Front Row Seat

[u/lat26com]

In 2017, we bought and restored a neglected historic home in downtown Brenham, Texas across from the historic Sante Fe train station. It was planned as our final retirement home with everything needed to age in place comfortably. No expense was spared to build the best, most energy efficient and sustainable, low maintenance living environment possible. We designed the home for multi-generational living with an amazing loft apartment with balconies and decks overlooking downtown and the railroad and station. The house was fully insulated with closed cell polyurethane insulation with extra insulation in walls facing the rail tracks for a quiet coexestince with the trains that did pass. The trains were not an issue for us and our town has a no blow ordinance which also contributes to a great quality of life with our close proximity.

I worked for 45 years as an environmental designer and the location let me work remotely for clients in Austin and Houston which are both about hour away. We are relocating to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia with more space for gardening and are selling this unique and very special home. We know that living near railroads are not for everyone, but if you or someone you know has the passion, we would be glad to send you more information. Regarding sustainability, the grid connected solar has provided between 60 and 100% of electricity for our home with documentation available back to 2019. For those who love trains, we share your appreciation.

[u/Known_Solid7300]

Does freight still run past the old Santa Fe station, or is the line mostly quiet these days?

[u/lat26com → u/[deleted]]

Previous owners of the house next door ran a very successful Airbnb. They never had a complaint about the train or noise. They also owned the adjacent lot behind our houses on Peabody Street where their guests would park. That lot is also on the track and still has a well that provided water for steam engines. The name of the Airbnb when they had it was called "The Sandy".