “Father of Eastland.” The original home was built with lumber hauled by wagon from Dallas, and a second story was added in 1924, further enhancing its stature and prominence within the community.

Rich in Southern charm and historic significance, the home is distinguished by its grand columns and expansive balconied façade. Perched atop the historic Connellee Hill, the estate encompasses nearly an entire city block in the heart of Eastland, just steps from the courthouse and downtown square.
The property spans approximately 2.33 acres and is anchored by the impressive 6,000-square-foot main residence. Complementing the estate are three additional structures, including a three-bedroom guest cottage. The most recent major renovation occurred in 1972 when the renowned Judge Austin McCloud relocated to Eastland after being elected Chief Justice of the 11th Court of Appeals.

Eastland serves as the county seat and is home to the county’s only hospital, the 11th Court of Appeals, the historic movie theater dating back to the 1920s, and the famous “Old Rip” horned frog legend—one of Texas’ most fascinating and enduring stories.

Property History:

Eastland County was created in 1858 and officially organized in 1873. The town of Eastland was established shortly thereafter when C.U. Connellee and Jack Daugherty purchased 320 acres and relocated the county seat, laying out the public square in January 1875.

Known as the “Father of Eastland,” C.U. Connellee constructed the original portion of this home in 1876 using lumber transported by wagon from Dallas. In 1924, he added the second floor, and he remained in residence for 56 years until his death in 1930. The home was intended to serve as a welcoming gathering place for travelers and settlers journeying westward across Texas.

Following Connellee’s passing, the property changed hands several times and underwent renovations in 1956 and 1963. In 1972, Judge Austin McCloud moved to Eastland after being elected Chief Justice of the 11th Court of Appeals. He and his wife, Mary Anne, extensively renovated the residence, and it has remained in the McCloud family ever since.

Judge McCloud was widely respected for his legal acumen, integrity, and fairness, qualities that extended beyond the courtroom and into his home. Today, a museum located across from the courthouse bears its name and celebrates both the history of the appellate court and Judge McCloud’s lasting contributions to the region.

Location:

The property is located at 515 South Lamar Street, just a few blocks west of the Eastland County Courthouse and the historic downtown square.

Conveniently situated along Interstate 20, Eastland is less than 90 minutes west of Fort Worth and under one hour east of Abilene. The city is approximately 56 miles east of Abilene, 94 miles west of Fort Worth, and 120 miles west of Dallas, providing excellent accessibility while maintaining its small-town charm and rich heritage.

Land:

The property encompasses approximately 2.33 acres atop historic Connellee Hill and occupies the majority of the city block bounded by South Lamar Street, West Valley Street, West Hill Street, and South Mulberry Street.

The primary homesite totals approximately 1.83 acres and features roughly 400 feet of frontage along South Lamar Street, approximately 200 feet along West Hill Street, and nearly 400 feet of frontage along South Mulberry Street.

An additional one-half-acre tract located directly across South Lamar Street was acquired by the McCloud family to preserve the view corridor from the front of the residence. This parcel measures approximately 100 feet by 200 feet and also fronts South Seaman Street.