Thistle Hill

Description:

• This historic 1903 Georgian Revival mansion, the former residence of two prominent Fort Worth families, has been lovingly restored with period furnishings. The residence, rumored to be ghost-ridden, has an elegant oak grand staircase and a wealth of interesting details, including eight fireplaces, five full bathrooms, and, unusual for the period, electric and gas lighting and built-in closets. The 45-minute guided tour, which has recently really jumped in price, relates the curious anecdotes of the mansion's history. The cattle baron W. T. Waggoner built the home for his eccentric daughter Electra (who took milk baths and is said to have been the first to spend $20,000 in a single day at Neiman Marcus); it then passed to Winfield Scott, who made many changes in the home, adding its limestone columns; and it finally became a girl's school, later abandoned.

• © Frommer's 2012