Tucked just off the beach at 1410 Miramar Drive on Galveston’s West End stands one of the island’s most intriguing landmarks—the Kettle House. What began as an industrial steel tank in the late 1960s has since transformed into an award-winning Airbnb, loved by locals and tourists alike for its creative history and distinctive design.
The Origins of the Kettle House
The Kettle House originally began its life as a steel sphere created by Graver Tank & Manufacturing in the late 1960s. It was initially intended for an unknown client, but when the contract fell through, the structure was left without purpose.
That’s when Clayton E. Stokley, a World War II veteran and skilled tank welder, purchased the sphere. Stokley envisioned turning the structure into a one-of-a-kind convenience store and liquor store, a bold idea for the time.
Stokley and his family carefully disassembled the steel tank, moved it, and reassembled it at its current location on the seaside in Galveston. They also added a spiral staircase and an open-concept layout, making it a fascinating and unconventional structure.
However, the store never opened. After Stokley suffered a stroke and passed away in 2005, the project remained unfinished. For more than a decade, the Kettle House stood incomplete, its upper level boarded up and vandalized, though Stokley’s family occasionally maintained the site.
A New Life for the Kettle House
In 2017, the Kettle House found new life when Michael and Ashley Cordray, known for their HGTV shows Big Texas Fix and Saving Galveston, purchased the dilapidated structure. The Cordrays were no strangers to renovation projects and were determined to restore the Kettle House to its former glory.
Michael shared with KGTX 7, “Like many, I’ve loved this place since I was a kid. I just didn’t want it to disappear, and the only way to guarantee that was to take on the project ourselves.” The Cordrays then set to work, giving the Kettle House a complete mid-century-modern renovation.
Restoration and Recognition
The renovation included the addition of a wraparound deck, two bedrooms, modern plumbing, updated HVAC, and a more spacious layout, giving the once-abandoned structure a fresh, contemporary feel.
Ashley Cordray confessed, “I didn’t have any interest in buying the property at first, but now have no regrets.” She continued, “It certainly offers a unique glimpse into what arguably shouldn’t be a house.”
The restoration project paid off in 2021 when the Cordrays received the prestigious Sally B. Wallace Preservation Award from the Galveston Historical Foundation. The Kettle House also gained attention after being featured on HGTV and praised for its distinctive design.
The house has since become a popular Airbnb rental, offering high-speed Wi-Fi, a 4K television, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spiral staircase leading to a cozy master suite.
The Kettle House Today
While some purists mourn the addition of the wraparound deck and paint that hides much of the original metal exterior, the Kettle House remains a cherished and celebrated landmark in Galveston. Guests rave about the space, calling it “unique and special,” especially for its proximity to the beach and its smart, open design.
What was once a forgotten steel tank now stands as a testament to creative reuse, vision, and perseverance. The Kettle House is not only a unique place to stay but also a symbol of Galveston’s resilience and its ongoing ability to blend the past with the present.
