Located in the Rio Grande Valley, Ebony Haven is a sanctuary for visitors to relax and feel closer to nature.
Welcome to Ebony Haven, an historic family homestead in deep South Texas. The 4-acre property is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in the tropical Rio Grande Valley, a popular destination for nature enthusiasts from around the world. Once a manicured garden on a main thoroughfare, and the residence of 2 generations of medical pioneers, Ebony Haven is now a refuge for beautiful and unusual bird and butterfly species, and a template for conservation.
The family is committed to responsible stewardship, restoration, and preservation for the natural habitat and the historic features on the site. One of the homes there is currently welcoming short-term rental vacation guests, and we are developing plans to offer photography classes, and educational workshops and guided tours for small groups by appointment. Read more about our history and future plans!
Our History
Ebony Haven has been home to the Works family in Brownsville for over 75 years. The oldest dwelling there is a 1920's-era casita, thought to be the original farmhouse, where the onsite caretaker now lives. Nestled among a grove of ancient ebony trees is the Torres and Woolridge-designed home built for Dr. Bynum McWhorter and Annalee Konzack Works in 1941. The long, shaded driveway extends further back to the 1957 mid-century modern home designed by J. Murray Hooke for the eldest son in the family, also a doctor, and his wife: Dr. Lee and Lillian Schaeffer Works.
The property has vestiges of its earliest features, including an irrigation canal, original whitewashed brick walls lining the driveway, brick walkways, and windmill support structure. Tropical vegetation abounds, including sabal and washingtonian palms; calamondine, ponderosa lemon, sour orange, and kumquat citrus; mesquite; anacua; mountain laurel; loquat; and bougainvillia to name just a few. A large open field dotted with thickets is home to rabbits, possums, and plain chachalacas.
The entire property can be considered a nature preserve, as it is a unique snapshot of the disappearing south Texas habitat. We are seeking historical landmark status for the Casa Grande, as well as the Works Sanitarium on Levee St., founded in the early 1900's as the first non-military hospital in town by Bynum's older brother, Dr. Benjamin Oran Works.
About the website
Knowing you have support in your endeavors is a great way to greet each day! . You will see many of Anna Manuel’s nature photographs on this website.
We are also grateful to Kelsey Haley for her design of the logo, based on the original property signpost and featuring a rendition of the Kiskadee Flycatcher.
Michelle Collums brought the website to life with her creative technical skills.
We are thankful for the contributions of these capable and professional women-
Partners in stewardship,
The Works Family
Contact Us
Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions about the property, booking, etc. We can’t wait to hear from you.
Our Home
Brownsville, TX, 78520