Twain's house in Redding was designed by W.D. Howells's son, John Howells, who was a professional architect of some note. The house did indeed burn down. My understanding--based on a conversation several years ago with Alan Gribben, which I may be remembering imperfectly-- is that the house was rebuilt according to the orginal plans, but at 3/4 scale. I believe that the house is still in private hands, and not open to the public. Charles Crow Bowling Green State University