Hoop Skirts at Thistle Hill Part I

Recently the Dallas-Fort Worth Costumers Guild hosted a Victorian Soiree weekend. Sunday morning started by enjoying brunch at Reata. Then it was on to Hoop Skirts at Thistle Hill Part I.

Hoop Skirts at Thistle Hill Part I

Thistle Hill (also known as the Wharton-Scott house) is a Georgian Revival-style mansion that was built during the cattle baron era in 1903/4. It is located on what once was known as Quality Hill due to the many fashionable families that constructed homes there. Today it sits beautifully forlorn surrounded by a sea of medical buildings.

The 11,000-square-foot mansion occupies 6.5-acres. It features a Gambrel roofline and a large portico (entry with columns).

Albert Buckman Wharton, Jr. and Electra Waggoner Wharton built and moved into the 18 room mansion and lived there for only seven years. It was then purchased, and the interiors redesigned, by Elizabeth and Winfield Scott.

The house at springtime (credit unknown).

While we waited for the tour to start many of us wandered the grounds. I snapped a few individual portraits (which I will share tomorrow) and couldn’t help but capture this image of lovely Victorian ladies enjoying their modernity.

Finally, it was time to go in. The details on the dresses created by Taylor of Dames a la Mode and Carolyn of The Modern Mantua Maker were breathtaking.

Upon stepping into the large hallway I noticed the original paneling and hand stenciled borders.

The beautiful grand staircase was accented by stained glass windows and a handpainted floral border on the ceiling.

Our merry band of members did not pass up a magnificent photo opportunity.

The right bay of the home featured a Gothic room with a Deco-inspired fireplace.

The deep rich red walls paired beautifully with the coffered ceiling.

The Chair That Intrigued Me

In this room sat a Captain’s chair. It featured a base similar to a Spanish Savonarola X-Form chair. But the back spine was a large rectangle often found in Louis XIV pieces. It featured elaborate carving. The end design I would probably classify as Renaissance Revival but I am not 100% sure. There was often a mishmash of styles that occurred when Revival was at its height in the 19th century. It sure made this Leo smile though.

The room also had a hand painted border featuring German maxims.

Also on the right side of the home was the gentlemen’s parlor. The bookcases still retain their original leaded glass.

Our tour guide mentioned that the walls were painted to mimic the look of leather when the house was used as a designer showcase home a few years ago. They truly were well done and set off the original border beautifully.

I had to wonder though….did the designer run out of tacks or time? #ivebeenthere

On the right side of the home, the formal dining room featured its original Arts & Crafts styled woodwork. The table and chairs lean to the Jacobean or Tudor Revival style.

I suspected that this ornate antique brass and handpainted glass globe chandelier was not original to the room. The truly knowledgeable museum docent later confirmed my suspicions during the tour.

A third design element was also in the room. The fireplace features a lovely plaster mantel that has a Classical feel. It does make me wonder if it was added later or if the original homeowners purposely combined a wide variety of design styles also known as eclectic style.

Here is a close up of the lovely relief which features a Grecian warrior.

My Favorite Downstairs Room

Also on the right side of the home was the morning or breakfast room. It features Arts and Crafts/Craftsman/Mission furniture.

(The designer in me wants to swap the lighting and furniture of these two rooms. 🙂

The hand painted wall treatments were simply stunning.

The layering of shades reminded me of techniques often found in Trompe-l’œil.

The iron sconce featured a sailing ship. This detail made me wonder if it was original to the home. It pairs nicely with the painted compass design.

Isn’t the lovely Beth a pinnacle of perfection in her periwinkle and navy?

Let’s Take A Smile Break

Can anyone else see the hilarious “face” on the phone?

It reminded me of the Muppets character “Beaker”.

This stairway to heaven was off limits.

But the original bathroom next door was not.

I apologize for the yellow tones. Without natural light or a tripod it was the best I could do.

It’s rare to see a water closet that has it’s original EVERYTHING.

To include the octagon and round penny tile flooring which was in magnificent shape.

With that, I will close the door on the first floor.

I’ll be back on Wednesday with Part II of the upstairs of Thistle Hill and beautiful historic costuming portraits.

Because some of you may ask, yes, I will be discussing my VERY frugal green Edwardian ensemble in the near future.

Have a historic Monday!

Laura