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Thistle Hill Remains One of Fort Worth’s Favorite Historic Mansions

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Becoming the City of Fort Worth’s first designated landmark in 1978, Thistle Hill is one of two historic house museums available to the public through Historic Fort Worth.

Sitting on a 6.5-acre plot in the Near Southside, Thistle Hill is a rare surviving mansion from the “Cattle Baron Era.”

Albert Buckman Wharton, Jr. and Electra Waggoner Wharton — the daughter of a wealthy cattleman — moved into the 18-room mansion in 1904.

The nearly 11,000-square-foot Georgian Revival-style mansion has been restored to its 1912 condition — the condition in which it was reimagined by the original design firm Sanguinet and Staats after it was purchased for $90,000 by Elizabeth and Windfield Scott, according to Historic Fort Worth.

The historic mansion has an elaborate entryway surrounded by columns, with a long sidewalk that leads to a small staircase. White projecting bay windows line the mansion walls. On each wall also sits large balcony patios.

The gambrel sloped roof features green tile, complementing the red brick exterior.

The interior features a grand staircase with beautiful woodwork throughout. The two-and-a-half-story house features a basement.

Its carriage house at the rear of the property — which is one of only two urban, transitional carriage houses in the state — was built for both horses and cars. The transportation amenities include stalls, feeding troughs, a cooling yard, garage bays, and a hand-crank gas pump.

The vibrant green grounds, which make up the largest green space in the Fort Worth Medical District, are fenced with brick walls and iron with ornamental details.

The park-like space is available to the public free of charge on weekdays. Modern upgrades include a children’s tactile and fragrance garden, which was installed on the property in 2008, and a week-day food truck, which joined the property in 2013.

Thistle Hill has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975. It is open for public tour and special occasions and events, including weddings and receptions.

Public-interest events are also scheduled at the museum, including its popular murder mystery event — Murder at Thistle Hill.

Brandi Addison

Brandi Addison was born and raised in Fort Worth and is making her way back to the Panther City after living away from home for nearly five years while attending college at Texas Tech University. After graduating, she was an education reporter for the Midland Reporter-Telegram. She loves the Fort Worth community and the diversity within each of its neighborhoods. Her favorite areas are Clearfork, Fairmount, and the Cultural District.

I created a fund-raiser for Thistle Hill way back in 1993. As I was a Dallasite who dared to marry a native ‘Fort Worth Boy,’ the event, was quite well-attended, exceeding my goal, but the majority were my friends coming all the way over in that snow. After that year, that fund-raiser never happened again. NO fund-raising went on until the self-serving group in charge were ousted by Historic Fort Worth, which truly had the Masion as the center of attention. Point: we have a similar edifice on Ross Avenue, now occupied by a women’s group, who have discovered that they cannot raise the funds needed to properly restore the building. It does need saving…. but, who will step in and do this? Local commitment to Old City Park [Dallas Historical Village] has waned, likewise. Both are the victim of poor leadership. There are not enough Mary Brinegar’s in town to keep our older treasures from possible destruction.

Thank you, CCR, for your efforts with this Fort Worth treasure. I am familiar with the Ross Avenue property you reference, and I’m hopeful Preservation Dallas and/or its many supporters will be able to garner the support to properly restore that magnificent property (Silk Stocking Row, as it was originally a part of).

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Historic Fort Worth’s Cattle Baron’s Homes

Stand where the cattle barons stood when livestock was king and ranching ruled the Southwest. For the cattle barons who made their fortunes in the dawn of the 20th century, the ultimate sign of success was a grand mansion in Fort Worth, the location of the largest livestock market in the Southwest. Thistle Hill and McFarland House are Fort Worth’s 1st and 2nd Local Landmarks and are Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Open for tours Wednesdays-Fridays & Sundays.

The 1899 Ball-Eddleman-McFarland House is the region’s most intact Queen Anne residence, boasting a sandstone-carved porch and copper-spired slate roof. Elaborate interiors are so embellished with intricately-patterned wood, stained glass and marble that the house has been called a “jewel box.”

• Experience Historic Fort Worth’s Cattle Baron Homes

Discover a Rich History

Explore unique architecture, experience a living museum.

Built in 1904 by an heir to one of Texas’ great ranching dynasties, Thistle Hill is a commanding mansion with a glistening green tile roof and massive limestone columns. The Georgian Revival mansion is filled with 19th and 20th-century furnishings, and the expansive, manicured grounds feature an elegant tea house and a rare “transitional” carriage house designed for horses and automobiles.

Fort Worth, Texas is known for its rich history and vast open spaces. One of the unique aspects of the city is its cattle baron homes that bring the Old West to life. Here you can explore the historic residences of the wealthy ranch owners who helped build the city into what it is today.

The cattle barons were responsible for transforming Fort Worth’s economy in the mid-nineteenth century by bringing in large herds of cattle to be sold throughout the country. These ranchers built lavish residences, many of which are still standing today. By visiting some of these exquisite homes, you can imagine what life would have been like during this time and understand these individuals’ impact on the city and beyond.

The architecture of these homes is a testament to the style of their owners. You’ll find everything from elaborate Victorian-style mansions to quaint rural ranches, each with its flair and personality. As you wander through these structures, note details such as rustic stone fireplaces, claw foot tubs, hand-carved balustrades, intricate trim work, and more.

Seeing these homes is an experience like no other. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but exploring them will also give you an educational look into life in nineteenth-century Texas. Take a guided tour to learn about the area’s history and stories about the people who lived in the houses.

Historic cattle baron homes are a must-see if you’re looking for a unique and informative way to explore Fort Worth. Walk the grounds and gain insight into one of the most influential parts of the city’s past. It’s a great way to learn more about the city’s past while admiring its stunning architecture.

Address 1110 Penn St Fort Worth TX, 76102

Phone 817-336-2344

Hours Open Wednesdays-Fridays & Sundays.

Thistle Hill House Museum

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1509 Pennsylvania Ave

Fort Worth, TX 76104

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About the business.

Cattle Baron Mansion Tours Tickets to tour both houses are $20 ($10 for children) and start at 11a.m., noon 1 & 2 on Wed-Friday; and 1, 2 & 3p.m. on Sundays. Thistle Hill -- Flashlight tours: Become one of the few to venture beyond the standard tour. Join us as we explore the basement, third floor and carriage house. See how the family and staff really lived. Peek into the nooks and crannies of the house. Listen to the sounds the house makes and hear some of the stories only the staff can tell...Some may even keep you up at night! $30 in advance, $35. at the door. Add McFarland House for an additional $10Tour includes house museum tour of Thistle Hill only. Reservations are HIGHLY encouraged! Please enjoy food trucks at Thistle Hill on weekdays! …

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This place is closed despite their website and voicemail sounding like they're still open. Wasted 30 minutes driving out to attend one of the tours this past Sunday, only to find out there's a fence all around the building. Looking it up on Google today, it shows they're closed for restoration. They need to update their voice mail and their website

DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY ON THIS PLACE. First off the accommodations are meager at best there's not enough restrooms, 1 on 2nd floor which is in the room reserved for bride and 2nd restroom is near entrance each have one stall. Second they harass you the day of the event and what i mean by harass they don't walk around to see if you need help however the staff does troll around looking for you to violate a rule. The rules alone are annoying and make it difficult to create a serene environment. Thirdly, and this by far the dumbest of them all. They advertise as a wedding venue, will allow alcohol and beer onsite for guest and will also allow a DJ to play music however there's a no dance in the inside rule .. i know your dumb founded we were too Avoid this place because you will be disappointed.

Attended a wedding here this past weekend. Absolutely beautiful venue! The inside was very old and preserved well. Didn't spend too much time inside, however the outdoor area was perfectly set! Nice grassy area and beautiful scenery with all the flowers.

Beautiful house...we had a great tour this afternoon. Check out the roof...very unique!

If you love historical places, Thistle Hill is a must when you are visiting Fort Worth. It is also a beautiful venue for indoor or outdoor weddings. The women who volunteer there are very nice to work with. I can highly recommend Thistle Hill; it is simply beautiful and very elegant.

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Having Fun in the Texas Sun

Family friendly Texas Destinations

Historic Home Tours in Texas

Do you love to tour old homes?  Relive Texas history through the front door of each of these home tours across the state!

1.  Thistle Hill , Fort Worth The Cattle Baron’s mansion offers an Attic to Basement tour of Thistle Hill in Fort Worth’s Southside. Built in 1902 for the daughter of a cattle baron, Electra Waggoner Wharton, heiress of the Waggoner Ranch, and the namesake of the West Texas town of Electra. The 11,000 square foot mansion was incredible to see, and I really love the family history and admit to getting a little chill at the ghost story! Most of Fort Worth’s historic homes are gone, and it was really neat to see this one!

Tours Wed. – Fri. and Sun. without a reservation. Call for other days/times.

2 . Moody Mansion , Galveston

The 28,000 square foot home in Galveston was built before the 1900 Hurricane, and home to the wealthy Moody Family for over 80 years.  Tour 20 rooms, or take a private tour.

3.  Governor’s Mansion, Austin

The home of the Texas Governor since 1856, it is the 4th continuously used Governor’s Mansion in the state.

Tours are given year round, but require a week advance booking and pass a background check.

Click HERE for more information.

4 .  Historic Hyde Park Homes Tours, Austin

Once a year the historic neighborhood offers a tour of homes.

November 2019 on November 10th

5 . Neil Cochran House Museum, Austin

Experience Austin’s Antebellum Architecture in a tour of this historic home.

Tours are given year round.

6 . Sam Rayburn House, Bonham

Items from the life and times of Sam Rayburn, as well as seasonal events.

Tuesday – Saturday

7.  Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society Home Tour, Dallas

Virtual Tour for 2021

Click HERE for more information

8 .  Lakewood Home Festival, Dallas 

Click H ERE for more information

9 .  Swiss Avenue Historic District, Dallas 

Mother’s Day Home Tour TBD

10 .  AIA Dallas Home Tour, Dallas

October TBD

11.  Egypt Plantation

12.  Bishop’s Palace, Galveston

13.  Galveston Historic Homes Tour

May 4, 5, 11, 12 2019

14.  Liendo Plantation, Hempstead

15.  AIA Houston Home Tours

October 2019 TBA

16.  Bayou Bend, Houston

17.  Starr Family Homes, Marshall

18. W. H. Stark House, Orange

19.  Sam-Bell-Maxey House, Paris

20. Fulton Mansion, Rockport

21.  AIA Homes Tour, San Antonio

22.  Spanish Governor’s Palace, San Antonio

23.  Villa Finale, San Antonio

24.  McClendon House, Tyler

25.  Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Columbia

Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun! Michelle

Having Fun in the TEXAS Sun is on PINTEREST! Use it as a quick resource to find activities in different Texas towns! Click  HERE !

© Having Fun in the Texas Sun, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Having Fun in the Texas Sun with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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General Information

There is a suggested donation of $10 per adult and $5 per child. This donation helps to preserve the David Davis Mansion for future generations. Please see our FAQ  section for more information.

1000 Monroe Drive Bloomington, IL 61701

Phone: (309) 828-1084

Email: [email protected]

Open: Wednesday - Saturday: 9am - 3:30pm

The 1890 House

The 1890 house is open thursday – saturday, 11:00am – 4:00pm and sunday, 12:00pm – 4:00pm., guided tours are the best way to explore the 1890 house.  guided tours are subject to availability. visitors are advised to book in advance to guarantee a guided tour spot.  walk-ins also welcome..

House guides will guide you through four floors of the house. Tours last approximately 60-90 minutes and will cover the Wickwire family history, servant life, and social customs of the late 19th early 20th centuries.

House Admission

(Includes House Admission, Guided Tour and Self Guided Tour)

Adults – $15

Seniors – $12

Military – $10

Students – $10

Children 6-18 – $5

Children 5 & younger – free when accompanied by an adult

*The 1890 House Museum is a Blue Star Museum which offers free admission to our nation’s active-duty military and their families from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.

Guided tours are subject to availability. Visitors are advised to book in advance to guarantee a tour spot.

Please note that the tour will go upstairs to the second and third floors, as well as the cupola. These upstairs floors are not accessible. Please contact the museum for an accessibility-friendly tour.

The 1890 House Museum is continually undergoing restoration and preservation projects that may interfere with the museum normal open hours. Please call 607 756 7551 or book in advance.

Email us if you would like more information about your guided tour at the 1890 House!

Email Address

Private Tours

Group tours are available for 10 or more people. Tours must be scheduled in advance by calling 607.756.7551 or emailing [email protected]

*Chaperones are free of charge for school groups. For more information about school tours please visit our Education page. 

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37 Tompkins St. Cortland, NY 13045

Telephone: (607) 756 7551

Email: [email protected]

Mattie Foster House is on this year's home tour.

Now four decades strong, the Fairmount Historic District Tour of Homes has become a beloved Mother's Day weekend tradition in Fort Worth.

For the 2023 edition, four bungalow-style homes and two historic businesses will open their doors to visitors, May 13-14.

"Most of the locations on the tour were originally built between 1890-1930, and characteristics include: beamed interior ceilings, colonnades, pocket doors, antique hardware, prominent wide front porches, overhanging eaves, as well as exposed rafters and beams — to name a few," a release says.

There are also some new, related events this year, including a fair in Fairmount Park and a pop-up art show at Arts 5th Avenue. The fair will take place 12-4 pm Saturday, March 13 at Fairmount Park, and will feature food trucks, local artists, kids' activities, and more. The fair follows the traditional kick-off parade through the neighborhood at 10 am Saturday.

The tour itself takes place (rain or shine) 12-5 pm Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the days of the event. Proceeds benefit neighborhood improvement projects.

Tour-goers should check in at the Welcome Pavilion located at SiNaCa Studios at 1013 W. Magnolia Ave. Tickets may be purchased or picked up there both days, a map and information will be provided, and T-shirts and posters will be for sale. For more information about the event and tickets, visit the district's website .

Here's a closer look at homes on the 2023 tour, with descriptions provided by the district.

Mattie Foster House As pictured in the photo at the top of the story, the century-old home was built in 1915 and turned into a duplex in the early 1950's so that the newly widowed Mattie Foster could stay in her home. Foster's home was sold to Joe Johnson, a Fort Worth attorney and bail Bondsman in 1962. It fell into disrepair in recent decades, but was eventually rehabbed (back into a single family home) and sold in 2021. Original tulip-stained glass, exposed wood beams, wainscotting, and built-in cabinetry have been restored.

The Edgar-Tanner House This large imposing corner foursquare home (above), with huge wrap-around porch and massive concrete columns on stone bases, was built about 1911. While the Prairie-style inspired its horizontal rooflines, the columns are a nod to the classical revival style, which was gaining popularity. The the first residents in 1912 were Dr. & Mrs. Charles Leslie Edgar. Edgar was an early ear, nose and throat specialist in Fort Worth. The current owners moved from Dallas and purchased the home at the height of the pandemic in 2020. They have filled their home with wonderful art, including a few well-know local artists, family heirlooms, and a signed pochoir by Pablo Picasso.

The Medley-Tucker House This beautifully restored example of a foursquare-type house (above) was built by its first owner and resident, carpenter-builder Charles A. Medley, for his wife, Lynette, and their two young sons, beginning in 1908 and finished in 1909. The nickname for this style of foursquare home in historic architectural terms is “shirtwaist style,” so called for the material on the upper half to the middle or ‘waist’ of the house being of one kind — usually wood shingles as this home has — and a different kind of covering on the bottom half. After a series of owners, the home fell into ruin in the 1990s. The current owners purchased it less than a year ago. A complete restoration of the interior has been accomplished. Fun fact: It's one of the only houses in Fairmount with a basement.

The Jacob Tanner House, The Edna Gladney Home (& Adoption Agency), The Bastion Few Fairmount houses have more important stories to tell this one. Built in 1925 for Jacob Franklin Tanner, owner of a local fish market, it was originally a unique kind of duplex built as two residences side to back. One of the first residentswas Glen “Buck” Smith, who married Minnie Meacham, daughter of department store owner and former Fort Worth mayor, Henry C. Meacham. (The Smiths eventually divorced, and Minnie became Mrs. Amon G. Carter, the famous Fort Worth promoter and philanthropist’s third wife.) More importantly, the home was as The Edna Gladney Home, 1959-1970s, a charitable institution and adoption agency named for early Fort Worth women’s and children’s rights activist Edna Browning Gladney. Current owners, Richard and Chandra Ricetti, purchased it in 2008 and Chandra, a master chef, set up her catering business, The Bastion, in a separate building behind the apartments. The Ricettis have been restoring The Manor House and will soon move in.

The tour also will include the home of Arts Fifth Avenue (A5A), which dates to 1926; as well as the home of the Domingo Garcia law firm.

Leasing begins on historic Fort Worth Public Market under renovation

Veteran fort worth operators to open one-of-a-kind sports bar-restaurant, volstead prohibition-style restaurant-bar brings coolness to southlake, fort worth 'backyard' greenhouse sells grow-your-own plants and herbs.

A Fort Worth mom-and-pop is helping to make the city a little more green: Cowtown Backyard Growers is a family-owned micro urban nursery, providing everything from potted peppers to starter flowers and herbs.

Founded by husband-and-wife Ed and Mandy Prince, Cowtown strives to provide great quality plants at a good value. Their goal is to assist new gardeners and share the knowledge they've gained in their 20+ years of growing food in North Texas.

They grow and sell small plants from their "Backyard Greenhouse" at their southeast Fort Worth home, open by appointment or during limited hours through the week.

Their goods include rosemary, thyme, African and French marigolds, sweet and hot peppers, and a recent addition, asparagus beans. Most of their items are between $2-$8.

The two Fort Worth residents and one-time chefs started growing food on the patio of their apartment 15 years ago.

"We are both foodies, we love to cook and eat great food," Mandy says. "When we were newlyweds, we looked for ways to get the best produce we could."

The couple met in culinary school at Aims Academy, and worked at some well-known restaurants such as Aquaknox, a now-closed seafood restaurant from chef Stephan Pyles.

But gardening was always a shared interest, and Mandy had it in the family: Her grandfather, William Lee Foster, owned a produce company in Missouri.

The concept for selling potted plants was an idea of their daughter's, Mandy says.

"Our daughter loves house plants and wanted to start a business," Mandy says. "I was also inspired by a podcast by the Savvy Dirt Farmer. He does landscape planting and has a nursery in his backyard — but we wanted to focus more on herbs."

They eventually got their nursery floral license , required for businesses growing flowers and plants for sale.

Cowtown Backyard Growers is a part-time venture. Ed works in the medical equipment industry, and Mandy homeschools their two daughters. In the hours in between and on weekends, they cultivate and pot their plants to ready them for clients.

"What we focus on is aiding people new to growing to help them incorporate it into their lives," Mandy says. "I can give them one-on-one attention for plant care and tips."

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Fairmount Historic District hosts 40th annual tour of homes

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WHO: Fairmount National Historic District in Fort Worth, TX. 

WHAT: Fort Worth’s Fairmount National Historic District will host its 40th Annual Tour of Historic Homes. Visitors will gather over Mother’s Day weekend, May 7-8 to celebrate the rich architectural history of the largest historic neighborhood in the Southwest region. 

VISUALS: This year’s tour is a comeback to full house tours following two years of remote or outdoor viewing. The event will highlight four beautifully restored bungalow-style homes, the Naylor-Moses House as an in-progress renovation, and a beautifully restored bungalow currently housing the headquarters of Fort Worth Focused Real Estate. A special treat this year is the M. A. Benton House, a Victorian-style house and Registered Texas Historic Landmark built in 1898 and one of the oldest homes in Fort Worth. 

Most of the homes on the tour were originally built between 1890-1930, and characteristics include: beamed interior ceilings, colonnades, pocket doors, antique hardware, prominent wide front porches, overhanging eaves, as well as exposed rafters and beams — to name a few. 

Attendees will also enjoy a neighborhood parade to kick-off the event, and those looking to grab a bite to eat during the tour can visit one of Magnolia Avenue’s many popular restaurants. 

WHEN: Mother’s Day weekend, May 7 and 8, noon-5 p.m. both days 

WHERE: Check in at the Welcome Pavilion located at SiNaCa Studios at 1013 W. Magnolia Avenue. Tickets may be purchased or picked up here, and a map and information will be provided. T-shirts and posters will also be available for purchase. 

COST: $15 for tickets purchased in advance at www.historicfairmount.com; or $20 for tickets purchased on the day-of at the Welcome Pavilion. Tickets will be available for pickup from noon-5 p.m. on May 7 and Noon-4 p.m. on May 8. 

Proceeds from the tour will benefit the Fairmount Neighborhood Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, and its mission to preserve, restore, and maintain the Fairmount neighborhood and surrounding historic district. 

SOCIAL: Social media users are encouraged to use the hashtag #FairmountHomeTour to follow and/or post about event happenings, as well as to visit www.facebook.com/historicfairmount. 

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A press release comes straight from a news source. It is not held to the same standards as a news story reported and written by a professional reporter, but it should be factual. The Fort Worth Report... More by Press Release

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5100 Crestline Road

Baldridge house.

• Price $6,495,000
• Powder Rooms 2
• Sq.Ft. 11,725

About 5100 Crestline Road

One of Texas’ prized architectural treasures, and Landmark since 1978, the Baldridge House possesses an artful balance of historic elegance and modern amenities. The nearly one-and-a-half-acre estate is protected by a privacy fence and hedge. Juxtaposed by the grandeur of the home, guests are greeted by an understated, yet ornate fountain, which gives a proud and peaceful nod to this magnificent home.

This estate has three living spaces, perfect for formal and informal gatherings, a billiard room with oak paneling and highly detailed oak coffered ceilings, six gorgeous bedrooms, six lavish bathrooms, large storage spaces and room for eleven cars making this home perfect for the auto enthusiast.

Home Feature 1

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Home Feature 2

Home feature 3, home feature 4, home feature 5, home feature 6.

The Baldridge House is a historic three-story mansion in Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. It was built from 1910 to 1913 for Earl Baldridge, a cattleman and rancher who later became a banker, and his wife Florence. It was designed by Sanguinet & Staats.

The house has been listed as a Texas Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission since 1978. This house was part of the original Chamberlain–Arlington Heights development of the 1890s. it was a showplace of the time. Massive limestone columns line the facade. Carved oak woodwork decorates the interior. The home was occupied for many years by W. C. Stonestreet, a prominent Fort Worth clothier.

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McFarland House Museum

Victorian Elegance in the heart of Fort Worth

Step back in time when cattle barons ruled.   Experience the opulence of the finest Victorian residence in North Texas, the elegant, 1899 Ball Eddleman McFarland House.

The site for McFarland House:

The lot selected for McFarland House was at the top of a bluff overlooking the 1892 Holly Water Treatment Plant.   Over time development included the 1936 Will Rogers         Memorial Center, and the 1939 West Lancaster Bridge over the Trinity River.   This location was one of the most desirable in the silk stocking neighborhood of Quality Hill.    

Unfortunately, by the 1960’s a zoning change from residential to commercial was implemented for all of Quality Hill.   Without a local landmark ordinance in place, the wrecking ball destroyed most of the homes in Quality Hill, a neighborhood that rivaled Charleston.

The Architect and First Owner:

English architect Howard Messer arrived in Galveston in 1888 and settled in Fort Worth to join his brother Arthur, an architect who had arrived a few years earlier.   Commissioned by Galveston widow Mrs. George Ball (Sarah), Howard Messer designed her Fort Worth house on Penn Street.   The house cost $38,000 to build when expensive houses were $2,000 to $4,000. 

The breathtaking craftsmanship of McFarland House includes a copper cupola, pressed brick, Georgian marble porch decking, and intricate floor patterns of exotic woods.   Today, a bricked carriage driveway functions as the terrace for outdoor parties.

The Eddleman and McFarland families:

With the death of Mrs. Ball in 1904, the house was purchased by Weatherford rancher and banker, William Harrison Eddleman and his wife, Sarah Conger Eddleman.   Their only child, Caroline Aurelia (Carrie) and her attorney and cattle rancher husband, F. Hays McFarland, moved into McFarland House at the same time.   Carrie outlived the rest of her family and maintained her beloved home until her death at 100 in 1978. 

Mrs. Frank McFarland (Carrie)

Frank McFarland

Elliott Roosevelt, son of President Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt, with Ruth Groogins.  – photo courtesy University of Texas at Arlington Special Collections

The Roosevelt Connection

In 1902 Chicago native Joseph B. Googins accepted a job as manager of the Swift & Co. Meat Packing Plant in Fort Worth.   Mr. Googins built an elaborate home at 1101 Penn Street for his wife and three children. It included a basement swimming pool.

On July 22, 1933, the Googins’ daughter, Ruth, married Elliott Roosevelt, the son of President Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt, who frequently visited Fort Worth. The young couple had three children, one named Ruth Chandler Roosevelt (Lindsley), who became Carrie McFarland’s Godchild and to whom she bequeathed her beloved home upon her death.

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• The Woodlands

5 Fort Worth Mansions That Are Castle Worthy — Including a $12.9 Million Westlake Stunner

Old world charm and continental style are still a powerful real estate lure.

The primary suite at 6805 Laurel Valley Drive brings an octagonal shape and recessed ceiling height.

E ven if you were not “to the manor born,” you can still achieve an opulent lifestyle in North Texas. While rustic-style ranches and sleek modernity fit some folks perfectly, others are drawn to a continental-style manse instead. The old world craftsmanship and finishes prove that a home truly can be your own castle.

Whether it’s Tudor and turreted or a French chateau complete with mansard roofs and stacked, symmetrical windows, there is a fantasy estate for every taste. Here are some Fort Worth area mansions for sale that are truly castle chic.

Who says one can’t live like a king or queen in North Texas?

1730 J T Ottinger Road, Westlake

J T Ottinger Road, with arched trusses overhead and heavy stone fireplace.

Baroque details include the parquet flooring, moldings and carved marble fireplace.

Entertaining and catering kitchen with old world appeal on J T Ottinger Road.

The castle-like exterior and motor court.

View to the gardens and picturesque pond at it's castle-like setting.

Listing price: $12,900,000

Listing agents: Lillie Young and Erin Young Garrett of Allie Beth Allman & Associates

This nine acre gated wonderland is a true country estate built by Richard Drummond Davis in 2004. Craftsman details include a stunning blue stone exterior, inlaid parquet flooring, carved, baroque wood detailing and elegant moldings.

The family room boasts soaring arched trusses overhead, along with nine wood-burning fireplaces surrounded by stone and marble mantles. The manicured grounds look like a luxury travel brochure with a large pond, private gardens, courtyards, a pool and cabana. For the car collector, there is always room for one more in the attached six-bay garage and motor court.

6805 Laurel Valley Drive, Fort Worth

6805 Laurel Valley Drive - symmetry leads the way to the entrance of this Georgian estate.

A fireplace, wooden columns and lavish chandelier overhead in the dining room.

The grand entry hall with domed ceiling at 6805 Laurel Valley Drive.

The Georgian manse overlooks Mira Vista Golf Course.

Listing price: $2,399,000

Listing agent: DeeAnn Moore of Moore Real Estate

Located along the sixth green of Mira Vista Championship Golf Course, this sprawling  Georgian style estate has five bedrooms, eight full baths and three grand living spaces. Dramatic features include imported chandeliers, classic marble and wood flooring.

For the oenophile, there is even a wine cellar. This mansion brings multiple staircases, including the double staircase in the dramatic entry hall, encased in flowing wrought iron. There is also an elevator, making for easy access to all three floors.

4400 Overton Crest Street, Fort Worth

4400 Overton Crest - front entry with its lush carpark.

The luxurious pool and loggias for entertaining and relaxing.

The main bedroom with opulent, regal canopy and carved marble fireplace.

Thick marble slabs and furniture style custom cabinetry in the dramatic kitchen.

4400 Overton Crest with room for hung tapestries, multiple seating areas, even a grand piano in the entry.

Listing price: $6,900,000

Listing agents: Martha Williams and Blake Barry of Williams Trew Real Estate

This traditional French Chateau is situated on a secluded 1.82-acres in southwest Fort Worth, complete with a view of TCU stadium — and all the way to downtown. The peaceful pool and pool house are constructed with limestone and the pool house is topped off with an imported slate roof.

This $6.9 million mansion is fitted with a wood sauna and a full sized workout room, a highly customized 12-seat movie theater and both Lutron and Crestron electronics systems. There’s even a five-car garage and an elevator servicing all three levels of the chateau.

6401 Westcoat Drive, Colleyville

6401 Westcoat - coffered ceilings in the study and breakfast nook.

Double height entry hall clad in warm antique wood work.

Grand estate with fountain and romantic Tudor style chimney stacks.

Great room with heavy beams and build in salt water fish tank.

Pool and spa, surrounded by English gardens and guest pool house.

Listing price: $7,400,000

Listing agent: Karen Wilson of Urban Green Realty

Set on 10 acres, this modern Tudor comes with its own English garden and a Victorian-inspired glass encased orangery. Heavy cedar beams and a mesmerizing saltwater fish tank are perfectly situated in the great room, near the billiard and media room.

Outdoors, you’ll find English gardens, a covered patio, swimming pool, spa, pool house, outdoor kitchen and even  a putting green. There is also direct access to a dog yard with its own fountain. The property has a four bay, carriage house style garage.

4645 Saint Benet Court, Fort Worth

4645 St Benet - vaulted ceilings with wood beams in the main living room.

French-inspired exterior at 4645 St. Benet.

The modern kitchen with warm wood floors.

Outdoor living at it finest with pool and entertaining space.

Primary bath with true continental charm is bright and clean.

Listing price: $2,095,000

Listing agent: John Zimmerman of Compass

Nestled conveniently in the Montserrat neighborhood of Fort Worth, this modern home is listed as a French transitional style . It is set on a half-acre cul-de-sac lot in the guarded gated community. With chateau characteristics like hand scraped hardwood floors, and beamed and vaulted cathedral ceilings, it also brings an open floor plan with a light and bright interior.

This mansion combines the best of the old and new. The separate butler’s pantry makes for easy entertaining, as does the outdoor kitchen and dining room. There is also a dedicated media room, game room and exercise room located on the second level.

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41st Annual Fairmount Tour of Historic Homes

Mother’s day weekend, may 13-14, 2023 • noon-5 p.m., pre-sale tickets are now available online and at old home supply at 1801 college avenue, fort worth, 76110. all pre-sale tickets can be picked up at sinaca studios (1013 w magnolia) from 12-4 on saturday, may 13 and sunday, may 14., additional tickets can be purchased on-site at sinaca for $25 during tour days., volunteers needed.

Want FREE Home Tour tickets? How about an invitation to the best neighborhood party of the year?

Become a Home Tour Volunteer!

Home Tour can’t happen without the 100+ volunteers who come together to make sure that all the guests to our amazing neighborhood have a great time! There are three main volunteer roles: Docents, House Captains, and Ticket Sales. Every volunteer receives one FREE ticket for each shift worked AND an invitation and admission to our Wine Down party at Rosen House Inn on the 14th.

Click the links below to learn more about the positions and to sign up!

On May 13-14, Mother’s Day weekend, the Fairmount Neighborhood Association (FNA) proudly presents its 41st Annual Tour of Historic Homes! This year, the neighborhood is ready to welcome you inside six amazing historical properties right here in Fairmount.

Tickets are available for purchase and pickup from online orders from 12-4 p.m. on May 13 and 12-4 p.m. on May 14 at SiNaCa Studios, 1013 W. Magnolia Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76104. Home Tour is Fairmount’s largest fundraiser of the year, and it helps support our neighborhood’s infrastructure, parks, schools, and arts programs, and neighborhood events.

Thank you so much for your support!

HOME TOUR BENEFITS THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The Fairmount Tour of Homes highlights the beautiful homes that we have in our historic neighborhood. Each year, 5-6 homes are typically selected for the tour and hundreds and hundreds of people tour these homes to appreciate the architecture and take a step back in time.

Proceeds from the tour are the primary source of funding for Neighborhood Association endeavors. Recently, the association used profits from past Home Tours to help offset the cost of capital improvement projects such as installing period-style streetlights, replacing signs marking the boundaries of the Historic District, and enhancing area landscaping, as well as a community outreach by purchasing protective equipment for teachers at our neighborhood schools during COVID, coat drives, general neighborhood school fundraisers, and more!

Photography by  Stacy Luecker .

All proceeds from Home Tour are used to benefit the neighborhood.

Another option to support, in addition to buying a ticket, for those who live in Fairmount, is to become an FNA Member ! 

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Your ticket for: 41st Annual Fairmount Tour of Historic Homes

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Fort Worth Events Venue

Whatever your big event, the lone star mansion is the perfect texas venue.

With 20 acres of private property and a gorgeous three-story antebellum-style mansion, Lone Star Mansion is DFW’s most coveted event space. Situated in the quiet countryside of Burleson, Texas, right outside of Fort Worth, you and your guests will be amazed by the breathtaking sites.

The team at the Lone Star Mansion is proud to help individuals and couples host their special events, whether it be a dream wedding or a memorable bar-mitzvah. Here is more information about the types of events that the Lone Star Mansion is proud to hold:

The Lone Star Mansion offers many spectacular wedding packages to ensure that your day is perfect from start to finish. From jaw-dropping sites, such as our gorgeous ballroom, to incredible amenities for the bride and groom, such as the bridal spa, you can rest assured that everything will run smoothly and surpass your expectations. Contact our wedding team today for more information about all that we have to offer for the bride and groom!

Awards Ceremonies:

With both small and large event space sites, the Lone Star Mansion is the perfect place for any awards ceremonies . Wow your guests and make the recipients of the awards feel on top of the world by hosting your special event at one of our incredible locations, such as the Fountain Courtyard or inside of the incredible Carriage House.

Debutante Balls:

Lone Star Mansion’s elegant ballroom is perfect for a debutante ball. With gorgeous crystal chandeliers, wood flooring, and panoramic windows showing off the spectacular property surrounding the mansion, this is an ideal setting for this special event. Both ladies and men will feel like princesses and princes as soon as they step into the room. With the ability to hold up to 300 guests, you will find nothing like it in all of Texas.

Banquets and Galas:

Whether you are choosing our gorgeous poolside courtyard or hosting a smaller event in our parlor, the Lone Star Mansion is the perfect place for your next banquet or gala. With eye-catching views of the property, gorgeous architecture of the mansion, and an air of pride, this gorgeous venue lends itself well to any and all events, no matter the occasion. Contact our team today for more information.

Quinceaneras:

When it comes to hosting the perfect Quinceanera to celebrate your daughter’s special day, the Lone Star Mansion is the place to be. The stunning views of the Mansion and property will have her feeling like a princess, allowing every moment to be filled with confidence and grace. Our venue can handle a multitude of different size parties, whether you have 100 or 300 guests, we have the perfect solutions for you!

Company Events:

For your next company event, why not spoil your team and host it at the beautiful Lone Star Mansion. With many different areas to choose from, we can help your party wow your employees or clients with incredible views and an exceptional team to make your event truly special. Whether you are planning your next Christmas party or throwing a thank you event for your staff or clientele, we can help make it a truly memorable experience.

From sweet sixteen birthday parties to a bridal shower, we can help make any party truly spectacular at the Lone Star Mansion. We offer many different sites to accommodate whatever type of party you are planning. Whether you want a quiet event at the Iron Gazebo or a large party at our poolside courtyard, we have the perfect site for any occasion.

Bar Mitzvahs:

Bar Mitzvahs are an extremely important event for the Jewish community as it signifies the coming of age for their boys and girls. The Lone Star Mansion’s team recognizes the special symbolism of this event, which is why we go to great lengths to ensure that yours is truly magical. Surrounded by the beauty of the Texas landscape, combined with the beauty of the mansion, and the love from family and friends, the Lone Star Mansion is one of the best places to host your Bar Mitzvah and to ensure they never forget this momentous occasion.

Request Your DFW Mansion Tour Today

The Lone Star Mansion has set itself apart from its competitors with its gorgeous views, accommodating staff, and drive to make each event truly special. Contact our team today for more information on our services or to request a tour!

REQUEST A TOUR

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